How rage rooms are redefining anger and stress relief in India

The idea is simple yet cathartic: don protective gear, choose from an array of breakable objects––from plates to electronic devices––and channel your anger, stress, or anxiety into smashing them, all in a controlled environment. Rage rooms stand out because they combine physical release with emotional catharsis, creating an experience that feels as much like therapy as entertainment.

But can rage rooms offer a lasting solution, or are they just a fleeting urban fad? To understand more, indianexpress.com spoke to people who have used rage rooms, along with mental health experts and rage room business owners.

Personal experiences

For some, like Arjun Tyagi, rage rooms provide an immediate and active form of stress relief. “Meditation or yoga requires time and patience, but I needed something more physical and instant,” said Tyagi, an account manager.

Will rage rooms become a lasting feature of India’s urban landscape, or will they fade as a fleeting fad? (Source: Rage Room, Maniaroom Adventures Pvt. Ltd.)

“The idea of breaking things in a controlled environment sounded unique and liberating,” he said. The moment he started breaking objects, Tyagi felt a wave of release. “Smashing things allowed me to physically vent emotions I didn’t even realise I was holding onto—stress, anger, and frustration. Afterward, I felt lighter, calmer, and surprisingly more clear-headed. It was like a weight had been lifted, even if only temporarily,” he said.

Content creator and food blogger Vrunda Pansuriya, 20, however, found her experience less transformative. Intrigued after seeing Mumbai-based influencers talk about rage rooms, she decided to try it out. “Mentally, I didn’t feel much relief, but it was definitely fun to do once,” she said.

Do rage rooms offer mental health benefits?

Neha M Krishna, marketing head at Rage Room, Maniaroom Adventures Pvt. Ltd., told indianexpress.com, “Usually, people who come to a rage room either want to experience it once just for the thrill or because they are angry, frustrated, or stressed and want to let it out for a while. It actually helps.”
Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counselor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, shed light on how rage rooms or anger rooms offer “immediate physical release” of pent-up emotions, “providing a safe and controlled environment for individuals to channel their anger and stress.”

“Unlike traditional therapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or emotional regulation techniques, rage rooms do not address the root cause of the emotional distress,” she said.
Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist at Cadabams Mindtalk, said, “Anger and stress often result in physical tension, such as tightened muscles or increased heart rate. Engaging in physical activity, such as smashing objects, releases this built-up tension. Research in the Journal of Sports Sciences highlights how physical exertion can lower cortisol levels and trigger the release of endorphins, creating a temporary calming effect.”

She also said that breaking objects can serve as a metaphor for “breaking free” from emotional burdens or frustrations. This symbolic act provides a sense of control and empowerment, which is often lacking in stressful situations.

Where are the materials for rage rooms sourced from? (Source: Cafe Bhadaas)

How rage rooms work

Rage rooms provide a safe space to express anger without fear of judgment or real-world consequences. This allows individuals to explore their emotions without harming themselves or others.

Atul Malikram, owner of Cafe Bhadaas, Indore, brought the rage room concept to India in 2017 after discovering its popularity in Australia and Germany. Drawing from his own childhood habit of breaking things to vent anger, Malikram wanted to offer a safer, structured outlet.

At his cafe, Malikram sources items like broken laptops, computers, crockery, and furniture from scrap dealers, with costs depending on the item. “Customers can smash these items in specialised rooms equipped with helmets, safety gear, and supervision to ensure a secure experience. The venue also features a soundproof, dark room inspired by Australian stress-relief practices, allowing visitors to scream and vent in private,” he said.

Breakable items are sourced through regular vendors, Krishna said, and the inventory is replenished multiple times a month to maintain quality. “The safety measures are robust with strict rules and regular replacement of gear, resulting in minimal injuries,” she said. According to her, Rage Room mostly attracts Gen Z and corporate groups. She also said they have introduced breakup therapy and sessions to help de-stress after toxic workplace experiences.

The business offers a range of packages:

• ₹500: 10 minutes with six breakable items
• ₹800: 15 minutes with 18 breakable items
• ₹1,500: 30 minutes with 35–40 items
• TV Smash Party: ₹6,700 for a group of up to six people, including a TV and 65 other items

Despite the appeal, running a rage room comes with challenges. Malikram noted the high costs of inventory, rent, and replacing safety gear. Some also dismiss the concept as frivolous, arguing that traditional outlets like exercise or meditation are more effective.

Rage rooms provide a safe space to express anger without fear of judgment or real-world consequences. (Source: Rage Room, Maniaroom Adventures Pvt. Ltd.)

Drawbacks of using rage rooms as an outlet for emotional release

Rage rooms offer a unique mix of fun and catharsis, but experts stressed they’re no substitute for addressing deeper emotional issues.

Cadabam said, “Rage rooms address the symptom (anger) rather than its cause. Using them exclusively might lead to avoidance of deeper emotional or psychological issues that require introspection and professional help.”

Khangarot pointed out how rage rooms may normalise destructive behaviour as a response to stress, which could lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms over time. “While it offers immediate release, it can inadvertently reinforce aggressive tendencies. If an individual relies solely on emotional outlets, they risk neglecting the emotional work required for healing,” she said.

Tyagi’s personal experience proves this. While the rage room gave him an intense physical outlet to expel his emotions, according to him, the relief, while satisfying, “didn’t offer the long-term balance I get from mindfulness or regular exercise; it works best as a quick fix.”

Cadabam also said that over-reliance on rage rooms can create a dependency, “where individuals feel unable to cope without engaging in such activities.”

The future

Malikram believes the concept has immense potential but acknowledges the need to evolve. After the pandemic disrupted operations, he temporarily closed his rage room to renovate and introduce fresh ideas. He plans to relaunch in January 2025 with new activities to reignite interest.

Krishna, meanwhile, said there has been significant growth in 2024, and that they expanded their offerings to include neon paint rooms and activities for younger participants under parental supervision. Looking ahead, her team plans nationwide expansion and franchise development in 2025.