As most of my favourite actors, like King Khan, were growing older and even the story writers at Marvel Studios seemed to be suffering from writer’s block, I was delighted that our own Kantara was swiftly winning the hearts of both mass and class. After having watched a row of forgettable movies to nurture the film industry, I decided to watch the movie Kanatara. Every time I tried to buy tickets, the movie was sold out. My in-laws were also eager to see the film. I decided to take my babysitters also, so that they could entertain my hooligan toddler twins. So it was my husband, three kids, my in-laws, two babysitters, and me. We decided to watch the movie on Diwali.
I had to make online reservations, for convenience’s sake. My old phone had all my booking details saved; in my new, I had to enter the details all over again. We don’t have a PVR in Shivamogga; it has a mall and Bharath Cinemas. Booking online wasn’t without glitches and I has to start all over again. Finally, I got the e-tickets. I was surprised that it said 7.30 am! I checked the movie timings of Bharath Cinemas and there was no 7.30 am show. I sought expert help, my son, Akki. Engrossed in playing video games, he said: “It’s gotta be a technical glitch, mom.” Akki is tech savvy and knows his online stuff, I thought. I convinced my father-in-law too that it was a technical glitch when he inquired about the timing of the show: “Dad, it’s a technical glitch!”
On Diwali evening, our battalion marched over to the mall. A big poster of Kantara welcomed us at the entrance. I wanted to take pictures to post on social media, but was refused the pleasure by my better-half, who rushed me inside. I wasn’t too happy, but I went along.
We were stopped again by the security guard, who was having trouble scanning the tickets. Another technical glitch, maybe! We stood by as they ushered others in.
A supervisor came and tried to scan. No luck. Then he looked closer at the tickets and said, “Mam, these tickets are booked for the 7.30 am show, Bharath Cinemas, Manipal.” I felt a cosmic popcorn tub pouring over my head and drowning me. It was no technical glitch. I thought Bharat Cinema was exclusive to Shivamogga; there were others in other towns: Manipal, Kundapur, and elsewhere! I asked if we could buy tickets now, which I knew was impossible. I made a dog face and glared at my tech-savvy son for his (un)timely advice on online ticket booking, who was giggling at my shame.
As we quietly walked out of the cinema entrance, I vacantly stared at the poster of the movie where we did not take that historic picture!