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Kochi: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, has announced 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 began with Straight Outta Kochi on June 14 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 June 21, 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 June 28, 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."

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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