BUDGET: 10 crore INR and above (USD1.48 million and above)
Project Overview
The Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari, standing 133 feet tall at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, is a revered symbol of Tamil heritage. Having weathered earthquakes and harsh marine conditions, it represents resilience and cultural pride.
Modern Stage Services (Projects) was entrusted with creating a 3D projection mapping show on this iconic monument—an unprecedented fusion of technology, art, and philosophy. Using 3D laser projection, synchronised lighting, and 5.1 surround sound, we transformed a silent statue into a vibrant storyteller reciting ancient Tamil couplets in an engaging, contemporary format.
High-lumen RGB laser projectors were deployed on the mainland, and a marine-grade fibre optic network was laid underwater to enable real-time AV synchronisation between the viewing gallery and the offshore statue. The result is a permanent, high-impact installation.
Beyond its technical brilliance, the project is a cultural revival—rekindling interest in the Thirukkural among locals and tourists, especially younger audiences. The statue now serves not just as a monument but as a living legacy that bridges ancient wisdom with modern storytelling tools.
What did the client want to achieve?
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) envisioned a permanent, meaningful show that would breathe life into the Thiruvalluvar Statue using cutting-edge multimedia technology. Their objective was twofold:
1. Cultural Revival – To present Thiruvalluvar’s 1330 couplets in a format that resonates with today’s audiences, particularly youth. The content had to be simple, powerful, and enjoyable while preserving the philosophical depth of the Thirukkural.
2. Tourism Development – TTDC aimed to extend footfall beyond daylight hours and transform the area into a vibrant evening attraction. By adding a nighttime spectacle, they hoped to boost local engagement, increase tourist stays, and create new opportunities for cultural tourism.
The final deliverable was expected to be emotionally impactful, culturally respectful, visually stunning, and technically robust enough to operate year-round in coastal weather conditions, an international-grade installation celebrating Tamil heritage.
Scope of work your company was involved in
We handled the project from concept to execution, with a long-term operational commitment.
Pre-Production: We began with a detailed site survey, incl. environmental, logistical, and technical aspects. Our creative team developed the concept, script, and visuals. Two 25-minute shows (in Tamil & English) were produced using animation, narration and sound design.
Hardware & Installation: We installed 3D laser projectors, 5.1 audio systems, IP-rated lighting, Pixera media servers, Lightware processors, and Visual Productions lighting control systems. A 500-metre underwater Belden fibre optic cable connected the statue with the mainland control room for AV sync. The viewing gallery was upgraded with seating, sound, and lighting.
Engineering: All equipment was housed in custom stainless steel IP66 enclosures, mounted on vibration-proof, corrosion-resistant platforms with desiccant systems to withstand harsh coastal conditions.
Operations & Maintenance: We took a 5-year O&M contract, including trained staff, spare provisioning, and routine servicing. A weatherproof control room with UPS backup and fire safety ensures uninterrupted nightly operation.
We delivered an installation that is visually stunning, culturally rich, and technically robust, built to last in harsh coastal conditions.
What Key Challenges were faced?
• Extreme Marine Conditions: Gale-force winds, salt-laden humidity, and constant spray posed a serious threat to electronic components and optics.
• Hardware Durability: Standard AV gear would fail quickly. All equipment had to be marine-grade, IP-rated, and vibration-resistant.
• Projection Surface Complexity: The statue’s dark, rough granite and curved form created serious challenges for brightness, contrast, and pixel alignment.
• 3D Geometry & Calibration: Sub-millimetre precision was required to map visuals onto the uneven 133-ft statue using LiDAR scanning and automated edge-blending.
• Island–Mainland Connectivity: With no RF reliability across open waters and no prior infrastructure, laying a high-speed, real-time AV data link was essential.
• Cultural Sensitivity: The content (text, imagery, voiceovers) needed rigorous review to align with Tamil values, language precision, and historical context.
• Logistics & Timeline: Transporting materials, installing heavy equipment on a remote island, and managing tide-dependent operations within a strict deadline required precise coordination.
Each challenge required a blend of engineering innovation, cultural sensitivity, and logistical skill, ensuring timely delivery at a standard worthy of the site’s national importance.
How were those challenges resolved?
To overcome marine isolation, a 500-m underwater fibre optic cable was laid in seabed trenches, sealed in IP68 splice boxes, allowing zero-latency AV sync. Installation was done at low tide using diver-assisted trenching and sealing.
All AV hardware, including Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB and M25 4K projectors, was housed in custom stainless steel IP66 enclosures on vibration-isolated platforms. Internal desiccants and fans ensured long-term durability.
Projection mapping on rough granite was achieved using high-lumen projectors and Pixera servers. 3D LiDAR scans enabled precision modelling, while automated tools ensured sub-millimetre edge blending.
A marine-grade JBL AWC 5.1 sound system was installed in the viewing gallery and synchronised via fibre link. PR Lighting AQUA 350 IP65 moving heads provided dynamic lighting.
The control room included redundant UPS, power backup, temperature control, and fire suppression for uninterrupted operations.
Cultural accuracy was ensured through TTDC’s multi-phase approval involving historians, linguists, and cultural experts who vetted the script, animation, and narration. With precise planning, innovative engineering, and cultural respect, we delivered a world-class, future-ready installation in one of India’s most challenging environments.
How has your work helped the client
Our work enabled TTDC to reimagine the Thiruvalluvar Statue as a dynamic cultural attraction instead of a static landmark. The 3D projection mapping shows transformed Kanyakumari’s evenings, boosting tourism, increasing visitor stay duration, and energising the local economy.
The bilingual format in Tamil and English made the show accessible to a broader audience. It has become especially popular among school groups, families, and cultural tourists, helping revive interest in the Thirukkural and Tamil identity.
With the entire system designed for longevity and minimal maintenance, TTDC now benefits from a high-impact yet low-dependency installation. Local personnel trained by our team ensure smooth daily operations, reducing reliance on external vendors and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The installation also gave TTDC the ability to host special shows during festivals, national holidays, and state functions—enhancing cultural programming options.
In essence, we delivered not just a show but a cultural infrastructure asset that empowers TTDC to engage, educate, and inspire visitors year-round.
What are you most proud of about the project?
We’re most proud of turning a remote, weather-beaten granite statue into a world-class immersive experience. The Thiruvalluvar Projection Mapping Show is India’s first permanently installed offshore laser projection system—designed to operate flawlessly in one of the harshest environments.
But beyond technology, the real victory lies in emotional connection. We gave voice to an ancient philosopher through light, sound, and storytelling. Pilgrims now hear his couplets as they watch the waves. Children engage with Tamil wisdom in a format they understand. Tourists leave with a memory that’s both visual and meaningful.
It’s a project where engineering excellence met cultural reverence, and that’s a rare kind of pride.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/JyrTmrZ61Lg
