Meet the trio that made the viral VFX videos for Chess Olympiad

Loved the lantern balloons flying over Mahabalipuram Shore Temple in the Chess Olympiad Anthem that was composed by AR Rahman? Fascinated by how the Light House was also painted in shades of a chess board in viral videos on social media that promoted the recently concluded Chess Olympiad? Well, you have to thank Syed Abrar, Amir Khan and Abdul Razack, who were behind the VFX work that highlighted Chennai’s love for the game.
“We had seen a meme, which featured the repainted Napier Bridge done using UV texture, a VFX technique. We headed to the spot the next day to make a video; we wanted to do our bit to promote the prestigious Chess Olympiad and made a life-size chess game on the bridge using VFX,” begins Syed.
Amir pitches in, “We made a video with hot air balloons carrying chess pieces flying across the city and shared it online on our page, Rigged Indian. The official handle of the Chennai Chess Olympiad page reached out to us, asking if they could use that video. That same night, Vignesh Shivan, who was directing the anthem, sent a message, appreciating our work.”
The filmmaker also offered the trio a chance to incorporate CG work in the anthem’s video. "The video was already complete. So, we took a day’s time to see how we could add to it. We then decided to incorporate balloons in the sky and boats sailing under the Napier Bridge. Vignesh sir was really happy with it. He gave us full freedom to make any kind of promotional content without misusing the opportunity, and told us that we could collaborate with his social media account as well,” they recall.
Amir adds, “Vignesh sir told us to keep making content until the event ended. We first started posting videos once in two days, but became even more consistent when the Olympiad started. Our work was not officially commissioned; Vignesh sir liked our creativity and offered us a chance. He was kind enough to invite us for the closing ceremony, too.”
The VFX artists also credit the director for bringing more traction to their videos. “The response has been massive. Initially, people thought whatever they saw in the videos (like balloons flying and Thambi, the mascot, watching a game of chess) were real, and were tagging the Olympiad’s event team. Only after we posted collab videos with Vignesh sir did people realise this was something different,” they smile.
At the recently held closing ceremony, their work was acknowledged as part of the look-back video that was played on the occasion. “We got a chance to work for an international event, and with one of the biggest directors of Tamil cinema. It is an honour,” signs off Abrar.