India, Nov. 12 -- Remember when moviegoers turned cinema halls into makeshift temples during the release of Jai Santoshi Maa (1975)? Many left their footwear outside and watched the film with folded hands. A similar trend is now emerging with the recent release of Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. Reels on social media capturing audience reactions show viewers approaching the mythological epic with reverence.

Some have reportedly avoided recliner seats, worried that stretching their feet towards the screen depicting Lord Ram would be disrespectful. Others have been spotted removing their slippers before entering the theatre, much like they would outside a temple. For these viewers, watching the film is more than a cinemat...