The Maximum City is known for its hustle, bustle and work stress. It feels that the corporations are turning into Squid Game, except here people are not killed but kicked out of the job. One company actually did that – calling out people who felt stressed and then sacked them!
To counter the stress and anxiety that the folks in the city go through, people have come up with innovative options in Mumbai. Rage rooms, escape rooms are just a few of them.
2024 saw a substantial increase in these adult activity rooms that were different from the usual stuff and much more fructifying and efficient in busting stress.
Rage Rooms
On way back home after a hectic workday, the frustrated person is prone to vent out anger on the fellow passengers in the train or rickshawalla. For times like this we have the Rage Room. “I always wanted to help people feel better and less stressed. That’s how the idea of Rage Room started. It’s like having fun while letting out all the heavy feelings inside,” Ananya Shetty, founder of Rage Room, says.
Rage Rooms help release tension. “When you’re upset or stressed, breaking something in a safe space helps release those feelings. It’s like letting go of the anger or sadness. After smashing things, many people feel relaxed and lighter. It’s like a big weight is lifted off their shoulders,” she adds.
Studies say that rage rooms are effective because research has proven that hectic activity can take off the burden of your mind. “Yes, studies show that physical activities, like breaking things, can help people feel calmer. It helps you express emotions in a healthy way instead of keeping them bottled up. We’ve also seen it work for so many visitors who leave feeling happy and peaceful.”
Mumbai’s rage room offers quite a few activities that will help you release your bottled-up feelings. You can break glass, smash bottles, or even destroy a TV or laptop. And it’s a myth that rage rooms are only for those who are angry and/or stressed. “No, it’s not just for stress!” emphasises Ananya.
“People also visit to celebrate birthdays, have fun with friends, or just do something exciting and different. It’s a happy place where you can let your feelings out and enjoy at the same time,” she adds.
Escape Rooms
Ashish Yadav, 22, is the brain behind the Rare Escape, escape room in Mumbai. He talks about how he made a space for people to escape the everyday and get into something fun, “The concept stemmed from my love for storytelling and creating memorable experiences. I realized I could craft immersive worlds where people could dive into puzzles, mysteries, and adventures, turning their imaginations into reality.”
Escape rooms are not just for ‘escaping’. They can be utilised for constructive purposes as well. For example, they are great for team building. “Escape rooms are teamwork in action. They push players to think on their feet, communicate clearly, and rely on one another. The fast-paced environment enhances leadership, collaboration, coordination, and problem-solving skills. It’s not just a game, it’s a thrilling experience that builds trust and brings people closer together,” says Yadav.
Escape rooms have now become a favourite activity for birthday parties and corporate events, the founder says, “Mumbai thrives on creativity, and escape rooms offer the perfect mix of thrill and innovation. They’ve become a go-to for celebrating birthdays, hosting corporate events, and taking a break from the daily grind. The immersive and interactive nature of escape rooms continues to draw people in, making them a growing trend in the city.”
Adult Ball Pits
Have you ever felt envious of children and secretly wished you could go back to your childhood so that you can play in theme parks and jump in ball pits? You can do that now. Mumbai has an adult ball pit now.
Altitude, Ball In, Ball Out is open for all those who would love to jump in a ball pit and let the inner child come out. The theme park for adults is one of its kind. Staying true to its tagline ‘Unleash the inner child’ this theme park has become quite popular.
Nishita Shah, Founder, Altitude, Ball In, Ball Out, says, “When we first opened, we thought people might not fully understand the idea of “unleashing your inner child,” but to our surprise, the response has been incredible! Customers are having the time of their lives —whether it’s a birthday party or a casual hangout, they’re loving every moment here. It’s become the perfect place to just have fun and celebrate.”
She talks about her tagline, “The idea behind our tagline, is all about giving adults a chance to let go and have fun without any judgment. There’s nowhere else in Mumbai or even in India, where you can dive into a ball pit with your friends and act like a kid again. It’s all about embracing that carefree spirit, no matter your age!”
The popularity of activity rooms and spaces has increased in last one year. Mumbaikars are leaving behind the old school parks as they now enjoy activity themed spaces. Whether it’s the adult ball pit, mystery rooms or rage rooms, the recent trends tell us a lot about the change in the choices and options for young adults to spend time.
