Even as several theatre owners and film industry personalities in TN welcome the Supreme Court’s verdict of playing the National Anthem in theatres, popular actor Arvind Swami, who made a comeback with Thani Oruvan, begs to differ. In a series of tweets, the actor has said, “With all due respects, why should the National Anthem be played before the start of a movie? Can anyone explain?” (sic)
His question stems from concern over safety of people when exit doors are blocked. He added, “I can understand playing the anthem where the country is represented, or (when it’s) like a big sporting event with tens of thousands of people. Exits in theatres or in any place with so many people inside should not be blocked, anthem or no anthem! Hope they review this decision. In 1997, Uphaar cinema saw a very, very tragic incident, when the exits were blocked!
Please, do not allow or encourage blocking of exits in public places/gatherings.”
The Bogan star was referring to the untoward incident at Uphaar Cinemas, Green Park, New Delhi, when a fire broke out during the screening of the Hindi film Border. With the exit doors closed, audiences were trapped inside, resulting in the death of 59 people due to asphyxiation.
