After a six-year hiatus, the enchanting “Adbhuta Rupavani” (Sound & Light) show at Chandragiri Fort has made a triumphant return, much to the delight of visitors and history enthusiasts. The popular show was suspended in 2018 due to lightning damage to its sound and lighting system, leaving fans eager for its revival.
Now, the newly revamped version of the show narrates the rich history of Chandragiri Fort, captivating audiences with its storytelling and impressive visuals. The Sound and Light show takes place in the majestic Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal sections of the fort, providing a stunning backdrop to the historical narratives.
The grand relaunch of the show coincided with World Tourism Day, with joint collector Subhan Bansal inaugurating it on Friday evening. To celebrate the occasion, he participated in a Heritage Walk from the Chandragiri clock tower to the fort, accompanied by school students, local residents, and officials. This initiative aimed to raise awareness of the fort’s historical significance and its surroundings.
Originally introduced in 2000 by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu at a cost of ₹3.5 crore, the 50-minute spectacle has faced various challenges over the years, including the submergence of its power control unit during rain. Despite an upgrade in 2018 with a ₹2.70 crore investment in imported sound and lighting systems, the show was discontinued within six months due to further lightning issues.
In a bid to ensure the show’s successful revival, the state has partnered with Lux and Decibels, a Belgium-based firm that collaborated with the Archaeological Survey of India and the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) under a public-private partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with Lux & Decibels to facilitate the smooth operation of daily shows, with timings and ticket prices to be finalized after the inauguration.
The total project, which includes the Sound and Light show, as well as boating and food court facilities, is valued at approximately ₹6 crore. The government has invested ₹3.5 crore in the show and an additional ₹2.5 crore for boating and food courts. Previously, the show attracted around 100 visitors daily, with numbers spiking to 200-300 on weekends. Now, officials anticipate an even greater attendance as the show reopens its doors to the public.
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