MUMBAI: “I’m glad to know that new technology is taking over in marketing of films so as to increase the reach to as many people as poosible,” said actor Amitabh Bachchan as he launched the mobile and online games of his forthcoming film – Baabul.
“I am ignorant about games as I played video games 25 years ago. However, now I do sometimes play with my grandson,” he added.
The film is based on the rehabilitation of a daughter-in-law by her father-in-law. Since the backdrop of the film is based on marriage, the games too have been created around the same concept. “Everybody thinks that Baabul as a film will not lend itself to a game, but our gaming partners have done a wonderful job on this,” said producer and director of Baabul Ravi Chopra.
BR Films business head Sanjay Bhutiani added, “We have combined the essence of the film around marriage and are leveraging new mediums such as games to exploit the fast growing segment of the youth and global markets.”
In fact BR Films has come up with an unheard of combination for its mobile and online games. They have brought together two different players in the industry to develop and exploit the gaming segment globally. Mauj is assigned for the mobile gaming and Hungama for the online games.
Commenting on the same Bhutiani said, “We chose separate companies for their jobs because their respective proposals suited us.”
The two mobile games of Mauj are available at a cost of Rs 50 per download. The revenue model of BR Films and Mauj is based on a minimum guarantee and sharing basis. On the other hand, the online game of Hungama is available for free. Hungama MD and CEO Neeraj Roy justified, “Our primary aim is to reach out to as many people as possible, so money is not the motive.”
Roy further added, “Most of our games are created for the age group of 15 – 25 years. Hence although Baabul games are based on marriage, they are primarily targeted at this age group.”
The key concept behind the games is Indian Wedding Games, like the bride and the bridegroom exchanging garlands, searching for the right ring in the milk and finding the bride hidden in the house.
The film’s cast comprising Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan, Rani Mukherji and John Abraham will be playing their roles in the games too. Baabul is slated for release in 8 December.
