INDIA: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, proudly announces the launch of the Comedy Fest in Kerala, a live stand-up comedy celebration curated in association with Comedy Lounge, Kerala’s leading comedy collective. The initiative brings fresh, homegrown humour to the forefront, transforming cinema halls into stages for laughter, spontaneity, and community. As part of PVR INOX’s rapidly growing alternative content slate, the fest reaffirms the brand’s commitment to curating diverse entertainment experiences that go far beyond traditional cinema.

Set to unfold across three weekends in June, the Comedy Fest in Kerala is designed as a series of live shows featuring a carefully selected mix of performers—from rising stars to household favourites. All performances will be held inside PVR INOX auditoriums, offering audiences an immersive and comfortable space to experience live comedy with top-quality sound, lighting, and ambience. By combining the magic of theatre with the energy of live acts, PVR INOX aims to open up a new avenue for cultural engagement within its venues.

The fest begins with Straight Outta Kochi on 14th June (Saturday) at PVR Lulu Mall, Kochi. Known as Comedy Lounge’s most programmed lineup show, it features top performers from Kochi and is curated for audiences across Kerala. Performances will be delivered in English and Malayalam, reflecting the bilingual character of the state’s stand-up culture.

On 21st June (Saturday), the spotlight shifts to INOX Sobha City Mall, Thrissur for the Vishnu Pai – Crowd Work Show. Vishnu Pai is the highest-rated English-speaking comedian from Kerala, with performances across India, the UAE, and Oman. As the name suggests, this show follows the crowd work format and will be performed in English and Malayalam.

The month concludes with Kochi Open Mics on 28th June (Saturday), once again at PVR Lulu Mall, Kochi. With over 500 shows to date, Kochi Open Mics is the city’s most consistent comedy open mic and plays an integral role in stimulating the comedy scene in Kochi. The show will feature sets in English, Malayalam, and Hindi, providing a stage for a wide range of comedic voices.

Through this collaboration, PVR INOX and Comedy Lounge aim to promote Kerala’s growing stand-up scene by creating a stage for live comedy in mainstream venues and building consistent audience engagement across cities. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, PVR INOX is redefining what cinema spaces can offer. From alternative film screenings to live theatrical productions and now stand-up comedy, the brand is committed to turning its venues into cultural hubs, bridging mainstream entertainment with grassroots expression.

Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX Ltd, said: “PVR INOX has always believed in the power of storytelling in all its forms, and with this Comedy Fest in Kerala, we are thrilled to push the boundaries of what cinema spaces can offer. This festival is not just a showcase of comedic talent, but a reflection of the vibrant cultural pulse of Kerala. Our partnership with Comedy Lounge is built on a shared vision—to create opportunities for local artists, bring fresh content to audiences, and redefine the role of theatres as dynamic, multipurpose cultural venues. Whether it’s a packed lineup show, a spontaneous crowd work act, or an open mic full of surprises, each event is a step toward building a more inclusive, expressive, and community-driven entertainment ecosystem. We’re proud to be leading this transformation from screen to stage, bringing people together through laughter, shared energy, and a celebration of homegrown voices.”

With this Comedy Fest in Kerala, PVR INOX continues to innovate the cinema-going experience by transforming theatres into creative stages that reflect the culture, humour, and voices of the communities they serve. This collaboration with Comedy Lounge not only brings fresh energy into the auditoriums but also supports the growth of Kerala’s stand-up comedy movement. As the festival unfolds, audiences can expect more such immersive experiences where cinema meets live performance, making every visit to the theatre more memorable, engaging, and deeply connected to local culture.

Bookings for all shows are now live. Audiences can book tickets through www.pvrcinemas.com or the PVR app, and follow @pvrcinemas_official and @comedyloungekochi on social media.

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Manubhai Mind Blowing is a rollicking exploration of marriage, mischief, and misunderstandings, centred on Manubhai, portrayed by Sharman Joshi in his first Gujarati stage role in the USA. Written by Imtiaz Patel, directed by Jaideep Shah, and produced by Aasif Patel, the play follows Manubhai, a well-meaning husband whose efforts to reignite the spark in his marriage with his wife, Kishori, spiral into a cascade of comedic chaos. On the advice of his quirky assistant, Madan, Manubhai attempts to find a “spark” outside his marriage, leading to bumbling flirtations with his receptionist, Chandni, and a whirlwind of blackmail, mistaken identities, and laugh-out-loud confrontations.

