Marking the brand’s 34th store in City, the opening moved beyond a traditional retail inauguration, transforming the launch into a cinematic celebration that reflected Chennai’s vibrant movie culture while introducing shoppers to a thoughtfully designed new retail space with the new identity store.

The evening unfolded like a film premiere. Guests arrived in an atmosphere shaped by visual cues from Tamil cinema: film posters and standees, movie-ticket-inspired entries, popcorn counters, and nostalgic theatre-style elements that recreated the excitement of opening night. Auto rickshaws stationed at the entrance added a distinctly local touch, while interactive moments across the store encouraged guests and creators to explore, capture, and engage with the experience.

Kayadu Lohar officially inaugurated the store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the formal opening of Max Fashion’s newest Valasaravakkam destination amid cheers and applause from attendees.

Sumit Chandan, CEO, Max Fashion India shared: “Chennai has always been one of our most dynamic and culturally vibrant markets, and the launch of our Valasaravakkam store reflects our continued commitment to growing alongside its evolving fashion community. With this opening, we wanted to create more than just a retail destination; we wanted to design an experience that feels rooted in the city’s love for cinema and storytelling. By blending fashion with a cinematic celebration, we aimed to make the launch memorable, immersive, and truly reflective of how our customers engage with style today.”

Known for her work across Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil films, Kayadu Lohar represents a new generation of performers who blend relatability with star appeal. Her youthful energy, expressive style, and strong connection with Gen Z audiences made her presence feel especially aligned with the spirit of the evening where fashion, fandom, and pop culture naturally intersected.

“Being part of this launch felt incredibly special because it celebrated two things Chennai truly loves cinema and fashion. The energy of the evening, the audience excitement, and the cinematic reveal made it feel like stepping into a film moment,” says Kayadu Lohar. “Max Fashion represents style that is accessible, expressive, and youthful, which makes it easy for people to experiment with fashion in their everyday lives. I loved interacting with everyone here and experiencing the store firsthand.”.

Spread across 14,000 sq. ft., the Valasaravakkam store has been designed to offer a spacious, structured, and easy-to-navigate shopping experience. Dedicated sections for women, men, and kids allow customers to move seamlessly across categories, making discovery intuitive while encouraging relaxed browsing for families and young shoppers alike. The open layout and contemporary design language reflect Max Fashion’s focus on creating a more comfortable and enjoyable in-store journey.

Chennai continues to be one of Max Fashion’s strongest markets, driven by a growing community of young, trend-aware consumers seeking fashion that balances accessibility with self-expression. The new store responds to this evolving mindset, offering versatile styles suited to everyday life from workdays to social outings.

The decision was made at a special cabinet meeting on March 13, where the government endorsed the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) resolution to protect Sabarimala’s traditional practices. The government will file an affidavit with the Supreme Court by March 14, responding to questions about constitutional and legal aspects that are not directly related to women’s entry.

This move comes as review petitions against the 2018 verdict, which allowed women of all ages, are set for hearings starting April 7 before a three-judge bench. The BJP leader, Kummanam Rajasekharan, has criticized the government’s decision, claiming it is an attempt to gain political advantage in the next election.

The CPI(M) state secretary, MV Govindan, however, emphasized that the party maintains its core position, seeking expert input and considering believers’ feelings while balancing faith with rights. He denied any ideological reversal, citing the party’s history of respecting customs through expert input.

Phoenix Marketcity Chennai partnered with Vamos Run Club for the Women’s Day Marathon with 3K, 4K and 5K categories. Open to men, women, and kids, the event saw a total of 1500+ enthusiastic runners. The run was followed by an engaging Zumba session and a Coffee Rave, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Complimentary refreshments kept participants energised throughout the event, and every runner received a finisher’s medal upon completing the race.

Later that day, Phoenix Marketcity collaborated with Young Indians (Yi) Chennai for “The Power Within” – an exclusive panel discussion for International Women’s Day 2026. Esteemed speakers Ms. Veena Kumaravel, Founder of Naturals Salon, Ms. Pooja Srinivasa Raja, Founder of The Love Hope Company and Executive Director at Adyar Ananda Bhavan, and Ms. Renuka, Digital content creator and Influencer, shared inspiring stories on women’s inner strength and leadership. The panel was moderated by Mr. Kapil Agrawal, Shuchi Friction Additives. The discussion brought out the speakers’ journeys and highlighted how strength, perseverance and purpose helped them create meaningful impact. The event also featured the “GiveToGain Awards,” an initiative by Yi Chennai to recognise women who are working tirelessly at the grassroots level to uplift communities.

As a proud venue partner, Phoenix Marketcity Chennai once again reinforced its commitment to community engagement and meaningful experiences by hosting these impactful events. Through initiatives like these, Phoenix Marketcity continues to create vibrant platforms that bring people together while promoting wellness, inclusivity and shared experiences.

