LAHORE: Last week and the week before that was quite busy for me. In my inquisitiveness to find out what other thing people prefer with their caramel and salted popcorns to enjoy their film, I made a mental note of all those things. A soda, nachos, a chocolate bar perhaps, someone nice to enjoy the film with… and what else? I had the feeling something was missing. Maybe a recliner! So I added that in my list too. And then I headed over to various multiplexes, asking around, getting hold of moviegoers, on what makes them enjoy their movies more. All of them told me the list I had made was complete and of the film is enjoyable, they absolutely need nothing more. I tried out the recliner sofas at Cinestar MM Alam, the butler calling button at Universal Cinemas in Emporium and then accidentally, found myself sitting in the VIP Box of Cine Gold, post a hearty meal at their Gold Restaurant of fish and pina colada, after which I was thirsty for cosy time in my recliner, enjoying Kapil Sharma’s film debut ‘Farangi’. The view is the best part of being seated in a VIP Box. But the question is, can regular cinemagoers afford it? I will briefly explain my experience, which was new but at the same time very comforting. For those of you, who haven’t experienced watching a film in the VIP Box, this one is private, compact and comes with its perks. There’s enough space for four to five people, and it feels as if the film is being screened only for you. You can enjoy meals there as there is actually a round table placed right in front of you. Have a loud laugh without the fear of disturbing anyone around you and of course gossip and talk as much as you want. The view is the best part of being seated in the VIP Box. So, I was certain now that my list was complete. But can people afford it? “The VIP Box here is without a shadow of a doubt, the best experience. It is cosy, comfortable and private and needless to say, the view is the best and goes unparalleled, moviegoer Ayesha said, while talking exclusively to Daily Times. “However, I’m not sure if regular moviegoers can afford it,” she added. Others had different views. “The pricing is not that much, considering people are getting other things with it as well. I mean, it’s all a package and it’s just a little extra money over the regular ticket price,” a moviegoer, Azlaan says. “People are having dinner at an affordable price, right at the premises and then there is the comfort of having everything seated right there, so I believe the price and the rates are justified. Also, if there is any issue, I’m pretty sure the staff is there to take care of that and maybe refund if need be,” multiplex design expert, Rohail Merchant said, also while talking exclusively to Daily Times. Another cinemagoer, who divides her time equally between watching movies on regular seats and the VIP Box at Cine Gold told me, “You know, if I’m going with friends, then regular seats are fine with me. However, if I have my husband and children with me, the VIP Box is the perfect fit here, as that way, our children get to experience a VIP treatment and laugh and talk and eat, and that is a pesa vasool thing for us.” I spoke to a film expert/journalist whether VIP Box viewing contributes to a film’s status at the box office. “Yes, and no. Sometimes, a film will be very bad and boring to some but the entire experience of watching it in the VIP Box here, will make them stay. So yes, it’s likely,” he said. Why not? If one is taking time out to watch a film with friends and family, the VIP Box should be given a chance there after devouring a hearty meal at the Gold Restaurant, and enjoy a memorable and a private time there. Published in Daily Times, December 17th 2017.