A standout scene showcases Manubhai’s awkward attempts to charm Chandni, only to be outwitted by her boyfriend, Abhilash, who orchestrates a mock blackmail scheme. The play’s sharp, bilingual dialogue in Gujarati and English captures the essence of Gujarati humour while poking fun at universal relationship dynamics. From Manubhai’s exasperated exchanges with Kishori over tiffin contents to workplace antics involving his eccentric staff, the narrative delivers relentless laughter while highlighting the importance of love and communication in marriage. This family-friendly comedy resonates with audiences of all ages, blending cultural pride with universal themes.

The play features a talented ensemble, led by Sharman Joshi, whose impeccable comedic timing and charm anchor the production. Joining him are Aakash Zala as the scheming Madan, Arpita Sethia as the sharp-witted Kishori, Hardik Sangani, Pritesh Sodha, Mahek Bhatt, and Tejas Shah, each adding their unique flair to the chaotic world of Manubhai Mind Blowing.

Sharman Joshi shared his enthusiasm: “Bringing Manubhai Mind Blowing to Chicago is a dream come true. The Gujarati community’s warmth fuels our performance, and I can’t wait to share this laughter-filled journey.”

The U.S. tour is a testament to the Gujarati community’s unity, driven by passionate promoters and sponsors. Local promoters Neelam and Shashank Desai of NextGen Entertainment, Payal Shah of PN Entertainment, and Brijesh Patel of Core Exteriors, alongside national promoter Bhavna Modi of Manpasand Inc., have worked tirelessly to bring this cultural gem to the diaspora.

Bhavna Modi remarked, “Manubhai Mind Blowing is a celebration of our humour and heritage, and we’re thrilled to launch it in Chicago.”

The production is supported by a roster of sponsors reflecting the community’s entrepreneurial spirit. Grand sponsors include Shashank and Neelam Desai of OCI Card Services and Jigna and Jignesh Gandhi of Rana Reagan Pharmacy. Other sponsors are Anil Shah of World’s Money Exchange, Sunil Shah of New York Life, Ashok Punjabi of Chicago Imports, Chirag Shah of Dynasty Home Care, Jigar Parikh of Jigar’s Kitchen, Rushi and Arjun Patel of Jay Bhavani & Eggmania (Schaumburg), Esha Patel of State Farm, Naresh Shah of ReliaCare, Manish Jain your trusted financial partner, and Perry & Sunny Patel of More Brewing Company.

Culinary sponsors Sam Lakhia of Shree Rasoi, Gaurav Tuteja & Saurabh Dawra of Belly Delhi, Rushi and Arjun Patel of Jay Bhavani (Schaumburg), Gagan Suri of Shree Restaurant, and Shabana Rahman ensured everyone at the Press Meet on May 1st, 2025, enjoyed authentic Indian flavors. Media partners Suresh Bodiwala of Asian Media USA and Jassi Parmar of Desi Junction amplified the play’s reach, while Tariq Khan of Melody Productions and Sound ensured flawless audio. Supporters like Dhitubhai Bhagwakar of Strike 10 Lanes and Lounge and Haribhai Patel of Bhartiya Senior Center embody the community’s spirit.

Following its Chicago debut, Manubhai Mind Blowing will tour cities including Tampa, Edison, Cherry Hill, Raleigh, Washington DC, Pittsburg, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and many more, spreading Gujarati humour across the U.S. With its universal appeal and cultural pride, the production is set to leave a lasting impact.

Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA, shares his expert perspective: “Manubhai Mind Blowing is more than a play; it’s a vibrant celebration of Gujarati culture and humour that bridges generations and geographies. As a platform dedicated to amplifying South Asian voices, Asian Media USA is proud to support this production, which showcases the diaspora’s talent and unity. This play is a testament to the power of laughter in connecting communities.” His expert editorials continue to highlight the cultural significance of such events, reinforcing the importance of preserving heritage through art.