The competition, aimed at promoting pride in Tamil culture and arts, was held during the auspicious month of Margazhi, from 15th December 2025 to 20th January 2026. Participants were invited to share their creative selfie Kolam photos via a dedicated WhatsApp number. There was an overwhelming response from the public after being held for the first time in 2020. The contest garnered an overwhelming response, with over 2500 entries from across Tamil Nadu.

The top 50 entries were recognized by Mrs Poornima Ganesan and rewarded with special kitchen necessity gifts during the grand prize function. The event celebrated the artistic talent and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, reflecting Sreeleathers’ commitment to fostering community engagement and cultural preservation.

Chief Guest shared her thoughts on the occasion, “It is truly heartening to see Sreeleathers champion our cultural heritage through the Online Selfie Kolam Contest, especially during the sacred month of Margazhi. To be chosen three times from thousands of participants is an honour—it inspires me to keep our Margazhi kolam tradition alive with even more creativity.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sushanto Dey, Partner, Sreeleathers said, “We are proud to associate with Sreeleathers in celebrating Tamil culture through this beautiful Kolam contest. The overwhelming participation year after year reaffirms that our traditions are alive and thriving in the digital age”

Mrs Pujarini Dey, Partner, Sreeleathers said, “Sreeleathers has beautifully blended tradition through this unique Online Selfie Kolam Contest. I am especially delighted to see Sreeleathers celebrate the artistic brilliance of countless women who wake up before dawn each Margazhi to create these stunning kolams.”

What began as a niche industry initiative has now evolved into a marquee annual platform on the region’s culinary calendar. QuizBites continues to attract seasoned professionals and emerging talent alike, showcasing the growing appetite for knowledge-driven engagement within the hospitality sector.

This year’s edition featured an upgraded, high-intensity format with buzzer rounds and rapid-fire sessions that tested culinary expertise, reflexes, and teamwork. The competitive spirit remained high throughout the event, culminating in a gripping final round where six teams battled for top honours.

Winner: Culinary academy of Hyderabad

The event was graced by Chef Damodaran, President of the South Indian Culinary Association, and Chef Sheetharam Prasad, General Secretary of SICA, whose continued leadership has strengthened the platform’s credibility within the industry. Their presence made QuizBites’ growing stature as not just a quiz, but a professional networking and skill-enhancement forum for chefs.

Chef Damodaran said, “QuizBites 4.0 was an exhilarating event that demonstrated the extraordinary talent within South India’s culinary community. It’s inspiring to see chefs push the boundaries of their creativity, knowledge, and skill. The passion and camaraderie at this event speak volumes about the future of our culinary industry.”

As host and driving force behind the initiative, Ispahani Centre ensured seamless execution and a premium experience, leveraging the elegant setting of the GRT Grand to deliver a professionally curated event. Over four seasons, the Centre has positioned QuizBites as a consistent and credible industry property that celebrates excellence and fosters community.

Mr. Kesan, Director of Ispahani Centre, said, “We are proud to host the fourth season of QuizBites and see how the platform has grown year after year. The enthusiasm and participation show us the strength of South India’s culinary talent. We look forward to nurturing initiatives that bring professionals together and spotlight excellence.”

Backed by Ispahani Centre, the South Indian Culinary Association, and Anjali Oils, QuizBites 4.0 further cemented its standing as South India’s foremost culinary knowledge platform for four successful seasons in, and continuing to scale new heights.

The Chennai outlet spans approximately 400 sq. ft. and is configured with four nail stations, three pedicure loungers, a dedicated lash and brow zone, and a digital-first booking and payment infrastructure supporting UPI and card transactions. The space has been designed to reflect the brand’s aesthetic identity – minimal, modern interiors with a beige-chrome palette – while maintaining operational efficiency. Critically, every service on the menu is designed to be completed within 60 minutes, a deliberate operational commitment that sets YBE apart from conventional salons and directly addresses the time constraints of its core clientele: working professionals and college students who expect quality without the wait.

YBE’s service offering spans three categories. The nails menu includes gel polish applications – among them Cat Eye and Nail Art formats – Gel X systems, manicures, and pedicures. Lash services cover Classic, Hybrid, and Volume extensions, as well as lash lifting. The brow bar offers lamination, tinting, and shaping. A number of these treatments, including Gel X application, advanced nail art techniques, lash lifting, and brow lamination, are not widely available in a standalone salon format in Chennai, positioning YBE as an early entrant in the city’s organised beauty bar segment. All techniques are drawn from international markets and delivered by a team trained by professionals from TIP&TOE, with senior technicians overseeing quality and consistency at the outlet.

The brand’s pricing model is designed to bridge the gap between premium and budget offerings. Gel polish and mani-pedi services are priced at accessible rates for the target demographic, lash services are competitively positioned against premium salons, and introductory offers are available at launch.

Chennai was identified as the first location on the basis of its rapidly growing urban youth population – college students, young working professionals, and content creators – and the relative absence of organised, specialised beauty bar formats in the city. YBE is structured as a scalable, franchise-ready model, with expansion planned across metro and Tier 1 cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, and subsequent rollout into Tier 2 markets.

