Driving into 70mm

I honestly dont know how many of us really even recall the "Drive In Theatre" at the Kalanagar-Bandra junction. Just when you turn into the latest Office District - bandra Kurla Complex, where now stands Maker Maxity, stood the Drive In. I remember it from the 90s, some very faint memories, some distinct. Now when i recall, its like  a by-gone era. When i pass by the spot now, not a single memory to tell me, it stood there. Out of curosity, i googled it, to discover its owners, a few details and histroy, well nothing at all. Sorta disappointing coz nothing at all. 

I remember it as a lil kid in the back seat of teh car, driving past it. And invariably i remember "Maine Pyar Kiya" - Yes, the classic Romace between Prem & Suman playing on it. The screen lit up in the sky amidst the stars & the moon, it was a delight! Would always get dad to pull over at the side & wait for a few minutes to watch it. It was a wonderful! The delight of watching a movie in the middle of teh road, open for all to see, no walls nothing at all.

Source: Google | Representative only

Iv been told by some old time regulars (in this case, my folks & their friends), that couples, families would pack up dabbas, drive in to teh theatre, park at some place nice. Speakers were then placed in each car ann dthe family would enjoy the movie. Though i dont quite remember being there, yet the thought itself warms me up. Imagining the excitement of going to a Drive-In is definitely a wow!

I remember, after numerous 5-10 mins pull overs on the road to watch the movie, i pestered dad into taking me inside the drive in. I remember dad having this wry smile, guess he knew what was in store for me. Anyways, we drove in, and yes, teh guy at the ticket counter had a surprised smile to see someone actually drive in, guess people had lost interest. Yes, he also informed us that the Drive In was empty. We went in, parked, nopes, this time no speakers were placed in the car, instead it was more of a public address system that was audible all over the place. and when the screen rolled in, it was magic ! :) the actors seemed stars ! the movie on the screen felt like  areally large medium of something totally wonderful but dude ! the huge mosquitoes were a pain ! and you could not roll up teh windows coz then there would be no audio. and yes, we left within 15 oodd minutes. But teh memory stayed... the idea of a drive in... pure joy, happy times.

I wish we could have a drive in now in Mumbai. May be create a entertainment property around teh drive in to ensure its commercial viability. But the idea of being plonked on teh car bonnet, sipping chai, and watching a lovely movie...priceless... :)