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

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Get ready to laugh out loud as KOPA Mall brings a spectacular three-day comedy fest featuring some of India’s most popular stand-up comedians, alongside a host of exciting food and beverage partners.

The event kicks off on March 7th with Ravi Gupta’s “Kal Ki Chinta Nahi Karta“, where his unique storytelling and observational humor will have you in splits. On March 8th, Harsh Gujral will bring his sharp wit and relatable take on everyday life with “Jo Bolta Hai Wohi Hota Hai“. Finally, on March 9th, Aashish Solanki wraps up the weekend with “Good Boy Better Show“, promising an evening of hilarious anecdotes and comic brilliance.

In addition to the comedy performances, guests can enjoy a variety of culinary delights from the mall’s food and beverages. This vibrant mix of food options will complement the comedy shows, making for a well-rounded weekend of fun.

This fest promises an electrifying experience for young professionals, comedy fans, and weekend adventurers. Punekars are invited to enjoy a stellar lineup of stand-up acts that will have the crowd roaring with laughter, while also indulging in delicious food, unwinding with light music, and soaking up the lively atmosphere with friends and family.

Location: KOPA Mall

Dates: March 07 – 09, 2025

Timings: 7 PM – 9 PM 

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Zakir Khan is celebrated for his Hindi Shayari and unforgettable jokes through storytelling that captures the hearts of his audience. This collaboration between Mother’s Recipe and Swiggy aims to craft an immersive experience that combines the joy of laughter with the rich taste of Mother’s Recipe, showcasing a shared commitment to delivering memorable experiences to audiences across India.

As part of the fest’s Food & Beverage section, attendees can look forward to enjoying Mother’s Recipe’s complimentary range of Chutneys and Sauces to pair with the diverse food offerings at the event. Attendees can expect to encounter Mother’s Recipe branding prominently displayed at the event venue, creating a visual feast that mirrors the vibrancy of the comedy show and the brand’s diverse range of products.

Sanjana Desai, Executive Director of Mother’s Recipe, expressed her enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to be associated with Swiggy for ‘Zakir Khan – Live A Laughter & Gourmet Fest.’ The distinctive synergy between Zakir Khan’s flavorful comedy and the authentic taste of Mother’s Recipe makes this partnership truly special. As the Official Taste Partner, we look forward to contributing our unique touch to this unforgettable journey of laughter and flavor.”

Swapnil Bajpai, Vice President of Sales at Swiggy, shares, “Excited to onboard Mother’s Recipe as the official sponsor for the Swiggy X Zakir Khan Live Tour. Together, we’re adding more flavor to the fun. This collaboration is all about delivering great entertainment with tasty food and creating unforgettable moments for our users and customers. There’s more joy in every bite and laugh!”

This collaboration exemplifies the fusion of entertainment and food, encapsulating the spirit of ‘Haq Se Taste Partner.’ Mother’s Recipe invites everyone to join the festivities, savor the laughter, and indulge in the authentic flavors that only Mother’s Recipe can provide.

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Damle is entitled to receive the prestigious ‘Vishnudas Bhave award as the youngest theater artist to ever receive this honor. Regarding the same backdrop, he interacted with the members of the Press on various topics related to Marathi theater at CC& Company, Prabhat Road, Pune.

While speaking on the occasion, Damle said, “I’ve been doing theater for 40 years now, and working in Marathi theater gives me an immense amount of joy. I never get tired of it because I’ve converted my hobby into my work. I’ve done 12,793 shows to date. But I believe that there’s a long way to reach more enthusiasts, as only 2 to 2.5 crore out of the 12-13 crore population in Maharashtra are theater geeks for real.”

Responding to the questions of whether the number of topics and the quality of theater has increased post the Covid times, Damle said, “I think, everyone got a chance to introspect themselves during the pandemic. It helped to throw light upon what an artist or a director can do differently. Pre-Covid, 50 to 60 plays were presented yearly, out of which only 3 or 4 worked well. In today’s times if 8 to 9 plays of 60 to 70 turn out to be good, is a relatively good response. When it comes to Marathi theater, everyone is working sincerely. Good plays are getting good responses from the audiences too. Overall, I think Marathi theater is doing well.”