“YBE has been built to address a clear gap in the Indian beauty market – a focused, process-driven format that delivers international-standard services at a price point accessible to the Gen Z and young professional consumer. Chennai is the right starting point, and we are committed to building a consistent, quality-led experience as we scale.” – says Manisha Surave , South Zonal Operation Head, Grey Trendy Professional Pvt Ltd.

Salon Address:

Second Floor, No. 46,
Besant Avenue Street,
Urur, Adyar, Chennai – 600020.

Sharanya Manivannan the author of seven books across fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, including Incantations Over Water and the South Asia Laadli Award-winning, The High Priestess Never Marries. She captivated attendees with curated readings and candid conversations, exploring themes of love, identity, and self-discovery beyond conventional narratives.

The event witnessed an engaged turnout of readers who gathered to experience literature in an intimate, cosy coffee-table setting. The interactive format fostered heartfelt conversations and meaningful exchanges, perfectly echoing the spirit of Valentine’s Day by celebrating connection, storytelling, and the power of shared words.

This Valentine’s Day, Phoenix Marketcity Chennai offered patrons an experience of love beyond the ordinary, where stories resonated and books emerged as meaningful expressions of connection. Through initiatives like these, the destination continues to curate culturally enriching experiences that extend beyond retail.

Sharanya Manivannan is an award-winning writer and illustrator and the author of seven books of fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, including the graphic novel Incantations Over Water and the acclaimed short story collection The High Priestess Never Marries, which won the South Asia Laadli Award. Her body of work has been recognised by leading literary platforms and festivals. Known for her lyrical storytelling and deeply introspective narratives, her presence adds a thoughtful layer to Crossword’s Valentine’s Day celebration.

The author-led experience brings together literature and mindful moments, as Sharanya Manivannan hosts an intimate coffee-table session – reading from her books, engaging in reflective conversations with readers, and creating a warm space for interaction and dialogue. At Crossword, love is reimagined beyond romance – celebrating the joy of writing, reading, and self-expression.

This Valentine’s Day, Phoenix Marketcity Chennai invites patrons to experience love beyond the ordinary, where stories speak, words heal, and books become the most meaningful gift of all.

The opening saw Chennai’s popular voices from culture, fashion, and fitness come together to experience New Balance’s evolving retail vision—one that moves beyond conventional shopping to create spaces where performance and lifestyle coexist naturally. Actress Malavika Mohanan also joined the celebration, adding to a moment that brought together the city’s evolving cultural community. From everyday essentials to design-forward icons, the store brings together heritage craftsmanship and modern innovation under one roof.

The launch momentum continued into the following morning with a New Balance community run, bringing together more than 100 runners from across the city at Express Avenue Mall. The run reflected a strong sense of community building and shared purpose that remains central to the New Balance’s ethos, with participants also experiencing newly launched 1080 v15.

Radeshwer Davar, Country Manager, New Balance India, said: “The response to New Balance in India over the past couple of years has been extremely encouraging. We’ve increased our retail footprint in the last 2 years and are on track to accelerate that growth further in 2026. Southern India has been a key driver of this momentum, with our presence in the region doubling in the last 6 months. Chennai continues to stand out for its deep appreciation of quality, performance, and design, and our new store at Express Avenue allows us to of er a more elevated, community-driven experience to the people of Chennai.”

Malavika Mohanan added: “It’s always special to be back home in a city that carries such incredible energy. New Balance represents individuality and movement in a very authentic way – staying true to its identity while blending sport and culture seamlessly. I’ve been a huge fan of the brand and seeing that philosophy come alive in this new store at Express Avenue makes the launch especially meaningful.”

The New Balance store at Express Avenue Mall has opened on the first floor, offering a refined retail experience shaped by performance, culture, and community.

Rounaak Shiv, an 11th-grade student from Bengaluru, has emerged as a young historical writer inspired by stories narrated by his grandmother and by the works of Kalki. With a deep interest in Chola history and Indian heritage, he dedicated his debut novel Aazhikondan to the late Kalki after extensive research. Also a cricketer, Rounaak aspires to present the grandeur of the Chola Empire to today’s generation from a fresh and engaging perspective.

At the event, the print edition of the book was released by Professor Dr. G. Deivanayagam and received by renowned writer Kalachakram Narasimha. The e-book edition was launched by
noted author Pattukottai Prabhakar, while the audio book edition was released by Siva Anand,Director of Madras Talkies. The event also featured a special address by eminent historian Dr.
K.V.S. Maruthu Mohan.

The publisher behind this release, Pustaka Digital Media Private Limited, has been a prominent name in India’s digital publishing industry since 2014. Over the past decade, the company has published more than 11,900 e-books, 3000+ print books, and 400+ audio books, marking a significant milestone in the publishing space. With a network of over 950 authors, Pustaka’s
success is strongly attributed to its transparent and ethical publishing practices. The company stands as a pioneer in taking Tamil literary works to a global audience and has released
Aazhikondan as part of its continued efforts to encourage and nurture young writers.