For decades, a trip to PVR INOX has meant escaping into the world of Bollywood blockbusters or Marvel mayhem. Little did I know that one day I’d sit in the same plush theatre and watch Cole Palmer wrap his left heel around a football and send it soaring across the West London sky!
When I heard about PVR INOX teaming up with the Star Sports Network to screen Premier League matches, my excitement hit fever pitch. As a die-hard Chelsea fan, the news that their clash with Arsenal would be the debut screening in Kolkata made it an unmissable prospect. So, on November 10, at quarter to 10pm, I swapped my couch for the cinema and stepped into South City Mall, hoping for a unique football experience.
To my dismay, the hall was emptier than Chelsea’s trophy cabinet in recent years. A mere dozen fans — just enough to field a football team — were scattered across the theatre. Among them, the loyalty seemed evenly split between Arsenal and Chelsea. With a tub of popcorn in hand, I parked myself in a prime seat, trying not to let the subdued atmosphere dampen my spirits.
‘This big-screen experience is unique, but the turnout is disappointing’
For brothers Aman and Ansh Binani, the screening was a mixed bag Debrup Chaudhuri
The match viewing itself was as immersive as you’d expect on a giant screen, but the lack of energy in the room stung. When Kai Havertz (briefly) silenced Chelsea fans with an offside goal, I almost lost my temper. By the time VAR confirmed the decision, I was half-standing, yelling something unpublishable. Yet, the absence of a roaring crowd meant my outburst echoed awkwardly.
At half-time, I decided to chat with fellow fans. One of them, Arjun Talapatra, a 30-year-old doctor and lifelong Arsenal supporter, shed light on alternative viewing setups. “We usually do screenings at TopCat or BJ’s Sports Lounge for Rs 400-500, including food and drinks,” he shared. “This big-screen experience is unique, but the turnout is disappointing. If there was one centralised screening location, the crowd would’ve been better, and the atmosphere more electrifying.” Arjun’s point about cost hit home. “We paid Rs 350 for tickets, plus more on food. If PVR INOX offered a combo deal for tickets and snacks, it’d make a big difference,” he suggested.
Amit Singh, a 31-year-old Arsenal fan, agreed: “We’d be happy to pay even triple the price of regular screenings if PVR INOX could bundle food and drinks and host all fans in one hall. The vibe of a full house is what makes these matches special.”
For Chelsea fans Aman and Ansh Binani, brothers who attended in full blue gear, the screening was a mixed bag. “The comfort and quality were top-notch, but fan club screenings are much more fun,” said Aman, a 27-year-old master’s student. He added, “Still, Chelsea’s resurgence under Enzo Maresca makes me optimistic. Watching this kind of football on a big screen is a treat — if only there are more fans to share it with!”
Better marketing, more centralised locations and attractive combo offers
In terms of immersive viewing, the big screen is impossible to match Debrup Chaudhuri
The quirkiest attendee was 26-year-old Anjali Damani, who had little clue about offside rules but boasted enviable live football credentials. “I’ve watched Barcelona at Camp Nou — Xavi Hernandez’s last match, in fact — and even PSG games in Paris,” she grinned. When asked how this experience compared, she laughed: “It doesn’t. Camp Nou is incomparable. But I’ll give PVR INOX credit for comfy seats and a fantastic view!”
As for me, a 1-1 draw meant I left South City feeling like a hybrid of Bukayo Saka and Palmer — present but not particularly impactful. The only consolation? A refill on my popcorn, which I gleefully tossed like confetti when Pedro Neto scored the equaliser, 10 minutes after Gabriel Martinelli had given Arsenal the lead.
Chelsea and Arsenal settled for a point at Stamford Bridge, while the writer settled for an experience that left him torn Getty Images
The experience left me torn. While the cinematic spectacle was excellent, the lack of crowd buzz made it feel flat. At Rs 414 for tickets and another Rs 1,500 on snacks, the economics didn’t quite add up. My large TV at home, a Disney+ Hotstar subscription, and home-cooked snacks suddenly seemed like a much better deal.
Football deserves passion, noise and camaraderie. Until that happens, I might stick to my sofa, or head to a lively sports bar, the next time Chelsea take the field.
