Bollywood movie
For our last day in India, there was one last thing to do: watch a Bollywood movie. So we did. We pick a Tamil movie - Meyaadha Maan - bought spicy flavour popcorn and sit back in a comfortable theatre surrounded by locals. So do we speak Indian Tamil? Nope! Not a single word. Did we enjoy it? Very much.
The Movie: Meyaadha Maan
Meyaadha Maan was a romantic comedy about Idhayam, a stage performer who was secretly in love for the last three years, with Madhu, his college mate. On the day of her engagement, Idhayam called his mates to announce he will commit suicide. To dissuade him, his friends reached out to Madhu and solicited her help. The ensuing phone set in motion events that turn out to be life-changing. Simple enough?
We loved the colour, the ambience and the great musical part of the movie. Obviously, we didn't get all the jokes. We were amused to observe people around us being so enthusiastic, laughing and clapping their hands every so often. It was a unique and refreshing experience. If you go to India, don't miss the opportunity to watch a movie.
Our hours in Chennai and India were coming to an end as we were leaving for Bangkok tonight!
Watching Bollywood/Tamil movies in India
- Movie Selection: Tamil movies in Chennai, Bollywood (Hindi) nationwide. No need to understand the language - the experience is about the atmosphere, music, and visual spectacle!
- Ticket Prices: Cinema tickets range from ₹100-300 ($1.50-4.50) depending on the theatre and seat class. Book online via BookMyShow or buy at the counter.
- Popular Theatres: Chennai - Sathyam Cinemas, AGS Cinemas, PVR. Look for multiplexes with AC for comfort. Local theatres offer authentic atmosphere but less comfort.
- Showtimes: Multiple shows daily (morning, afternoon, evening, late night). Weekends and new releases get packed. Book in advance for popular movies.
- Audience Participation: Expect clapping, whistling, and cheering during hero entrance scenes and key moments. It's part of the fun! Join in if you feel comfortable.
- Snacks: Try spicy popcorn, samosas, and masala fries. Indian cinema snacks are unique. Most theatres have full concession stands with local flavors.
- Movie Length: Bollywood/Tamil movies run 2.5-3 hours with an intermission. Use the break to stretch, grab snacks, or discuss the plot with locals!
- Sound & Music: Expect LOUD. Music and action sequences are amplified. The musical numbers are elaborate and spectacular - a key part of Indian cinema.
- Cultural Insight: Movies reflect Indian culture, values, and social issues. Even without understanding dialogue, you'll gain insights into family dynamics and traditions.
- Language Barrier: Some upscale theatres have English subtitles for select shows. Check BookMyShow listings. Otherwise, just enjoy the visuals and energy!
Note:
Have you watched a Bollywood or regional Indian movie? What's the most memorable cinema experience you've had while traveling?