Tag: Stefaan Merckx

  • Parksons Cartamundi launches new film Asli Fan Khelta Hai!

    Parksons Cartamundi launches new film Asli Fan Khelta Hai!

    Mumbai: Cricket and playing cards, though seemingly different worlds, share a common thread – a spirit of competition that binds people together. True Mumbai cricket fans don’t just watch the game – they live it. Bringing this passion to life, Parksons Cartamundi, a leading force in playing cards, has unveiled a new digital film titled “Asli Fan Khelta Hai!” This campaign celebrates the die-hard cricket fandom of Mumbai and how the joy of playing cards strengthens that passion. Moreover, Parksons has further taken it up a notch and amplified the excitement of cricket to the world of playing cards with the launch of the official Mumbai Indians playing cards.

    Produced by Schbang Motion Pictures, the film explores the essence of what it means to be an “Asli Fan.” These are the passionate supporters who go beyond simply watching the game. They live and breathe their team spirit, actively participating in the experience. They are the ones proudly sporting Mumbai Indians jerseys, and now, owning a deck of these specially designed-playing cards becomes another way to showcase their devotion. Understanding this, Parksons Cartamundi has launched a captivating digital film cleverly highlighting the shared spirit of competition that binds cricket and playing cards. Just like on the cricket pitch, where the best team emerges victorious, playing cards offer a fun and competitive experience that unites people.

    The narrative follows a dedicated Mumbai Indians fan navigating the vibrant city, encountering fellow fans from all walks of life – from taxi drivers to fishermen, dabbawalas to gully cricket players.  United by their love for the game and their team, they connect through the joy of playing cards, showcasing the diverse and relatable characters that make Mumbai’s fan culture so special. With the tagline “Asli Fan Khelta Hai!” (A True Fan Plays!), the campaign celebrates this passionate fan culture.  The film beautifully captures how playing cards transcend boundaries, uniting fans in their shared love for the game.

    Speaking about the latest film, Parksons Cartamundi Pvt Ltd CEO & MD Kapil Kejriwal said, “At Parksons Cartamundi, we believe in offering the best experience for our consumers in the categories of Playing Cards and Card Games. Playing Cards plays an essential role in bringing alive the passion and competitive spirit among all sections of our country. Similarly, the new range of Mumbai Indians playing cards helps the Asli Fans support and play the match along with their favourite team. Our new film perfectly captures this spirit, showcasing how the joy of playing cards transcends boundaries and unites fans in a shared love for the game. Through this digital film, we aim to inspire fans to embrace their passion for cricket and card playing!”

    The film opens with a captivating montage of everyday Mumbai characters converging on an empty parking lot. As the camera pans across, we see glimpses of a pack of the Parksons Cartamundi X Mumbai Indians cards being shuffled, hinting at the playful competition to come. The narrative unfolds with the protagonist, a die-hard Mumbai Indians fan, showcasing his signature card moves and infectious enthusiasm. Further highlighting, diverse types of Mumbaikars showcasing celebration and support in their unique styles for their favourite cricket team.

    Further adding to this, Parksons Cartamundi Pvt Ltd head of marketing India and Middle East Jigar Shah mentioned, “We wanted to capture the vibrant energy of Mumbai’s culture, the characters who make it special, and the way their passion for Cricket spills over into every aspect of their lives. From the friendly rivalry of a card game with a taxi driver to the electrifying atmosphere of gully cricket, the film celebrates the joy of playing and the spirit of being a true Mumbai Indians supporter. We believe fans will see themselves reflected in this film and be inspired to grab a deck and experience the thrill of the game in a whole new way!”  

    Sharing his thoughts on the film, Cartamundi group CEO Stefaan Merckx said, “Having grown up in India, I am fully aware of the role of Cricket in every Indian’s life, especially in Mumbai. For Cartamundi, we are always engaged with communities, and through this campaign we are engaging with the die-hard cricket fans and giving them an opportunity to express their fandom through these elegantly designed Playing Cards.”

    The newly launched film conceptualised by Schbang Motion Pictures highlights how Asli Fans are the true stars, capturing their energy and passion that truly defines cricket. With the tagline “Asli Fan Khelta Hai!” The campaign reminds us that true fans don’t just watch the game; they play it with heart and determination always.

