Virtual Reality : Part 4 - When Entertainment Meets Escapism

It wouldn’t really be a surprise for us to know that the entertainment industry is one of the biggest consumers of the VR technology. And, when we talk of entertainment in India, we can certainly not ignore Bollywood. Bollywood is the lifeline of Indian entertainment industry and our go-to medium of escape. So how would it feel when you come across the perfect amalgamation of two of the biggest mediums of escape? Simplifying it for you, we are here talking about what happens when Bollywood meets Virtual Reality. Seems like a distant dream? Well, it is not as the foundation has been laid and we are not really far from the day when we will be able to watch a full-fledged Virtual Reality feature film. 

When it comes to starting a trend and in this case, bringing Virtual Reality to Bollywood, it can be none other than the King of Bollywood and the most tech-friendly superstar around. Giving no points for guesses, yes we are talking about Shah Rukh Khan. SRK has always been known for bringing something new to the table in his movies. For all those who love SRK and Kajol and their flawless chemistry would love the song ‘Janam Janam’ from their last outing Dilwale. The fans would be mesmerized to see the making of Janam Janam which shows how effortlessly the duo romances each other and needless to say, they look lovely! 

Also, what’s special about this video is that it has been shot in a very unusual manner. This was the first time in India that a song was shot in 360-degree VR, making it a very immersive and a novel experience for the end users.  The first of its kind in the Indian Entertainment industry. You can actually touch and move inside the video with your finger up, down or sideways if you are watching the video on YouTube on your smartphone, to deeply enjoy the 360° view of the making of the song. Simply move your phone around or play with your touchscreen and scroll around to watch the video in an angle you prefer! And just in case you have an HMD for your smartphone at your disposal, then the experience is out of the world. That whole feeling of having your favorite stars so close to you cannot be put in words. 

Shah Rukh Khan shared the video on Twitter and wrote, “Xperience #JanamJanam in a new way! Bollywood’s first 360-degree video!This is the coolest thing I hav done techwise”. 

This was not the only time when Bollywood tried their hands at this immersive technology. SRK being himself made his co-star Kajol also a bigger part of his endeavor. After one-of-its-kind experiences of shooting Janam Janam in VR, SpectraVR Studios got the opportunity to do a special VR interview with Kajol. VR has literally made being up, close and personal with your favorite stars possible. 

Well, the big step has been taken by the biggest star of the industry and as we said, all we can now hope is for a full-fledged Virtual Reality feature film. Hope our stars and their stars are listening.