Why do Indians feel the need to punish others for not standing up while the national anthem is played at the cinemas? Mahek Vyas, 31, was attacked by a bunch of jingoistic goons in Mumbai's PVR Phoenix movie theatre when his South African girlfriend didn't stand up to the tune of Jana Gana Mana, reports Mumbai Mirror.

The dialogue that passed between the couple and the attackers prior to the assault tells us how grievous the matter really is.

As is the norm in all Maharashtra theatres, the Indian national anthem was played before Kill the Messenger came alive on screen.

Vyas stood up while his girlfriend, Nicole Sobotker, didn't. Someone from the backseats shouted that it "wouldn't hurt her if she stood up". Vyas retorted with, "She doesn't have to if she doesn't want to."