Even as a multiplex chain is playing the national anthem in the run up to 15 Aug, other Delhi theatres are unclear whether they should do the same, caught between contradictory regulations and an audience that often doesn't care Independence Day celebrations are in fullswing, and joining the bandwagon, BIG cinemas is currently playing the national anthem before every movie in all their screens in NCR.If you go to watch a movie in BIG Cinemas, be ready to pay attention to the national anthem as they have been playing it for the I-day week.Nalin, manager, BIG Cinemas, TGIP , Noida, told us, “We play the national anthem before every film in our Mumbai theatres, but in Delhi, for some reason, that is not being followed. However, we are playing it currently in our cinemas in NCR to celebrate I-Day. We have received a circular regarding this from our Mumbai office and so we are following it.“Many cinemas in Delhi are not clear whether they can play the national anthem before every movie or not. And most choose not to play to avoid confusion. PVR has created a special national anthem video to screen in Mumbai theatres, but they don't play in Delhi and even refuse to clarify why. Devang Sampat, head of strategy , Business, Cinepolis, tells us, “According to the 2003 order of the Maharashtra Government, it was made mandatory for cinemas to play the anthem before every film, which made the audience take notice and stand up. But we don't play it in Delhi or NCR cinemas because it's not mandatory and there is no clarity over whether cinemas here can play the anthem before every movie, or if there are rules and regulations that need to be followed.“Shashank Raizada, president, National Association of Motion Pictures Exhibitors, says, “Playing the anthem in cinemas has been banned for years. I think it's been 30-40 years since a Delhi cinema played the anthem. It was a practice during the '50-'60s, but not anymore.“When we spoke to Delhi government officials at the Entertainment Tax Department, they said they have no idea why cinemas do not play the national anthem. An official says, “It's a matter of pride. Ban kyun hoga rashtragaan?Aaj kal toh gali mohalle mein log bajaate hain.Cinema waale kyun nahi bajaate, humein nahin pata, bajana chahiye. Par government ne koi ban nahin kiya.“However, there have been instances in neighbouring areas of Delhi when cinemas were issued notices for playing the national anthem.The district administra tion of Panipat had issued a notice to Fun Cinemas and Mittal Mega Mall multiplex four years ago for playing the anthem before a movie. Finding it a violation of Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, laid down to ensure respect to the national anthem, the then deputy commissioner was quoted as saying, “Playing the national anthem inside the multiplex violated the rules of singing and playing of national anthem,“ and the multiplexes were asked to discontinue the practice.Delhi cinemas may not play the anthem, but they do not have control over the films' content and when the national anthem is part of a film, they have to screen it. But unlike the New Jersey Idol contest scene from Loins Of Punjab, cinemas say Delhiites usually do not stand when the national anthem is being played, though they say that viewers are not asked to leave on that ground. Rajesh, an usher at a cinema hall in West Delhi, says, “Sometimes, during a movie, a mandatory request for people to stand up for the national anthem shows up on screen. While some people groan and stand up slowly, most stand after checking whether the person next to them stood up or not. We can't enforce it, but whenever the national anthem is played at the end of a film, 30-40% of the audience often walk out, even if it's a matter of few minutes.“ Kinshuk, a staff member at a cinema hall in Noida, adds, “If you ask us, the anthem shouldn't be played. While there are people who sing along, others not only refuse to stand, but keep eating or are busy checking their phones.“Shailesh Kumar, who works in a cinema hall in CP , tells us, “You need the right environment to play the anthem. Those who come to watch a movie are not in the mood to spend time listening to the anthem. If people don't stand and respect the anthem, there's no point in playing it.“ He adds, “I remember, during Mary Kom, when the national anthem was played, people started criticizing the film director for including it in the film.“ His colleague says, “ Log gaaliyaan dene lagte hain ki national anthem bajaane ki kya zarurat thi.. film dekhne aaya hoon ya Parliament mein?“Cinemas refuse to take an official stand on `whether a person should stand or not'; they say it's up to each individual. Tinku Singh, group president and chief strategy officer, SRS Cinemas, says, “Asking people to stand for the national anthem in cinema halls needs to be discouraged. Cinema halls can't ask their guests to stand up. When we play the anthem in our cinemas, we switch on half the lights and the manager and staff stand in attention to indicate that everyone is supposed to stand.“ Last October, Preity Zinta, while watching Bang Bang in a Mumbai theatre, had reportedly asked a man to leave the hall as he refused to stand during the national anthem. Speaking about the issue, Yogesh Raizada, corporate head, Wave Cinemas, tells us, “There is no directive from the government to play or not to play , so we don't ask our audiences to stand. It's their choice.“But if you are watching a film and remain seated while the national anthem plays, no legal action can be taken against you. A lawyer from the Home Ministry rule says, “Whenever the anthem is sung or played, the audience shall stand in attention. But if it's played during the course of a newsreel or documentary as a part of the film, the audience is not expected to stand, as standing is bound to interrupt the exhibition of the film and create disorder and con fusion rather than add to the dignity of the nation.“There is no penalty for someone who refuses to stand in such cases. Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act states that causing disturbance during the playing of the anthem, or pre venting the singing of the an them, is punish able by imprison mentandor a fine. But nowhere in the law is it mentioned that re fusing to stand is a crime.For latest Bollywood updates, follow us on Twitter >>> @TOIEntertain For the latest in Bollywood news, like us on Facebook >>> TOIEntertain For more interesting Bollywood news and pictures, follow us on Pinterest>>> timesofindia For latest Bollywood updates, follow us on G+ >>> The Times of India Entertainment