Flipkart plans to enter live events, ticketing market in India, to compete with BookMyShow, Zomato’s District: Report

Flipkart, the Indian e-commerce firm owned by Walmart, plans to sell movie and concert tickets in India, moving into a fast-growing space as consumers spend more on entertainment, two sources familiar with the matter said.

India’s live events and ticketing market has gained momentum in the past year as demand for large-scale concerts, international tours and sports spectacles has increased, attracting tens of thousands of fans in major cities, led by the country’s lucrative cricket calendar.

Is Flipkart aiming to launch in May?

Flipkart is aiming to enter the market in May, taking on Accel-backed BookMyShow and Zomato’s District to capitalize on rising disposable incomes and wider smartphone usage in the world’s most populous country, one of the sources said.

Flipkart is preparing to roll out pilot food deliveries from May, the second source said, adding that timelines may change as plans evolve.

The company did not respond to a request seeking comment.

Flipkart is laying the groundwork for an initial public offering in India, including moving its holding company back to the country, reshuffling senior management and strengthening business units such as its fashion arm Myntra.

India’s online ticketing and food delivery leaders have seen growth through heavy spending and deep discounts. Flipkart’s plans will take it into highly competitive, low-margin sectors dominated by established rivals.

Years of investor-financed expansion have seen India’s food delivery market dominated by Zomato and Swiggy; Smaller competitors have been left out and profitability remains elusive despite strong urban demand.

Founded in 2007 as an online bookseller, Flipkart competes with Amazon in India’s growing e-commerce market. When Google bought a $350 million stake from Alphabet, following its $16 billion controlling buyout of Walmart six years ago, it was worth around $37 billion in 2024.