Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman’s directorial debut, ‘Le Musk’, made its much-awaited India debut at the India Game Developers Conference (IGDC) 2025 currently underway at the Chennai Trade Centre. Described as the world’s first fully integrated multi-sensory virtual reality (VR) cinematic experience, the 37-minute film offers Indian audiences a rare chance to explore the future of storytelling where art and technology come together to engage sight, sound, touch and smell.

Presented by ARR Immersive Entertainment in collaboration with Madras MindWorks, the event, running from November 5 to 7, has drawn industry professionals and cinema lovers alike eager to witness Rahman’s innovative creation.​

A New Era for Cinema

Rahman’s ‘Le Musk’ is not simply a film—it is an immersive experience where viewers become part of the story. This VR project introduces a new way of experiencing cinema by activating all major senses. Visitors to IGDC 2025 are seated in specially designed pods equipped with custom-engineered motion chairs, haptic feedback, and scent-release systems. The technology is synchronised to ensure that each sight and sound in “Le Musk” is enriched with matching tactile and olfactory cues, guaranteeing a seamless and nausea-free journey through the film’s world.​

The narrative centres on Juliet Merdinian, portrayed by French actress Nora Arnezeder. Twenty years after being orphaned, Juliet, a musician and heiress, seeks closure and revenge against those responsible for her parents’ deaths—her quest shaped by one unforgettable memory of their scent. This emotionally charged VR format allows viewers to feel each moment through vibration, fragrance and movement, making the story deeply personal and unforgettable.​

From Cannes to Chennai

‘Le Musk’ began its remarkable journey back in 2016, sparked by a conversation between Rahman and his wife, Saira, about the lack of scent as a storytelling device in cinema. This led Rahman to imagine a film that touches its audience through every possible sense. Inspired and supported by advances in VR technology, the project saw its first preview at NAB Las Vegas in April 2017 and had its world premiere during the Cannes Film Market’s Cannes XR programme in 2022. It is a story conceived by Rahman, with screenplay by Gurachi Phoenix, and realised with the expertise of international collaborators including Madras MindWorks and Ideal Entertainment. The technical team shot the film in Rome using specialised 360-degree cameras and 14 simultaneous angles to ensure super-resolution visuals. The cast features Guy Burnet, Munirih Grace and Mariam Zohrabyan alongside Arnezeder, with Rahman composing the mesmerising music himself.​

The production involved the integration of Positron Voyager VR motion platforms, chairs that incorporate scent diffusers and haptic modules, along with synchronisation technology so that audiences never feel disoriented or uncomfortable. Grace Boyle, director of London-based firm Feelies, designed the system to release perfumes at key story moments, further enhancing immersion.​

Indian Innovation on the Global Stage

The India debut of ‘Le Musk’ signals a proud moment for the Indian creative and technology sectors. Srinivasan Krishnamoorthy, CEO of Madras MindWorks, said this collaboration marks a major step in expanding the footprint of immersive entertainment. Their mission, he explained, is to make immersive storytelling accessible not just for cinema but also for museums, training, and education. Rahman, in his statement, called this project “a world that engages all your senses,” expressing pride that Indian audiences could experience such a cutting-edge innovation on home ground.​

Superstar Rajinikanth viewed the film in 2022 and praised it as “mind-blowing” and “one-of-a-kind”, a testament to the impact of Rahman’s vision on audiences and artists alike. The arrival of Le Musk at IGDC 2025 sets a new benchmark for what cinema can achieve, promising many future explorations where technology and artistic storytelling move forward together.​

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