Pavin Ponanna

Bangalore, Aug. 26: Pavin Ponanna is no great fan of horror movies, but doesn’t like being dared to watch one all alone in a theatre.

So the 30-year-old took up Ram Gopal Varma’s challenge to watch Phoonk alone at Inox, and sat through it on Sunday night, clutching half a bottle of mineral water and his two mobile phones.

But Pavin, who runs an ad agency, is not going to claim the Rs 5 lakh reward Varma offered because the contest ended on August 22. He does not know if anyone else took up the challenge.

“I was not part of the contest… but did it just to prove that I come from a land of valour. I am a Coorgi or Kodava, we are known to be a martial race,” he said.

“I respect Ram Gopal Varma, but I think he should not throw such challenges. If the movie was really scary, the censor board would have objected. I don’t believe in black magic but to watch the film in a 227-seat theatre alone is quite an achievement.”

Before watching the film, Pavin met Sudeep, who has a lead role in Phoonk. “He was at a shoot and he asked me why I was doing it, why I had booked the entire show for Rs 47,500. I told him I am a Kodava and don’t get scared easily.”

When Pavin walked into the hall, his wife waited nervously outside. “She and a few friends were relieved to see me when I came out. But I think nobody should try this stunt as it’s not only expensive but also foolish,” he said.

Now, Pavin wants to meet the Phoonk director and tell him: “Sir, don’t dare anyone for anything, it’s like questioning someone’s integrity.”

Pavin has also begun feeling like a celebrity because he has been getting hundreds of phone calls. “I just got a call from Dubai from someone who wants me to be part of an event,” he beamed.