Casino Royale Delhi Style

The other night, I met up with a few friends to check out the latest James Bond film. Going to the movies is the same anywhere, right? Well no, that is not the case with India. Here are a few of the differences I observed.

First, there are assigned seats! I learned this when I suggested that we split up before the movie to get seats and popcorn. I immediately received several blank stares and I knew I was off. Louise and Nic confirmed this is also the case in South Africa.

Second, I had to walk through a metal detector to enter the theater, my purse and wallet were thoroughly inspected and I was subjected to a thorough pat down. I thought I was going to see a movie, not board an airplane. But as my friend reminded me, “This is India. There is always the threat of terrorism.”

Then, I discovered that there are intermissions during movies! Louise and I were quite confused when Bond and the latest Bond Girl headed off towards the bedroom and the film cut off, we were quick reassured that it was just an intermission and the film would resume in 10 minutes.

And the best part. Our tickets to Casino Royale, for which all of you in the States are paying $9 or more, was only 150 rupees ($3). Nice, huh?