National Anthem Row: PVR Cinemas confirms incident took place, staff intervened

Earlier on Monday, a video had gone viral on social media which showed a family being ushered out of a theatre for refusing to stand up when the national anthem was being played. The 2.40 minute video clip shows audience creating ruckus, while a few people questioning the family as to why they could not stand for the national anthem when they can sit for four hours to watch the movie. The incident apparently took place at PVR, Kurla in Mumbai. 

(Watch: Family thrown out of theatre for not standing up for national anthem)

Speaking about the controversy, a PVR spokesman said: “PVR Cinemas is fully committed to the policy of equal respect for everyone. According to order of Maharashtra Government, it is mandatory for all cinemas to play National Anthem before every film. Being a law abiding company, like all other cinemas in Maharashtra, PVR Cinemas follows the practise of playing National Anthem prior to every show. On 29 November 2015 there was an altercation between guests at one of our cinemas in Mumbai, our staff intervened keeping in mind the safety of guests and a peaceful environment for all our guests". 

(Read: Why Tagore would've been ashamed of modern India)