MAM
Launch of 5-screen PVR Cinemas at Velocity, Silk Mill, Vellore
MUMBAI: PVR Ltd., the largest cinema exhibition chain in the country, announced the launch of its 5-screen multiplex in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Located at Velocity, Silk Mill, Gandhinagar, this newest offering by PVR endeavors to provide the best-in-cinema experience coupled with state-of-the-art technology for a holistic cinematic experience in the city.
Located in a posh locality and catering to a diverse section of the society from universities to residents; the multiplex is spread across an area of 24,043 sq. ft. and has a seating capacity of 906 patrons. With the launch of this cinema, PVR reaches a screen count of 22 screens in 4 properties across Tamil Nadu; steadily strengthening its presence in Southern India with 160 screens in 24 properties.
The brand new multiplex is equipped with world-class technology of BARCO 4K projection system, which delivers superb brightness and vibrant colors to ensure a razor-sharp picture quality. Furthermore, the classic Dolby 7.1 surround sound system and next generation 3D screens enhance the whole cinema viewing experience for the patrons. The convenience of quick-tix, an enhanced time-saving technology, allows the patrons to beat the box-office queues.
“Designated as Vellore’s biggest cinema with 5 screens; this new property falls in line with the company’s’ expansion plans to propagate world-class cinema viewing in tier-II cities. We aim to provide a supreme film watching experience to our discerning patrons with state-of-the-art theatres furnished with best sound and projection technology. On behalf of PVR cinemas, I would like to thank the developers for building Velocity at such a strategic location to cater to the city’s audience.” stated Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Joint Managing Director, PVR Ltd.
The ambience and design of PVR Vellore adds to its grandeur, the embedded concept of fluidity emphasizing on local culture through art and cinema. The innovative seating arrangement reinvents the entertainment with sheer comfort and recreation for the patrons. Adding further to the offerings, a wide range of gourmet food options exudes comfort and style synonymous to the eminent PVR experience.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Cinemas said, “PVR, with this inauguration has re-iterated its plans to expand further in the southern region. Given the mix of right demographics and an appetite of high-quality film viewing experience, we are confident that our efforts will be appreciated. The response and passion for movie watching in this part of the country, makes us want to grow even more.”
With this launch, PVR Cinemas reach to a total count of 630 screens at 135 properties in 52 cities.
MAM
VML India lands two finalist spots at Cairns Hatchlings 2026
The Mumbai agency is back in Australia with two teams, a UN brief and 24 hours to impress
MUMBAI: VML India is heading to Australia again. The Mumbai-based creative agency has secured two finalist spots at the Cairns Hatchlings 2026 competition, one in the Audio category and one in Design, making it the only Indian agency to have reached the finals in both editions of the contest since its launch in 2025.
Four people will make the trip. Senior copywriter Shilpi Dey and senior art director Raj Thakkar will compete in Audio. Art directors Shabbir and Shruti Negi will go head-to-head with the world’s best in Design. The finals take place at the Cairns Convention Centre from 13th May, culminating in an awards ceremony on 15th May.
The work that got them there is worth examining. For the Audio category, Dey and Thakkar tackled a brief for LIVE LIKE MMAD with a campaign called Inner Voice, Interrupted. Using spatial audio techniques, the campaign recreates the overwhelming self-doubt that descends after a long workday, physically panning negative thoughts left and right before cutting the noise entirely to reveal a confident inner voice. Strategically targeted at commuters via Spotify during evening rush hours, the campaign reframes the hours after work as an opportunity for personal growth and charitable action.
For the Design category, Shabbir and Negi worked on a brief for Canteen’s Bandanna Day, a campaign highlighting how cancer pushes teenagers out of their own defining moments. Using a pixelated design language to create stark contrast between a blurred world of isolation and a focused world of connection, the campaign, titled The Flipside of Cancer, shows teenagers fading into the background of birthdays, skateparks and school proms. As a Canteen bandanna appears, the blur flips and the teenager snaps back into sharp focus.
Kalpesh Patankar, group chief creative officer of VML India, made no attempt to disguise his satisfaction. “We are immensely proud to see our teams consistently excel on the Cairns Hatchlings platform since its inception,” he said. “They have masterfully tackled challenging briefs across diverse categories, demonstrating both layered storytelling and a unique creative approach. This exceptional teamwork is truly inspiring.”
Dey and Thakkar, returning to the finals after last year’s run, were candid about the demands of the audio medium. “It’s one of the most demanding mediums, where we only have a few seconds to capture a listener’s world with sound alone, so absolute clarity is essential,” they said. “The true measure of creative work is its ability to create positive change, and our audio submission was made to help those who need it most while encouraging people to silence the inner voices that hold them back.”
Shabbir and Negi, competing in Design for the first time, described the experience as “a completely different beast.” “We see it as an opportunity to showcase our expertise, raise the bar, and challenge ourselves in new ways, while also learning from creative minds from across the globe,” they said.
In Australia, the four finalists will face a live 24-hour brief from the United Nations before presenting in a live pitch session. Twenty-four hours, one brief, one shot. VML India has been here before. It knows exactly what is at stake.