“Marathi theater has seen a lot of ups and downs at different levels but has firmly faced it all. In the initial post-Covid period we started with doing shows only on the weekends. Now, we do shows on Mondays and Wednesdays as well, which counts as an important thing for us. Many things are normalized at their true senses now,” opined Prashant Damle, an acclaimed film and theater personality.

He also asserted that, 20 to 25 years ago, connoisseurs came to the theaters because of the popularity of an institution. Now that the trend has changed, they come to the shows for the artists. This is why maintaining the audience size has now become the artist’s responsibility.

“Today, Marathi Films and Theaters are facing challenges to get staged. If four like-minded people come together and create one play, three plays can be reduced. We need to understand that this art needs to be created while maintaining its standards and not letting it compromise in its quality,” shared Prashant Damle.

“Even if there are 92 centers in Maharashtra, only 48 or 49 places have theaters, out of which only one theater is regarded with A grade. It is the Government’s responsibility to provide basic facilities while the audience’s responsibility to use the theaters in the appropriate way. At the same time, it is the duty of the artists to present good quality art there. Overall, it is all of us who must carry forward this tradition together,” said Damle.

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So how about being a part of this festival and laughing out loud? Save the date and get your tickets early so you can be the first one in line to grab your seat! Book now.

Event Details:

Date: 25th March 2023

Venue: Liberty Square, Phoenix Marketcity

Time: 7:00 pm onwards

Tickets are available on BookMyShow – https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/road-to-pune-comedy-festival/ET00354304

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Kicking off the event with a brief keynote address the multi-talented Varun Grover will then be joined on stage by the equally accomplished Akarsh Khurana, and together they will explore some of the most pressing questions around creating comedy today. The audience will get a peek into the nuances of comedy as an art form, and hear the two artists speak about the importance of balance between comedy and seriousness and the difference between irreverence and disrespect.

The duo will also share their experiences of writing comedy, and divulge some tips on how to ‘write for laughs’ for different types of content, including movies, series, plays, and songs.  They will explore how one can and should take their work seriously without taking oneself too seriously. Furthermore, the conversation will touch on the potential of comedy to address serious subjects, and how it can give hope and serve as a vehicle for important topics. The floor will then be opened for a Q&A session so the audience can engage with these brilliant minds and get answers to their own questions about how to be Seriously Funny.

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Johnny Lever was speaking during a Masterclass titled ‘Humour in Cinema’ during the 21st Pune International Film Festival, organized by Pune Film Foundation and Government of Maharashtra, at the PVR Icon on the Senapati Bapat Road on Tuesday. Pune Film Foundation President and PIFF Director Dr. Jabbar Patel interacted with Lever, who rose from a humble background.

“The sense of humor of the public has increased. People are able to view comedy content in short videos on social media and thus the challenge of script-writers for writing comedy is increasing,” Johnny Lever said.

“Comedy has to be ingrained and comedians are born with it. I indulged in mimicry of actors and mimicked most of the actors including Ashok Kumar, Jeevan, and Jagdeep. But the transition to acting was indeed difficult and I struggled for 12 years just to get that right. Reacting to other actors’ roles is an important trait for comedians and that was what I learned through observation during the shoots,” said Johnny.

Considering Charlie Chaplin as his godfather and Late Comedian Johnny Walker as a man with profound world knowledge, Lever also said that comedy was a serious business but nowadays most of the time the directors and writers lack discipline and compromise on the content, which may result into failure of the film.

“Earlier, filmmaking was a challenging job as the directors went out of their way to cast an actor for a particular role but that’s not the case nowadays as filmmakers look for easy ways for casting actors. One cannot just make people laugh at trivial things as it takes effort and for that, the entire credit goes to the actor,” Johnny Lever asserted.

Speaking on indecency in the films, Johnny Lever said that when there is a dearth of original content it paves the way for vulgarity.

Speaking on Late Comedian Mehmood, Johnny Lever said, “Initially when I worked with him, I was under a lot of pressure as Mehmood was a great star with a massive fan following. Nevertheless, he took me under his wings and taught me the art of humor.”

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