Things to do in Mumbai this weekend

Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Mumbai this weekend? The city is buzzing with a variety of events and exhibitions that cater to all interests, from art and theatre to comedy and cinema. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a theatre enthusiast, or someone looking for a good laugh, Mumbai has something special in store for you. Here are some top picks to make your weekend unforgettable.

‘Karawaan and Other Works’ at Chemould Prescott Road [May 5th to May 31st]

‘Karawaan and Other Works’ is an individual exhibition by Gulammohammed Sheikh, an artist, a writer, and a historian. These three facets of his knowledge and work have fostered fruitful conversations over the years and have jointly shaped his work. Using all-embracing motifs like the tree of life and map of the world, formats like the accordion book and the kaavad, and figures like Kabir have all come together cohesively in ‘Karawaan’ and become meaningful symbols. The present exhibition, with its imposing ark with kindred artists and poets and precious cargo of cultural memories negotiating turbulent waves, a large map of our troubled world with St. Francis and Kabir flanking it like guardian saints, its double-faced panels with images offering countervailing visions, and small kaavads that open up the world and the city for intimate scrutiny is the latest chapter in this ongoing endeavour.

You can visit this space between 10:00 am—6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

‘Matilda the Musical’ at NMACC [May 16th to June 2nd]

Visit NMACC to see the multi-award winning production brought to India by the Cultural Centre for the first time! Inspired by the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, ‘Matilda’ is the story of an extraordinary little girl who proves that you can do big things, even though you’re little. With original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and directed by Matthew Warchus, this sparkling production has won 101 international awards including 24 Best Musical Awards to its name. From a grand Broadway opening at The Shubert Theatre to its triumphant North American, Australian, and International tours, this jet-setting musical even premiered in Tokyo with a fantastic Japanese production. ‘Matilda’ went on to smash theatre land records when it scooped a total of seven awards at the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards, securing its place in The Guinness Book of World Records for most Laurence Olivier award wins.

While every minute detail of the musical conspires to spark a vivid world of imagination in children, its surreal narrative, stellar cast, foot-tapping music, vibrant costumes, and enchanting sets make it a punchy tonic of good cheer for audiences of all ages. Senior citizens may avail a discount of 20%.

You can attend this show during the afternoon or evening slot on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

‘Boundless Horizons’ at Tao Gallery [May 25th to May 31st]

Elephant Canvas, a pioneer in revolutionary Digital Fine Art technology has brought together a range of artists for a first of its kind show, ‘Boundless Horizons’ at Tao Art Gallery.  Showcasing the works of established names such as Valay Shende, Gigi Scaria, Jagannath Panda, Seema Kohli as well as mid-career artists like Bhaskar Rao Botcha, Laxman Aelay, Madhuri Bhaduri and others, the exhibit presents artworks that are not static cultural objects but emerge as living, breathing entities,  inviting viewers to an immersive virtual journey. Combining animated movements, creativity, 3D Modelling and animation, this exhibition presents artworks that present the possibility of interactivity in a three dimensional format. It has emerged as a presentation of art in a modern yet – accessible form for  young collectors, homeowners with a taste for technology & art, design mavericks, and interior designers who want to offer a taste of new age, global formats to clients. The exhibit holds a mirror towards the art scene of tomorrow: the integration of AI and virtual reality, revolutionising the potential of the way we see and experience art.

You can visit this space between 11:00 am—7:00 pm on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

‘Kenny’s Comedy On the Spot!’ at The Habitat [June 2nd]

Kenneth (Kenny) Sebastian, a Bangalore-based stand-up comedian, show runner, musician and improviser is one of the biggest English comedy acts in India. He has been creating content fit for both the Internet and the stage since 2010 and has delivered over 2000 shows around the world. His comedy prowess is seen in his Amazon special, “Don’t be That Guy”, and Comedy Central’s “The Living Room”. This weekend, Kenny Sebastian graces Mumbai’s The Habitat to improvise and make up jokes “on the spot” with no time to prepare. If you’re looking for a laugh after a stressful week, this is the place to be!

You can watch this show at 8:00 pm on Sunday.

‘Gandi Baat’ at 47 A [May 4th to June 2nd]

47 A’s upcoming show titled ‘Gandi Baat’ curated by Swarup Dutta, is centred around an overarching theme of ‘Design Activism’.
The ‘designer’ here plays a role of an ‘activist’ bringing in focus various political discourses, engaging the ‘user’ and igniting curiosity. The process fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between design, activism, and politics. The show is tactfully aligned with India’s 2024 general elections, making powerful statements on the same.

You can visit this space between 11.00am—7:00pm on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Movies on the big screen in theatres across the city [no dates]

No number of OTT platforms can take away from the surreal experience of watching movies on the big screen. Mumbai’s theatres are filled with spectacular shows this weekend, and there is something on the reels for everyone. If you’re looking for some new releases and fresh stories, opt for action comedy “Fall Guy” starring Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling or, the sports biopic “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi” with Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkumar Rao. And in case you need to bring along some kids to keep busy and entertained this weekend then “If” with Ryan Reynolds is the perfect choice. If you’re an old soul, searching for some nostalgia on screen, you can watch “Rockstar”, “Jab We Met”, “Tamasha” or the ever classic “Dilwale Dhulania Le Jayenge”. For those who missed some amazing 2024 releases and couldn’t stop hearing about from their friends, the it’s time to catch up on your media with “Challengers”, “Crew” or “Laapataa Ladies”. If you’re looking for some great picks to watch but are bored of the OTT binge routine, it’s time to get yourself into the theatres and catch these films.

You can book your shows for Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

‘Simple Tales: Attend’ at Chatterjee & Lal [May 21st to June 22nd]

Chatterjee & Lal has hosted periodically the exhibition series ‘Simple Tales’ over the last fifteen year with each iteration bringing together objects from across timelines and mediums and recognising that storytelling is key to the subcontinent’s art and design histories. Objects have been chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the tales they can tell. ‘Attend’ is an exhibition that argues for the continuing relevance of connoisseurship in the visual arts. Whilst in other cultural fields the discernment of quality is alive and well the same cannot be said of the visual arts, where connoisseurship has become a byword for elitism. There are signs of this changing, and it can be argued that ‘attending’ to individual artworks is, in fact, a radical act; one that pushes back against the superficial consumption of spectacle that seems to define so many of the art world’s most prized events.

You can visit this space between 12.00pm—7:00pm on Friday or Saturday.

‘Liminal Gaps’ at NMACC Art House [March 31st to June 9th]

‘Liminal Gaps’ is a contemporary Indian visual art show that explores the spaces ‘in between’, or transitional spaces and is the Cultural Centre’s first to showcase only Indian artists, aiming to reshape perspectives on India’s evolving cultural identity.  The works in this showcase tackle liminal spaces and gaps, interpreted by each artist differently, either through a physical, metaphorical, or even emotional lens. Featuring four floors of intriguing interdisciplinary and conceptual artists such as Ayesha Singh, Raqs Media Collective, Asim Waqif and Afrah Shafiq, the unique group art show has been curated by Mafalda Millies Kahane and Roya Sachs. The international creative house has previously curated the absurdist exhibit ‘TOILETPAPER: RUN AS SLOW AS YOU CAN’, which garnered spectacular response at the Art House and is hoping to bring in an equally enthusiastic crowd from ‘Liminal Gaps’.

You can book your visit to this space between 11.00am—8:00pm on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.