Popcorn isn&rsquo;t just a snack, it&rsquo;s an industry. Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha recently took to Instagram with a compelling note that peeled back the layers of popcorn&rsquo;s fascinating journey, drawing connections between food, film, class, and cinema economics. His reflection has sparked a fresh discussion about what we really pay for when we go to the movies.
Sinha, known for films like Article 15 and Thappad, began by tracing popcorn&rsquo;s humble origins. He pointed out that this beloved snack dates back to over 3,500 years before Christ, with roots in the tribal cultures of Mexico and Peru. It was considered a low-cost food, long before it made its way to the entertainment industry.
In the 19th century, Charles Cretors developed a steam powered popcorn machine, which led to its growing popularity at fairs and circuses. However, when cinemas began opening in early 20th century America, popcorn was considered unsuitable too noisy, too messy, and a marker of lower class. But that changed during the Great Depression. People couldn&rsquo;t afford much, and popcorn&rsquo;s cheap cost made it a popular snack. Street vendors began selling it outside theaters, and eventually, cinema owners saw the profits and welcomed popcorn inside.
Sinha explained how this shift wasn&rsquo;t just economic, it was cultural. Over time, popcorn became synonymous with the movie experience, paired with cold drinks to complete the ritual. &ldquo;Here began the romance of popcorn and cola,&rdquo; he wrote.
In India, Sinha observed, the food scene in cinemas has evolved from simple samosas to elaborate menus that now include biryani. In many cases, the money earned from snacks often rivals or even surpasses ticket revenues. This raises an important question, what exactly are we paying for at the movies?
While audiences often question the value of expensive tickets, Sinha flipped the perspective: &ldquo;Filmmakers only make the film while someone else sells the popcorn and coke.&rdquo; He argued that perhaps we should rethink our expectations from cinema experiences and also consider what draws us there in the first place.
He concluded his post with a thoughtful question: how often do we eat popcorn outside a movie hall? &ldquo;I eat it often. You guys? Once a week? Once a month? Only in theaters?&rdquo; he asked, subtly underlining how cinema has monopolized even our snack habits.
Through this seemingly light hearted reflection, Sinha sparked deeper conversations around the commodification of cinema, class dynamics, and how business shapes the viewing experience more than we realize.
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Anubhav Sinha Reflects on Popcorn & Cinema Culture

Filmmaker explores popcorn’s journey from tribal snack to a key player in cinema economics

Anubhav Sinha Reflects on Popcorn & Cinema Culture

Filmmaker explores popcorn’s journey from tribal snack to a key player in cinema economics

July 17, 2025 | 14:46 IST