Sometimes, I get bored of these multiplexes, with their swanky decor, their shiny leather seats, and their eternally-smiling staff. I long to go back to the days when multiplexes didn't exist in the city - when we had to go to New Empire or Globe, to watch a film. I passed one of these theatres the other day, and was struck with memories - of those oily crisps and popcorn, and the slightly uncomfortable seats. And if you looked a little closely, you might have been able to see grime on the walls. Are we better off without them? Perhaps. But these were unmatchable experiences.
But you know what I miss most, about these theatres of yesteryear? I miss the advertisements they screened. The Vicco Turmeric ad, with its catchy jingle - "Vicco Turmeric, Vicco Turmeric, Vicco Turmeric Ayurvedic Paste!" And that ad for the beauty parlour Sangam, which ended with "Sangam... We have no branch!" - to which everyone in the audience would unfailingly chant "Thank GOD!"
Fame and Inox are all very well, but there are some things they'll never be able to live up to. Eat your heart out, you multiplexes with your flavoured popcorn and plush leather seats!
