Christie has played a role in illuminating the Thiruvalluvar Statue in Tamil Nadu with a laser light and sound show as part of the statue’s silver jubilee celebrations. This remarkable installation, inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, combines projection technologies with cultural storytelling to create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Perched on a small island near the coastal town of Kanyakumari, the 41m tall (statue is brought to life with six Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB pure laser projectors, delivering imagery on the statue’s facade. A Christie M 4K25 RGB pure laser projector complements the installation, screening visuals for audiences watching from the mainland.
The nightly laser projection show, put together by Christie’s partner MSS World, celebrates the teachings of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar through his literary masterpiece, Thirukkural, with narration in both Tamil and English.
Pratik Wadhwa, CEO, MSS World, said: “We selected Christie RGB pure laser projectors for their unparalleled performance and durability in large-scale outdoor installations. The Griffyn series’ RGB pure laser illumination provides exceptional colour vibrancy, while its rugged yet compact footprint allowed us to overcome various onsite challenges and deliver stunning imagery and seamless operation.”
The project faced significant challenges stemming from the demanding coastal environment. Positioned 650m away, the source required marine-grade cables to transmit content across the sea to the projectors mounted on a rocky outcrop near the statue. The long throw distance of 420m further necessitated the use of custom-designed enclosures to protect the projectors and precise calibration to achieve optimal image quality. Despite these complexities, MSS World, in collaboration with content creation firm Knownsense Studios, delivered a seamless and visually captivating experience.
Wadhwa concluded: “The Thiruvalluvar Statue light and sound show exemplifies how modern projection technology can breathe new life into cultural heritage sites. This initiative not only enhances the site’s appeal but also underscores the role of technology in making cultural experiences more accessible and engaging.”