You are watching a gripping thriller, popcorn in one hand, soda in the other, completely lost in the story. Just when the suspense peaks- boom! The screen fades to black, and the words "INTERMISSION" appear. Annoying? Maybe. But also, a blessing in disguise!

So, why exactly do movies have intervals?

Intervals in movies go way back to the early days of cinema when film reels had to be changed manually. Even after technology improved, the tradition stuck, especially in India, where movies often run over 3 hours.

But let's be real—who can sit through such long movies without a break? Intervals give us time to stretch, use the restroom, or grab another tub of overpriced popcorn. Even theaters owners love this tradition and (so do their wallets) infact, they make more money from snacks than ticket sales, so they’re happy to keep this tradition alive.

Great filmmakers know how to use the interval wisely. In many Indian films, the first half builds up tension, and just when things get intense- interval! This leaves the audience hooked and excited for what's coming next.

But have you ever wondered why Hollywood movies run non-stop? It's mostly because they are shorter, around 2 hours, and American theaters prioritize continuous screenings to fit in more shows per day. However, in India and some other countries, where movies are longer and culturally different, intervals remain a key part of the experience.

How do you like your movies, with or without break? Do let us know!