National Anthem in films came sparked a debate when the audience had mixed opinions if they should or shouldn't stand in the theatres, when it is played during a scene in the film. After Dangal, Gold, it is now Salman Khan's recent release Bharat that has come under the debate.
Bharat, which released on June 5 received a fair response from spectators across the country. However, it is being noticed that in a few theatres the audience didn't share the same enthusiasm during the National Anthem scene.
Salman Khan himself tweeted, "Big thk u sabko fr giving sabse bada opening mere career ka par what made me the happiest & proudest is ki during a scene in my film jab national anthem is recited ev1 stood up as a mark of respect. There could be no bigger respect for our country than this... Jai Hind #Bharat."
However, in a report by IBTimes India, Novelty Cinema in Lalbagh witnessed that no one stood up during the scene. A journalist named Sona Mishra, who was probably only one to stand up took this up on Twitter and wrote, "'#Bharat' name itself says 'India'. Even the whole movie revolves around how much the 'Hero' loves and respects his country. And I am really ashamed to say that while watching the movie today in almost Housefull theatre ( #NoveltyCinemaLalbagh ) Only My family was standing during National Anthem. I was really shocked to see that people are watching Bharat and have no respect for their own country. In the big movie theatres, I have never seen such a thing. But today I went to a normal single screen and it was really embarrassing. Most of the people were Muslims and some 5-6 people I saw were Hindu and I have seen literary no one standing. And also this is not about Hindu or Muslim this is all about being Indian and respecting our own country. I have Muslim friends and I love them all but what I saw today was totally disrespectful. This is your country people be careful what you are teaching to your kids. Today you are disrespecting tomorrow they will do the same thing. Be responsible."
When quipped about the same, Mishra said, "I went to watch Bharat in Lucknow's single-screen theatre Novelty Cinema Lalbagh at 4.00 pm on Monday. Most of the viewers were the Muslim, as the Eid is still being celebrated here. As soon as National Anthem started, I stood up and I saw not even a single person was standing. I am sure some of them were Hindu too. Maybe they thought it's part of entertainment they came for."
Bharat also stars Katrina Kaif, Disha Patani, Sunil Grover, Jackie Shroff and Tabu. It is helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar, and has already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.
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