DNA Celebrity Column: How dare you enjoy fun! writes Sajid Khan

I saw Spider-Man Homecoming first day first show. Wow, what a film! I can go on and on about how this is the best Spider-Man film till date. But aap logon ko lagega ki Marvel has rishwatofied me. Ghanta! Like most of you, I’m a true movie watcher, which means I will have to watch the movie again if the credits have begun. I clap, I whistle just like most film buffs. Fortunately, some multiplexes are equipped with great projection and sound and seats which you don’t feel like leaving, even after the show’s over. Unfortunately, most of the crowd coming to high-end multiplexes think they are doing the multiplex a favour. For example — when you buy a Rs 800 ticket, your attitude while watching the film is also worth that much.

A couple of times in the film, I clapped because the scenes were applause-worthy. Only to hear a Ssshhhhh from the seat behind me. A ssshhhh while watching Spider-Man? Kya hai na bhaiya, ticket Rs 800 ki toh tevar bhi 800 ka! A single screen cannot offer you the same comfort a multiplex does. And perhaps, a different class of people. BUT the experience of watching a good commercial film, like Spider-Man, Dangal, Sultan in single screens, gets you exhilarated. It’s the same feeling of watching an India-Pakistan match alone in your drawing room on TV versus watching it in a stadium. Many filmmakers are as it is killing the experience of fun cinema in most genres and now, the multiplex audience is following suit. No wonder last year, 218 films released and 210 flopped. This year so far, out of 110, only five are actual hits. Films are meant to be enjoyed, than appreciated. The problem here is when you get a Ssshhh for clapping during Spider-Man, you know that most of the plex audience are not there to enjoy, but just to appreciate it.

When a movie begins in a single screen atmosphere, deep down inside, you get the feeling that it’s a favour being done to you. Whereas, in a multiplex, you feel as if you are doing the film a favour. By watching it. After all, how dare you enjoy fun? Thoda wrong English hai na? Arre yaar, enjoy my column, don’t appreciate it.