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Lighting the Bull by the Horns

Obsidian ONYX and Netron infrastructure bring precision, speed, and theatrical power to Big Bull – Hyderabad’s newest entertainment marvel

Hyderabad’s newest nightlife giant, Big Bull, has burst onto the scene with an ambitious 30,000-square-foot footprint that redefines immersive entertainment in India. Designed to engage all senses, the venue fuses bold architectural scale with cutting-edge visual technologies, including a double-height dance floor, panoramic LED screens, over 250 lighting fixtures, and a mesmerising kinetic LED mesh ceiling powered by 80 hydraulic motors. Orchestrating this technical complexity is the ONYX lighting control platform from Obsidian Control Systems, distributed in India by VMT.

To meet Big Bull’s demand for speed, stability, and adaptability in handling its high-spec lighting system, the venue deployed the Obsidian NX2 console at the heart of its control solution. Known for its robust performance in high-demand environments, the NX2 offers a full suite of advanced programming tools and real-time control options. This setup is further enhanced by the NX P motorised fader wing, providing tactile playback access along with smooth and immediate manual control for responsive live operation.

Lighting designer associate Klinton Mascarenhas explains “From pre-programming to live execution, the system at Big Bull supports every part of the design process. It allows for rich creativity without technical limitation. Working with this setup has elevated the way we approach visual storytelling inside the venue.”

Palagani Dushyant Reddy of White Noise, who was the system designer and consultant for the project, adds to this stating, “This is one of the most technically sound lighting systems I’ve seen in a venue of this size. The control is sharp, DMX flow is uninterrupted, and the user interface is seamless. It’s a dream to program and operate. The lighting install here truly brings the venue to life.”

With the venue divided into multiple dynamic lighting zones, a flexible and decentralised DMX distribution strategy was essential. The technical team implemented a full Netron infrastructure to manage data flow across the space. The Netron DMX 10.3 was selected for clean signal routing, with the unit offering ten assignable 3-pin outputs and dual-input redundancy. For high-density fixture zones, the Netron EN12 and EN12-45 offered twelve RDM-compatible outputs each — in XLR and RJ45 configurations respectively — ensuring clear Artnet input support and efficient signal handling. Smaller and more targeted control zones were served by the compact Netron EN4 4-port Artnet-to-DMX gateway, enabling precise distribution while maintaining responsiveness across the network.

Co-founders Shashidhar Kasi and Ramaraju Kallepalli echoed the system’s transformative impact on Big Bull’s experience delivery. “The lighting system has become an essential part of how we deliver energy and emotion at Big Bull. It allows us to shift atmospheres instantly, keeping every event fresh and dynamic,” noted Kasi. Kallepalli added, “The new lighting has completely transformed how we shape experiences. We can move from subtle ambience to full-blown spectacle in seconds. Every visual feels purposeful and powerful.”

Jeff Mandot, Director at VMT, reflected on the installation’s broader impact: “The lighting installation at Big Bull is a powerful example of design meeting purpose. It gives the venue the ability to transform, react, and tell a visual story in real-time. Every event feels elevated, intentional, and unforgettable. We’re proud to have enabled that possibility.”

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