Alarmed by rising nationalistic vigilantism and violence towards those deemed disrespectful of the anthem, the Supreme Court reversed its ruling, making the national anthem optional at movie halls once again. Representation pic/AFP

I rise to my feet in the movie hall's darkness as the music starts. I have heard it several hundred times, almost always in darkness - but my nape still breaks out in goosies at the thrilling chord shifts, and awe at a tune that reveals something new each time.