The Drive-in Drove To OTT.

-Hemani Tandon

“From drive-in theatres to driving the theatres home.?The world had its round, as a whole.”

Up until 2020, the only cinematic experience that was favorable by all was the one going to the movie theatres, going to the movie halls, enjoying late-night shows just to get some qualitative relaxing time. Out of all not to forget about the smell of popcorns right after entering the waiting area, having those different soft drinks that were offered in the list, then those other extra essentials to have in-between the showtime, and the most epic rush to get fresh at the times of interval. From finding seats with flashlights to fighting to the aisle seats, to get irritated by small kids who use to cry in-between the movie, to the couples who had their personal shows on by the ends of the theatres. Going to the theatres to watch a movie, and if by any chance that movie is related to patriotism, then the whole crowd use to watch it as one big happy family, as each one feels the same goosebumps at the time of national anthem.?

Since the Covid-19 wave has hit the world, because of which the lockdown was imposed, the experience of going to the movie theaters has made movies come to our home screens, in form of OTT platforms. In just one click a person can enjoy whatever they want to watch and at whatever timings, without any disturbance or interruptions. In the coming years, OTT will surely be the new normal cinematic experience loved and adored by everyone. But in these new forms, let’s not forget the old times of drive-in theatres, where the big screens or white walls use to unite every single person under the sky in their comforting cars. Where some epic showtimes have shown some out-of-the-box great movies, that were praised not just by claps and whistles, but also by the car honks. The very first drive-in theatre was built in Mexico, followed by which, seeing the popularity of something new, London started the float-in theatres.?

There can never be a comparison between what type of movie theatres are best, because everyone has their own ways of joy, and each type holds its own magic.