Yesterday, Kingsman: The Golden Circle premiered in India at Sathyam Cinemas through their new initiative, the DND shows. We have already reported about the disturbance-free show concept that SPI Cinemas have introduced. It was a special show with a good number of celebrities present. Here we have an exclusive compilation of what a few eminent personalities from the industry had to tell, about their experiences at the DND show.
"I feel it is essential for every theater to follow this rule. Though the points listed in the rule list is something that every movie-goer must anyway follow, it is good that they have written down the rules so that the discipline will come in and can also spill over to other shows. I hope this concept comes in for all theaters very soon. At least for particular films where silence in the theater is necessary, this initiative will be beneficial. In fact, even in my film, Vaaya Moodi Pesavum where the second half is almost entirely a silent movie, we didn't want anyone shouting in the middle. So for such films, if this can be implemented, it will be excellent. Overall, I feel it is a great initiative and that It will bring about change" - Director Balaji Mohan
"It was a really good experience. Sathyam keeps trying out such innovative initiatives. For films like Kingsman, its fine but it is vital, maintaining this silence for serious films. This culture must develop soon. It is a great start, and many people had told that it was a different feeling not to use mobile phones. They have begun this as a once a week thing. Now we just have to wait and see how people respond to this. In the November-December season, many dialogue-oriented, Oscar nominations will release, and I am looking forward to watching those films in this atmosphere." - Bharadwaj Rangan
"This is the best thing that can happen to cinema, and it is nice to see Sathyam being the crusader of it. We need to respect the craft. For example, when we go to a temple, we remove our slippers, have a bath and dress up well. The same applies to a theater. If we give the same respect to a movie hall, I think even the filmmakers will feel the additional responsibility. You give 2 and a half hours for the craft, and time is something we don't give just like that. So this is a gift for cinema." - VJ Abishek Raaja
"It was very pleasant with no noise and no interruptions. I try to watch movies when I find the time when I'm all alone. So what happens at those times is that when I occupy my seat, someone else will walk in late, or some baby will be crying, or somebody will be talking over the phone endlessly. These things really bother me, but I've never actually made it a big issue because if a commoner says that it would be forgotten. But if a familiar person says anything even slightly harsh or serious, it will be taken wrong and will be looked upon as an individual who is attitude-driven, rude and things like that. Yesterday, it was wonderful because ever since the film started, nothing affected or bothered us. It was a wholesome experience, even though I had 100 things in my head, I could peacefully watch the film by switching off even my phone. I wish they made every show like this. I am very happy and proud of Sathyam cinemas for this initiative. I just request them to follow up with some clarity on their subtitling." - VJ Ramya
"Firstly, I feel extremely proud to have been a part of Asia's first disturbance-free show and the silence at the theater absolutely enhanced the experience of watching the film. I wish that very soon, every theater will screen every movie with in this manner." - Anirudh Sriraman (Behindwoods Correspondent)