Crimson Series illuminate Gateway of India

MUMBAI – Christie^® is pleased to announce that its high-brightness Crimson Series 3DLP^® laser projectors are delivering big, bright visuals for a new light and sound show at the Gateway of India, an iconic arch-monument built in the early 20th century.

Located on the waterfront at the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai, the Gateway of India was erected to celebrate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary on their visit to India in 1911. Standing at 26 meters (85 feet) in height and made of basalt, it has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is among the city’s top tourist attractions.

The mesmerizing spectacle has been put together to commemorate India’s independence and 75th anniversary of the withdrawal of British troops from the country, as well as the contribution of Maharashtra in India’s struggle for Independence. The projectors were installed and commissioned by E Factor, a leading event planner that provides end-to-end solutions for the creation of unique experiences in India. A total of eight Christie Crimson WU31 laser projectors were used for this permanent installation.

“Over the past few years, Christie Crimson Series has breathed life into numerous landmarks across India, and we are well-versed with its exceptional specifications and capabilities,” said Jai Thakore, co-founder and chief operating officer, E Factor. “After conducting extensive market research, we chose the Crimson WU31 projector for this project, as it met all our requirements in terms of brightness, performance, and installation flexibility. We are excited to deploy them to showcase one of India’s most iconic landmarks in the best possible light.”

The E Factor team, in collaboration with Christie, designed and manufactured bespoke weatherproof enclosures for the Crimson WU31 projectors. These enclosures are equipped with intelligent automation systems that can detect any changes in temperature or humidity, ensuring that the projectors remain functional and secure. To prevent automation failure, E Factor installed an external parameter reading system that provides digitalized readings in real-time.

The projectors housed in enclosures are then fitted on towers positioned 100 meters (328 feet) away from the monument, ensuring that the projections are visible from a distance. To further enhance the visual experience, additional rolled-in screens are deployed on all three arches of the Gateway of India. This is the first time such an approach has been taken, resulting in a multi-dimensional and multi-layered experience that complements the existing façade of the Gateway of India.

“The Christie Crimson WU31 projectors exceeded our expectations in terms of brightness and color accuracy. They successfully showcased specially created visual content on the façade of the Gateway of India monument, much to the satisfaction of our stakeholders. We are proud of the outcome and the impact that it has had on the monument’s overall visual appeal,” Thakore added.

Rishubh Nayar, sales director for India, Enterprise, Christie, commented, “We’re thrilled that the Gateway of India is illuminated using our Crimson WU31 laser projectors for this magnificent light and sound show, which commemorates Maharashtra’s significant role in India’s Independence movement. We extend our warmest congratulations to the E Factor team for creating an awe-inspiring spectacle that aptly showcases the full potential of our laser projectors, which have garnered a reputation for delivering exceptional results in various large-scale projection mapping projects across India.”

Engineered to withstand the rigors of demanding, high-usage applications, the Christie Crimson Series projectors are built tough and feature an IP5X-sealed, solid-state laser light source providing years of reliable, low-cost and virtually maintenance-free operation. Equipped with 31,500 lumens, these high-brightness laser ​projectors produce bright and stunningly colorful images. Along with the ultra-fast processing of Christie TruLife^™ electronics and built-in warp and blend capabilities of Christie Twist​^™, they offer installation flexibility and amazing visual experiences. In India, the Crimson Series has been used in major projects such as the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, Statue of Equality in Hyderabad, and Milan Mela complex in Kolkata.