Lungi Ban in Dubai Cinemas
A theatre in Dubai has banned lungi (a traditional garment worn around the waist by men in Asian nations) in its premises Bollywood Cinemas, a new theatre in Al Qouz industrial area, has implemented the new dress code for movie goers.
Notices put up at the entrance in all South Indian languages reads - "Please don’t come to the theater wearing lungis. It is not allowed here.”
The twin cinema theatre, with 300 seats, largely caters to blue-collared workers as it is close to labour accommodation camps in the area.
The dress code comes at a time when workers were happy to get a new theatre closer home. Earlier, they had to travel long distances to watch a film.
The manager of Bollywood Cinemas, located in Al Kabayan Oasis, said: "Most theatres in Dubai do not allow people in lungi. Several workers come in lungis, causing embarrassment to families coming for the shows. In fact, we have received complaints from some family viewers.”
Theatre officials also said they have resorted to this measure to avoid paying fines to Dubai Municipality. “We can be fined by the Municipality, if they find people watching movies in lungis. Officials do occasional inspections in our theatres,” he added.
“White dhotis are allowed on special occasions such as Onam (the South Indian harvest festival) or Diwali (Festival of lights); but no lungis," the manager said.
Sukumar, who lives in Al Qouz, said: "I watched 'Pranayam', a Malayalam film, all alone. There were only five people to watch 'Indian Rupee'. The theatre is empty most of the time and the new dress code may further reduce the numbers."
The garment has already been banned in Sharjah.
