There was a time not so long ago when we were all dependent on our Doordarshan, the National TV channel for movies. Not everyone was lucky to watch all the new and good movies in cinema halls or had VCRs so Doordarshan was our one hope.
We used to rent movie cassettes of almost all new movies and if the movie turned out to be good, we would watch it at least twice before returning. Then came the cable channels and choices increased. There was an array of channels and we could happily decide which movie to watch on a weekend. Sometimes the choice was forcibly made by the elder sibling or by stony stare of disciplinarian fathers.
That’s how my world was governed; with choices provided by multiplexes and TV channels; me lounging lazily on the sofa (in a very เค เคธเคเคธเฅเคเคพเคฐเฅ manner) with remote in one hand and snacks in other deciding what to watch. And then I got married!
But the world moved on and we found ourselves with 24hour movie channels. That was the joy; to be able to watch any movie at any time. Of course, the choices were made by network but we had so many options. And yes, I too have found myself watching Sooryavansham multiple times.
Husband and I watched a lot of movies together. Two or three movies every month in multiplexes was a norm for us. We also watched movies on TV and laptop. It was always us, having snacks, tea and watching movies together. It was around this time that OTT slowly started making its way in India. Internet got cheaper, people had wi-fi and mobile phones turned into mini entertainment screens.
At first we were sceptical about this mini screen that we had so far used only for YouTube videos. But as Little Miss started showing a special love for sitting on the laptop keyboard and wanting to open the laptop flat like a book, we tried the mobile. It took some adjustment and arms got weary of holding the phone at first but we did it. We watched a movie on the little screen.
Soon, channels increased, shows and movies started coming at a pace that was faster than Shoaib Akhtar running in to bowl to Sachin Tendulkar and being a mere mortal, I started falling behind. My kind and loving husband understood; waited for me, helped me through the chores so I could join him but I also had books to read, and beauty sleep to catch up on. So, slowly he and I started using our own devices to watch what we liked at our own pace.
I watch emotional dramas with strong female leads and floral cinematography. He watches shows where someone gets punched every 4 seconds. We sit side by side, wearing headphones, holding hands, like romantic strangers at a streaming cafe. Sometimes, love means watching different things but making sure not to spill the beans on โwho did itโ in a murder mystery.
Nowadays, youโll find him stuck to his phone watching series after series, movie after movie as if there is some competition going on. Iโm pretty sure I could finish a full cheesecake in front of him and he wouldnโt realise unless his internet stops working. Itโs like seeing a kid watch Doraemon non-stop as if his life depended on it. Iโm sure I have never been this engrossed in anything. Have I?
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