Consistent movie-theater-goers know that spotty presentation is a ubiquitous problem.

One of its most pervasive iterations: sound played at too low a volume.

And yet, every single mainstream Indian film I’ve seen has been deafening.

Now, I’m not asking for all showings to be cranked to this level, because I’m aware that my fellow patrons don’t live for the feeling that our eardrums are about to explode. . .

But how is Indian Cinema always C-L-E-A-R-L-Y audible — and then some — whereas other screenings regularly lack for decibels? Is it the sound mixes? Do multiplexes have a special setting reserved for these outings?

Whatever the reason, if it’s so easy to standardize sound for one country’s releases, then shouldn’t a similar standardization be possible at more theaters, no matter the nation responsible for the title?