New Delhi, June 1st, 2023: KRAFTON, Inc., the creators of India’s most loved mobile game- BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), have unveiled a riveting new docu-series called ‘India Ki Heartbeat’ that delves into the vibrant universe of the game. Produced by Supari Studios and led by award-winning director Khushboo Ranka, this ground-breaking production follows the stories of casual and professional gamers alike, uncovering the stories that shaped gaming in India.
BGMI has been the largest and most widely played game in the country, amassing a whopping 16 million daily users at its peak! With no entry barriers, the game took India by storm and has successfully moulded a vast subculture and tight-knit community of its own. With ‘India Ki Heartbeat’, KRAFTON, Inc. and Supari Studios explore the widespread reach, accessibility, and popularity of the game across our diverse country. The docu-series takes a deep dive into the lives of casual gamers, professional gamers, aspiring pro players and content streamers, as well as individuals who have carved a niche for themselves in the community as organisers and founders of esports tournaments.
To bring forth the raw, authentic stories of players from across India, the crew travelled to several remote locations and interviewed over 50 players navigating challenges like poor connectivity, language barriers and harsh shooting conditions. Wanting the stories to resonate deeply with fans, they purposefully steered away from popular esports players, and instead offered a glimpse into the lives and minds of passionate gamers from around the country.
These unfiltered stories reflect how the brand has gone the extra mile to bring unique, untold and real stories of BGMI players to life. From a former hacker who eventually reformed his ways and a couple who met and fell in love through the game to thousands of parents who support their children as they pursue excellence and fame through BGMI, ‘India Ki Heart Beat’ captures the intricate and remarkable moments that the game has created for all stakeholders, and showcases how it has transformed into a culture-shaping phenomenon and legitimate industry in the country today.
The title ‘India Ki Heartbeat’ stems from the belief amongst the community that the BGMI is not just a game, it’s an emotion. With this series, KRAFTON Inc has showcased the deep passion and emotion felt by players of the game with the hope that this slice of life coverage will fill the hearts of viewers with a similar emotion. It is the brand’s tribute as they share these stories and engage with their community of 10 million+ followers online.
Sharing his thoughts at the launch of the series, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON, Inc. India stated, “We’ve been listening to our fans, and we’ve created content that reflects their emotions. There are so many stories about the BGMI universe out there, but we deliberately chose to tell the stories of unknown players because we know that these will resonate with millions of fans. Most BGMI players are complicated and nuanced- they make choices and their journeys are then a result of these choices. India Ki Heartbeat captures this perfectly. Fans and esports enthusiasts will definitely love this!”
“The most exciting creative aspect of this project was that it gave me the opportunity to rethink the simplistic idea that these young boys and girls are merely annoying gamers and instead show their inner world with affection and nuance” adds Director Khushboo Ranka.
Passionate gamer and Executive Producer at Supari Studios, Mrinal Chawla, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “As one of India’s largest and fastest-growing phenomenons, BGMI is not only culturally relevant but culture defining! It has emerged as the game of choice for millions, fostering contagious energy and forging concrete bonds among players from all walks of life. At Supari Studios, we were inspired by the unique dynamics within this space and decided to embark on this creative journey. ‘India Ki Heartbeat’ captures the passion, camaraderie, and personal stories of individuals who have made BGMI a significant part of their lives. For this series, we didn’t hold back- we’ve portrayed real stories of players in India as they are.“
‘India Ki Heartbeat’ aims to provide viewers with an immersive experience, bridging the gap between casual content consumers and the passionate BGMI community. The fascinating series showcases the impact of BGMI on individuals’ beliefs and aspirations, highlighting how the game and platform create a positive influence in their lives.