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Forum Mall - Chennai


Decided to do a mall visit at the end year which was otherwise outings deprived due to covid pandemic.

Located in the busy part of Chennai, Vadapalani this shopping giant has just removed the traces of the Vijaya marriage halls - Vijaya sesha mahal and Vijaya vani mahal. Once popular and elite marriage halls have paved way to the Forum Vijaya mall housing the most famous brand stores. Near to the Vadapalani bus terminus this mall lies long side the Vijaya hospital. Vijaya Vahini studios of yester years has morphed itself against times. Vadapalani metro station provides commute to the mall through battery operated car service. Many convenient modes to travel to the mall for the city dwellers.

The entrance to the mall ensures sanitizing and temperature check. When we entered from the parking lot also the same process was followed. The shopping mall floor numbers were different from that of the parking lot. While entering from the second floor of the parking we landed in the floor of the shopping zone.

Came across the temporary stalls first. Small time vendors had put in their stalls selling eatables, dresses, bangles and toys. One of the stall selling foldable chair said that they are here since the Chennai trade centre exhibitions are not happening now due to covid. All stalls pretty much looked like the ones we would see in the Nandanam premises.

After some shopping in the first floor we moved to the ground floor which houses the traditional brands of Nalli and RMKV. Further below, in the basement is the huge Spar super market and food shops around its corridor. Unlike the one in VR Mall, this branch of Spar is occupying a huge space in one floor. Offers and discounts on products where galore due to end of year sales. For shopping more than Rs2500, a coupon for Rs.250 is offered for your next purchase.

In the third floor is the cinema complex - Palazzo. This is decorated glamorously. The IMAX screens are in the state of the art facility. The remaining space in this floor is occupied by the food court. Since the reopen after covid the food court doesn't seem to be back to normal. Pre-loaded food cards are not given, at the same time cash is not accepted. Credit or Debit cards only are accepted at all food shops in the food court.

Looks like the mall and its food court is still in the path to recovery since covid. Hope it gets back to its heels soon.



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Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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