THEATRES

One of the biggest differences between Bangalore and Kerala is the difference in the prices of ticket for movies.

There are two types of theatres in Kerala. I still remember going for the film Achuvinte Amma at Ponnani (Malappuram) for Rs.20. I could have taken the ticket for Rs.10 too but I settled for Rs.20. the seats were wooden and straight. It was very uncomfortable to sit in the same position for long time. But what the hell! We came to see the movie not inspect the seats.

Then, there are theatres in bigger places like the Ragam theatre in Thrissur. These theatres are big and spacious. The seats are cushioned and slightly retracting. But they are comfortable enough to watch the movie for 2-3 hours. The a.c. is decent with moderate cooling even though they sometimes switch it off by mid movie. But no complaints! All these for a mere Rs.40. and if the movie happens to be good one, it’s an added bonus.

And then comes, multiplexes.

I haven’t gone to any multiplex in Kerala and I don’t know if there is one anywhere. The first time I went to a multiplex was when I went to Darjeeling. I went to the INOX multiplex to watch the movie Darna Zaroori Hai. The cost of the ticket was Rs.55. the movie was ok (no further comments). The multiplex experience was good. Initially I felt as if I paid more to sit closer to the screen but later I realized a hidden good feeling in it. The experience was good. The a.c was in the correct temperature and the seats were good. Overall it was nice. The I went to a multiplex in Bangalore.

I am not naming the multiplex. (Clue: it’s in marthahalli). The movie was Forbidden Kingdom. It was the first free weekend after coming to Bangalore and we had to go to some theatre. There is a theatre quite near to out place but a kannada movie was playing in that. So we decided to go to Inno. (Code name for the multiplex at marthahalli) we booked two tickets via phone. There were two options – gold or silver. I was half tempted to ask for bronze but then we booked in silver. The person gave a reference no and a time to come there. We reached there and went to the counter. And the rate was, wait for it……, it was Rs.200!!! Before I dwell into describing the theatre let me tell you the cost details of multiplexes in Bangalore.

Weekdays ---- Rs.70. That is a decent price. But who has time to go on a weekday? Maybe Friday. But then

Friday ---- Rs. 150 before 12 noon and

Rs. 200 afternoons.

Weekends – Rs. 200

Gold class – Rs.500!! (Food coupon for Rs 150!!)

Just for comparison, I can watch 25 movies for the amount I pay to watch in gold class. Or a minimum of 10 movies in a good theatre! Now this is too much. I really don’t know if it is the same everywhere or is it there just in Bangalore? And, what about the local single theatres? The ticket cost there is Rs.50. it is a good setup but sadly very few English and Hindi movies play there.

Ok, now back to INNO description. I will generalize it to cater for the other hi-fi multiplexes here. This is the usual procedure. All sort of people come in after rigorous checking and get inside the theatre lobby. There are lots of food stalls there. Next step is to order something. The popcorn costs Rs.50 and the Pepsi costs Rs.60. the same thing in Kerala cost around Rs.10 and Rs.20. some people even take food in trays to the theatre. So overall the total cost of food comes around to Rs.150. We didn’t have anything from there. (Mainly because we didn’t have any extra cash with us at that point).

There is one more checking when we get into the theatre. The theatre is beautiful with silk drapings all over the place giving it a royal look. The seats are wide and comfortable and it has cup holder in it. The sound and video quality is same as that of any normal theatre. When it was time for interval some people came and asked if we want anything to eat. It was like a hotel and they were the waiters. When I thought of the Rs.50 popcorn I said no. the remainder of the movie was good and we came back happy because of the film and sad because of the theatre.

The first salary

Now all the freshers who have started to work and those who are about to work, the one significant day of their life is the day of the first salary. I got mine on 30th of June. I am not going to disclose how much it is (BCG guidelines) but it was a great moment for me. The whole of the money, my own money, much awaited money.
The day started with anticipations. Rumors spread around like
1)IBM is fooling us,
2) we will get only half months salary
3) those without pan card wont get salary (I didn't have a pan card at that time)

I guess that day might set a record in terms of net banking traffic in HDFC. All of us were constantly checking out our accounts every five minutes. the day wore off from morning to afternoon but still no money. Then around 2 pm Rakesh ( fellow IBMer) pinged me on Sametime ( chatting) ," Da, how much did u get?"

Guess I didn't hear much of what was being taught for next one hour as I was busy calculating and re calculating whether what they had credited to my account was right or not. The whole of money, my own money, much awaited money.

Now what to do with that money? Should I spend it all leaving just the bare minimal for survival. Pictures of new mobile, contact lens, new bike and new dress floated before my eyes. Then came sound of a harsh ring which destroyed my reverie. It was my father. He called me to congratulate me and some advices for spending the money. And at last he said to deposit a certain amount to mother's account.
The palace of cards that I had built earlier broke down. Evil thought came to my mind. Why should I give them my money? I earned it fair and square. Why do they need my money? They have all the money they want? But reluctantly I send some money to them (half of my total salary). The matter was still going on in my mind. Last week I went to my grandparents place. Even there I gave some amount of money to my grandfather, a sum of Rs 1000. Not that he required it but because my father insisted on it.
And then he remarked,' It is a real luck for me that I am alive still to see not only my son give me money he earned but also his son is giving me money. I don't need any money now. But the fact that he has given it has really made my day.'
' When I was working, I couldn't even make enough to fill my stomach. I had worked a lot and hard for many years before I could save some for my parents. when ever I was drawn to bad company or any unwanted commitment, I thought about my parents, how they had raised me all these years, how they look upon me and they care for me. It is this single thought that kept me going. And I hope the same will keep you going. Never leave behind your principles. There are three types of needs:
1) wanted needs
2) needs
3)unwanted needs
When I was working, the situation made me look after only my wanted needs. There was no money for my needs and unwanted needs. But now you work in a better place. You can take care of your wanted needs and needs because today's society demands it, and is needed for your own status and prestige. But never ever go for unwanted needs as they will pull you down. Keep this in your mind and work hard. My blessings will always will be with you. And as long as you have your parents and elders blessing, no one can harm you.'

These words had a profound reaction on me. All my complaints and sadness went away instantly. I saw the truth in his words and absorbed all of it. Guess one has to have a moral value and a path of truth to achieve what they want in their life.