VR Mall Chennai: Location, Stores & Shops, Timings, Nearby Areas
Anna Nagar’s skyline changed in June 2018 when a gopuram-inspired façade, patterned after Madras checks, rose along Jawaharlal Nehru Road — announcing the arrival of VR Mall Chennai. Spread across roughly 10 lakh square feet of retail space, this shopping and entertainment hub has since become one of the largest and busiest malls in the city, drawing families, students, and shoppers from across North Chennai for its mix of fashion, food, and film. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or just need the mall’s timings and directions, here’s a complete, practical guide to VR Mall Chennai.

Quick Overview of VR Mall Chennai
|
Detail |
Information |
|
Full Name |
VR Chennai (VR Mall) |
|
Location |
Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar, Chennai |
|
Pin Code |
600040 |
|
Opened On |
18 June 2018 |
|
Developer/Owner |
Virtuous Retail (VR Group) |
|
Retail Area |
Approx. 10,00,000 sq ft |
|
Total Floors |
6 |
|
Number of Stores |
250+ |
|
Mall Timings |
10:30 AM – 10:00 PM (all 7 days) |
|
Cinema |
PVR ICON (10 screens) |
|
Contact Number |
+91 44 6670 5555 |
|
Nearest Metro Station |
Anna Nagar Tower / Thirumangalam Metro Station |
|
Parking |
Multi-level basement parking (paid) |
|
Website |
vrchennai.com |
Where Is VR Mall Located?
VR Mall sits on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in the Thirumangalam area of Anna Nagar West, one of Chennai’s most established residential and commercial neighbourhoods. The location works in the mall’s favour — it’s positioned along a major arterial road that connects Anna Nagar to Koyambedu, Vadapalani, and the rest of central Chennai, which is part of why it draws footfall from well beyond its immediate neighbourhood.
A few things that make the address easy to identify:
- It stands close to the Anna Nagar Tower, a well-known city landmark
- The mall is directly on the Inner Ring Road stretch, making it visible from a distance
- Landline and mobile connectivity in the surrounding area is strong, so navigation apps rarely misdirect visitors
A Look Inside: Architecture and Layout
The building itself is worth a mention before getting to the shopping list. Its exterior draws on the traditional South Indian gopuram, rendered in a multicoloured, checkered pattern inspired by Madras checks — a nod to the city’s textile heritage. Inside, the entrance area carries engraved maps tracing the Chera, Chola, and Pallava dynasties, giving the mall a distinct regional identity rather than the generic glass-and-steel look many malls default to.
Functionally, the mall is organised across six floors, with retail, dining, and entertainment zones distributed so that visitors can comfortably combine shopping with a movie or a meal in a single visit.
Stores and Shops You’ll Find at VR Mall
With over 250 stores, VR Mall’s brand mix is genuinely broad, covering nearly every retail category. Here’s how the major segments break down:
Fashion and Apparel
- H&M, Levi’s, Westside, Pantaloons, Max, Marks & Spencer
- Peter England, Van Heusen, Louis Philippe, Allen Solly, Blackberrys
- US Polo Assoc., Roadster, Flying Machine, Superdry, Tommy Hilfiger
Footwear and Accessories
- Bata, Crocs, Skechers, Hush Puppies, Metro Shoes
- Titan, Fastrack, Casio, Daniel Wellington, Swarovski, CaratLane
Beauty and Wellness
- Nykaa, MAC, Health & Glue, The Body Shop, Forest Essentials, Kama Ayurveda
- Toni & Guy and Essensuals for salon services
Electronics and Lifestyle
- Reliance Digital, Apple (via Aptronix), Samsung, OnePlus, Lenovo, Dell
- Home Centre for home décor and furnishings
Kids and Toys
- Hamleys, Mothercare
Entertainment
- PVR ICON, a 10-screen multiplex spread over roughly 80,000 sq ft, finished in an art deco style
This mix means a single trip can cover clothing shopping, a gadget upgrade, a haircut, and a movie — which is a large part of why the mall functions as a full-day destination rather than a quick-stop shopping centre.
Food and Dining Options
VR Mall’s food offering is arguably as strong as its retail lineup, spread across a dedicated food court plus several standalone restaurants. Options range from South Indian staples to international cuisine:
- South Indian and local favourites: Saravana Bhavan, Sangeetha, Anjappar, Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan
- Quick service and global chains: McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Domino’s, Subway, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut
- Cafés and desserts: Starbucks, Café Coffee Day, Krispy Kreme, Baskin Robbins, Belgian Waffle Co., Keventers
- Sit-down and specialty dining: Asia 7, Toscano, Punjab Grill’s street-food counter, Kailash Parbat
Given the number of outlets, mealtime crowds (especially weekend evenings) can mean short waits at the more popular counters, so arriving slightly ahead of peak lunch or dinner hours helps.
VR Mall Chennai Timings
The mall follows a consistent schedule across the week, which makes planning visits straightforward:
- Mall entry timings: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, all seven days
- Individual store timings: Most retail stores open around 11:00 AM, slightly later than the mall’s general opening time
- PVR ICON: Show timings vary by film and are best checked directly through the PVR app or website before heading out
- Peak crowd hours: Weekday evenings after 6 PM and most of Saturday-Sunday tend to see the highest footfall
If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, weekday mornings shortly after opening are usually the least crowded window.
Getting Around: Metro, Roads, and Parking
Roads
The mall’s Jawaharlal Nehru Road frontage connects easily to Anna Nagar’s internal road network as well as the Inner Ring Road, making it accessible by car, auto, or cab from most parts of North and Central Chennai without complicated routing.
Metro
Thirumangalam Metro Station, part of Chennai Metro’s Blue Line, is one of the closest metro stops, putting the mall within a short auto or walking distance for metro commuters. Anna Nagar Tower area also offers additional connectivity for those coming from further along the corridor.
Parking
The mall provides multi-level basement parking for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It is paid parking, and charges have occasionally drawn shopper complaints for being on the higher side compared to other Chennai malls, so it helps to factor this into your visit if you’re driving in during a peak period.
Areas Near VR Mall Chennai
The mall’s location in Anna Nagar West places it near several well-known residential and commercial pockets:
- Anna Nagar Tower and Anna Nagar Roundtana
- Thirumangalam
- Koyambedu (home to the wholesale market and bus terminus)
- Shenoy Nagar
- Aminjikarai
This puts VR Mall within easy reach for residents of these localities, and also makes it a convenient stop for anyone travelling through Koyambedu’s transport hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VR Mall Chennai open on public holidays?
Yes, the mall stays open on all public holidays following its regular 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM schedule, though timings for specific stores or the cinema may vary slightly during major festivals.
Does VR Mall have a dedicated kids’ play area?
The mall houses toy and children’s retail brands like Hamleys and Mothercare, but shoppers looking for dedicated play zones should check current in-mall activity zones directly, as these are occasionally rotated or seasonal.
Is two-wheeler parking available separately from car parking?
Yes, the basement parking facility accommodates both two-wheelers and cars, though both are charged, and rates for two-wheelers are generally lower than for cars.
How far is VR Mall from Chennai Central railway station?
VR Mall is roughly 8–9 km from Chennai Central, typically a 25–35 minute drive depending on traffic, and is also reachable via Chennai Metro through Thirumangalam station.