While actors Ramya and Diganth, designers Namrata G and Leena Singh caught up with friends, kids gaped at the Mattel toys and merchandise displays. And amidst excited chattering and the cordial hello’s, the movie commenced.

Like a wave of cold water, the audiences were silenced while the Joker did the talking. Played by late Heath Ledger, the terrifying impact he left as a heartless yet engaging and memorable villain, was applaudable. The characters took the audience from one emotion to the other at lightning pace, and the intermission came at a much hated juncture. The hot popcorn and chilled pepsi did all it could to tempt the audiences to indulge, but the wave of excitement left them waiting to get back inside.

The second half was gripped with the same exhilaration and a lot of action. And as the last lines were pronounced, some broke into applause and others wiped a tear.

The movie is an adaptation of the DC Comics character Batman and a sequel to Batman Begins. The American superhero film has been co-written and directed by Christopher Nolan.

Sheetal Sukhija