MUMBAI: KRAFTON India’s BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI) has once again tapped into its strong community culture by turning April Fools’ Day into an opportunity for education. This year’s campaign took a humorous yet impactful approach to warn players about the risks of purchasing in-game currency (UC) from untrustworthy sources.
BGMI partnered with Maitri to launch a bold and innovative scam campaign to raise awareness about scam ads. The campaign hinged on a fake promise: free UC (in-game currency) for BGMI players. To sell the deception, the team collaborated with George Thokkumootil, the iconic character from Akkara Kazhchakal, a beloved Malayalam sitcom.
Film:
Through a mockumentary-style video, the team crafted a relatable and engaging story, seamlessly integrating a key message—if players buy UC from unauthorized sources, they risk losing their accounts. The film centers around a quirky salesman who promises players the ultimate BGMI experience, offering everything from UC top-ups and elite passes to exclusive skins and premium vehicles. His pitch is simple: all he needs is the player’s “Money and Account” in return for guaranteed Chicken Dinners, all delivered through his questionable company that claims to cater to every gamer’s needs.
The video was shot in the US with the original Akkara Kazhchakal team, using their signature humor to create authenticity. The footage was then edited in Kerala by Maitri Advertising. This collaboration ensured that the campaign resonated deeply with the audience, tapping into nostalgia to convey an important message.
Watch the short film on Battlegrounds Mobile India official Instagram channel.
“Akkara Kazhchakal, a beloved Malayalam sitcom from the late 2000s, humorously portrayed the struggles of a Malayali family in the US. Originally airing on TV and YouTube, its popularity soared on Instagram and TikTok through nostalgic clips, memes, and fan edits. The show’s iconic dialogues and scenes, especially those featuring George Thekkumootil, an insurance agent, continue to resonate in pop culture, making it the perfect nostalgic touch for BGMI’s anti-scam prank.” – Francis Thomas, Group Creative Director, Maitri Advertising.
Website:
To add credibility, the campaign also featured a dedicated landing page, reinforcing the importance of making purchases only through official channels. A fully functional website was created. The site mimicked real scam websites, luring players with the promise of free UC. Upon entering their BGMI ID, they were immediately informed that the entire setup was a scam designed to warn them against falling for actual fraudsters.
Visit: https://tafreeuc.com/
The results?
Within hours, the campaign garnered over 2.5 lakh shares and more than 3 million views. Malayalees were thrilled by the unexpected reunion, while non-Malayalees were hooked by the clever execution. The video spread like wildfire.
● 3.6M+ views
● 182K+ likes
● 265K+ shares
● 4.2K+ comments
● 135K+ website clicks
The viral nature of the campaign is a testament to how well the message resonated with players, turning an inside joke into a widely shared learning moment.
Why it worked:
The campaign stood out because of its mockumentary storytelling that helped in enhancing credibility and engagement. The multi-platform execution—using video, a fake website, and in-game hoardings—ensured that the message reached players through multiple touchpoints. Additionally, the cultural relevance of featuring a nostalgic Malayalam sitcom character deepened the connection with the audience, making the campaign not just informative but also deeply engaging.
“April Fools’ has always been a great time to unveil inside jokes, and the community gets in on it. This year, we thought we should use the occasion for a little bit of education as well, so that our fans don’t click on untrustworthy sources to buy in-game currency. Looking at the 2L shares already, I’d say it’s been widely accepted and shared. We will look to create some more surprises for our fans as we go along!”
— Srinjoy Das, Associate Director of Marketing at Krafton
By blending humor with awareness, BGMI continues to uphold its dedication to a safe and secure gaming environment to a safe and fair gaming environment, ensuring that players are informed and protected from fraudulent sources. This initiative is yet another example of how BGMI leverages cultural moments to engage with its audience while delivering important messages in an entertaining format.
Campaign Credits:
Client: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
Agency: Maitri Advertising Pvt. Ltd
Managing Director: Raju Menon
Chief Operating Officer: Jayakumar N
Director Ideation: Venugopal R Nair
Creative Directors: Francis Thomas & Vincent Vadakkan
Chief Media Officer & Key Accounts Head: Sumit G
Director, Digital and Overseas Business: Sumit Raj
Head (Digital & Creatives): Ajay Sathyan
Writer & Art Director: Muhammed Farhan
Senior Editor: Anil Jacob
Editor: Sharath Chandran
