Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Government in its Monsoon Session at Nagpur said that it is in favour of allowing outside food and drinks to be carried inside multiplexes. This has garnered mixed reactions from citizens, who are questioning the practicality of the decision. The announcement on Friday the 13th could turn out to be a nightmare for cinema patrons.

The proposal has drawn the ire of artists and the general public alike.

Have a look at what the entertainment industry has to say!

Poonam Dhillon: The veteran actress said, ‘It will definitely create an issue with alcohol, as the security will have to do so much more work. That was my first reaction, as people may be carrying non-veg, so an issue of bones, smells of pickles, and various other aromas may make the theatre atmosphere very uncomfortable.’

‘People may get into fights because of their objection to food items, smells, and drunken misbehavior. Most importantly, security could be compromised, as won’t be possible for security people at the theatre to go through every item in detail. Like the airport, one will have to come 1 to 2 hours before for security. It’s not practical.’

Zeishan Quadri: The Producer, Director, Actor, and Writer of Gangs of Wasseypur said, ‘One goes to a movie hall to watch a movie and not concentrate on eating.’

Sonu Sood: The actor said, ‘There has to be a check on what food has been brought in. It’s very important to set the norms as far as security reasons are concerned. Honestly, the odor that will come from the tiffins will spoil the ambience.’

Actors J Brandon Hill, Priya Banerjee, and Yuvraj Siddharth Singh echoed similar sentiments.

Singer Kailash Kher said, ‘As far as security reasons are concerned, it is going to be very challenging, as if people will carry liquor inside the multiplex, the situation will become out of control and many incidents can take place.’

Commenting on the development, singer Anuradha Paudwal said, ‘It would be a horrible thing. After ages, we have theatres like PVR and Inox, and if this is going to happen, then people will again stop visiting theatres. The ambience will get disturbed because of this typical mentality. This is not a good idea.’

Singer Bhoomi Trivedi also reacted in the same manner: ‘The question here is there are higher chances of an unwanted event taking places. Do we have measures for those activities? Whose responsibility would it be if an unwanted event occurs due to food or liquor got from outside that creates discomfort? There is so much of unpredictability in the outside world. How much would one keep himself/herself protected from anti-social elements? Watching a movie has a reason behind people or families wanting to relax/ chill spend time instead of suspicious about anything they see or feel. The fewer things people carry from home, the more they will be free and enjoy the movie.’

Sonu Nigam, who has candidly lent his voice to many social issues said, ‘I absolutely feel that outside food should not be allowed in the cinema hall majorly because this will or could be detrimental to the existence of multiplexes. We have to understand that a lot of cinema hall owners rely on the money that they make from food items and beverages. Depriving them thus of their business module is not fair to them and could lead to an existential crisis. Also, Indians have the habit of misusing their rights. One can expect cinema halls to become like railway stations in the future if outside food items are permitted in cinema halls. When one goes to watch a film in a cinema hall, one goes with full knowledge of the conditions he has to abide by. Moreover, nowhere in the world is one allowed to take outside food inside cinema halls.’

Telly actors were also not far behind on voicing their opinions on the issue.

Actor Karanvir Bohra, who has acted in several movies said, ‘As a security measure, liquids should not be allowed as it can increase crimes.’

Actress Pooja Bisht said, ‘I personally feel that items that cause excessive uncomfortable odor should not be allowed to avoid discomfort to other people. I would rather go to a restaurant if I really want to eat something of my choice.’

Veteran actor Sudesh Berry commented, ‘I feel the interval time should be more so that anybody who wants to eat drink and use the washroom can create a comfort level for people and they can come back again. But no eatables or drinks should be allowed inside at all.’

Shubhangi Atre of the famous soap Bhabiji Ghar Pe Hain said, ‘I am worried that theatres and multiplexes won’t turn to be unhygienic as people will eat and throw the litter here and there. It would be very difficult to sit inside the theatre for hours.’

Actress Saumya Tandon said, ‘The most important is that cinema prices will go up. I have looked at the cinema value chain, as I had invested in a company in this region (1018mb). I would like to highlight the financial problem by allowing outside food. A screen costs 1.5 to 3 crores to build, and to make the theatre business viable, the cinema earns profit from ticket and food. Now, if the cinema is not allowed to make money on food, then to sustain, the ticket prices will need to go up. This ultimately will come out of consumers’ pocket and ultimately reduce the theatre-going people in India, thus affecting the whole business of cinema.’

Actors Aditi Gupta, Ojaswini Arora, Khushank Arora, Raghav Juyal, and Devoleena Bhattacharjee also expressed their worries about allowing food inside cinema halls.

Regional cinema actors were also a concerned about this announcement by the Government.

Harshali Zine, who is seen on TV and has acted in several Marathi films, said, ‘There could be chances of littering in theatre.’

Actor Milind Pathak commented, ‘There will be fear of crime happening.’

Actor Sumedh Gaikwad also said, ‘Some people will surely take bad advantage of this decision and carry liquor in soft drinks. This is gonna be another curse to the overall movie watching experience.’

Popular host and RJ Mantra said, ‘Just as food is not allowed inside theatre during live plays, as it not only distracts fellow audience members, it is also disrespectful towards performers, food should not be allowed inside cinema halls. It is not a dining hall; it is a cinema hall. People go there to appreciate art and to be entertained. Not to dine. You do have intervals to quench your thirst and nibble a bite. Do it then.’

Comedians also expressed their angst in a humorous manner.

Suresh Menon said, ‘I would hate to go to a theatre smelling of food. And yes, who is going to control people getting mixed drinks, breath analyzers maybe?? What about chemical warfare after people consume rajma chawal, peanuts, and kanda bhajiya? It’s going to be a smelly experience for sure.

Balraj Syal and Atul Khatri also expressed similar thoughts.

DJ Paroma said, ‘I have been in the nightlife industry, where I have witnessed that people under the influence of liquor could prove to be a bad experience for the viewer as well as others who have come to have a good time. I have had such experiences too. A lot of unwanted situations can occur. Littering, odor, sticky food such as chewing gum being stuck on seats, all this will definitely lower my overall experience of watching a movie. The fun of munching on popcorn and nachos and cheese with a cold glass of coke bought from the cinema counters has its own charm.’

Chitralekha Patil, President of Raigad District Women Cell, said, ‘I don't support this, as per security reasons, this is very dangerous as many incidents can happen and this decision will only increase the crime rates. In terms of hygiene it’s going to be very difficult as people don’t care when they are in public places; the clean cinema hall might just become the dirty neighborhood park.’

Actress and politician Hema Malini exclaimed, ‘You allow delight of food, you are opening gates of its excess, which is but a disease and ill health. Hence, you allow food, you promote side effects of odor and stench! They are complementary to each other! Obviously, these liberties to indulge in indisciplined food pleasures would prevail irrespective of the quality of film you have gone to experience! In fact, you experience titillation of taste at the expense of movie experience!’

Shriya Saran adds, ‘I don't understand what is the reason behind it, but according to me, food should be not allowed inside a multiplex. It’s not allowed anywhere in the world. If you feel hungry, then eat your food and come to watch a movie. Carrying food inside the multiplex will destroy the ambience inside the theatre. It’s not safe due to security reasons also.’

We believe that the question of food being allowed in cinema halls might look simple on the surface but is actually quite complex. Other subissues issues like safety, contracts, property rights, and overall cinema experience, are bound to surface. The above responses by people closely associated with the film industry might be an eye-opener for policymakers. Social media has been filled with reactions and hilarious jokes for more than a week now.

What do you think? Are you for the decision?