Bluo
Bluo operates as a bowling and entertainment format.
PVR BluO, operating as a subsidiary of PVR INOX Ltd, was conceptualized as a strategic extension of the PVR brand into the broader out-of-home entertainment sector. It was established as a joint venture between India's PVR Ltd, which held a 51% stake, and Thailand's Major Cineplex Group, which held the remaining 49%. The venture, led by PVR's Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Bijli, aimed to diversify PVR's offerings beyond its core cinema exhibition business. The first BluO center, a 24-lane bowling alley, was launched in 2009 at Ambience Mall in Gurgaon, with an initial investment plan of Rs 100 crore to expand across major Indian cities.
The business operates within the recreational and family entertainment center market, targeting a wide demographic of children and adults looking for social and recreational activities. BluO's business model revolves around providing a premium, all-encompassing entertainment experience. Revenue is generated from fees for using the bowling alleys, food and beverage sales from its integrated world cuisine offerings, and other ancillary services. The centers were designed as complete lifestyle and entertainment zones, often located within popular shopping malls to capitalize on high foot traffic.
The core service of PVR BluO is providing high-quality bowling experiences with state-of-the-art alleys and equipment. Beyond bowling, the centers offered a plethora of other entertainment options, including karaoke lounges, Xbox gaming zones, tattoo parlors, and merchandise shops. This multi-faceted approach, combining sport with music, dining, and other leisure activities, created a distinct offering in the market. A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in August 2017, when PVR Ltd sold its entire stake in BluO to Smaaash Entertainment for Rs 86 crore. This divestment was part of PVR's strategy to offload non-core assets and concentrate on its primary cinema business, with the acquired centers subsequently rebranded under the Smaaash name.
Keywords: PVR BluO, entertainment center, bowling alley, family entertainment, recreational sport, PVR INOX Ltd, Ajay Bijli, Major Cineplex Group, Smaaash Entertainment, out-of-home entertainment, karaoke lounge, mall entertainment, lifestyle zone, corporate parties, social events, food and beverage, gaming lounge, leisure activities, Indian entertainment market