    Speaking on the film Schbang Motion Pictures head Rachaita Vyas said, “We are delighted to announce our successful partnership with Parksons Cartamundi for the launch of an innovative project. Embracing the spirit of Cricket in India, we have created a captivating experience that resonates with the Mumbai-ya vibe. This collaboration has been a rewarding journey, and we are thrilled to have contributed to something special for our target audience.”

  • Parksons Cartamundi partners with Mumbai Indians for new playing card range

    Parksons Cartamundi partners with Mumbai Indians for new playing card range

    Mumbai: Parksons Cartamundi, a player in the evolving world of playing cards worldwide, is thrilled to announce a unique and inspiring association with leading cricket team Mumbai Indians. This exciting partnership brings forth a limited-edition season 2024 collection of playing cards, providing MI Paltan, cricket fans and enthusiasts with new and innovative ways to interact with their favourite league’s stars.

    Cricket is more than just a sport in India – it is a shared passion that unites fans. With the cricket season in full swing, MI Paltan and Asli Fans crave ways to celebrate their favourite teams beyond the stadium. Understanding this, Parksons Cartamundi decided to collaborate with the legendary Mumbai Indians team to launch the new range of playing cards – a collector’s dream, designed to honour the five-time champions, the Mumbai Indians!

    Leveraging Parksons Cartamundi’s industry-leading manufacturing expertise and cutting-edge technology, this innovative range caters to both seasoned card players and casual enthusiasts alike. For the first time in India, a deck of cards has been produced using advanced cold-foil technology. Unlike traditional methods, the foil seamlessly bonds into the paper-like ink rather than the foil being pasted on the paper board. This creates a smooth, luxurious feel with unmatched detail, allowing you to be among the first to experience the brand’s innovative use of this technology.

    This exclusive playing card collection features three unique SKUs, each meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the Mumbai Indians and their players with elements of cricket:

    Mumbai Indians Cold Foil Paper Playing Cards: Stunning cold foil detailing elevates these cards to collector’s items, a must-have for die-hard fans.

    Mumbai Indians Swivel Box Plastic Poker Playing Cards: Built for durability and performance, perfect for seasoned players or intense family game nights.

    Mumbai Indians Twin Pack Paper Playing Cards: A convenient double pack featuring captivating designs, ideal for casual play or on-the-go entertainment.

    This officially licensed collection, designed in close collaboration with the Mumbai Indians, features playful caricatures of the Mumbai Indians cricket players, adding a touch of personality and charm to every card. A must-have for any die-hard fan, this exclusive collection also comes with a unique game specifically designed to be played only with these decks.

    Speaking about the new launch, Parksons Cartamundi Pvt Ltd CEO & MD Kapil Kejriwal said, “At Parksons Cartamundi, we remain committed to leveraging our industry-leading manufacturing and printing capabilities to bring the best playing card experiences to India. We have already established a global presence with iconic brands like Bicycle, with over 150 years of heritage. Recognizing that a deck of playing cards is an inherent part of every Indian home, and cricket being a national religion, we saw the perfect opportunity to combine these passions.”

    Our collaboration with Mumbai Indians gives us the opportunity to create an exquisite portfolio of playing card SKUs with each deck delivering an unmatched playing experience at accessible price points. This is not just about cards, it is about celebrating the spirit of cricket and offering MI Paltan and Asli fans a way to connect with their team in a whole new way,” he added.

    Cartamundi Group CEO Stefaan Merckx said, “India has been a critical market for Cartamundi since our partnership with Parksons began in 2010. Together, we have successfully launched global brands like Bicycle and Copag, constantly striving to bring the best of the playing card industry to Indian consumers. At the same time, we are committed to fostering a playing card community in India, targeting collectors, magicians, and cardists alike. This elegantly designed Mumbai Indians range caters to both collectors seeking a delightful addition to their collection as well as casual players looking for the perfect deck to elevate their game night.”

    Here is a detailed look at the standout features of the new Mumbai Indians playing card collection:

    . Mumbai Indians Cold Foil Paper Playing Cards: Presenting the official Mumbai Indians Cold Foil Playing Cards – Season 2024, an opulent deck with a premium feel and stunning light reflection. Crafted with a cutting-edge printing process called “cold foil,” these cards feature intricate gold details showcasing the Mumbai Indians logo and cricket elements. Imagine a special type of printing that uses metallic foil instead of ink, allowing for incredibly detailed and vibrant designs! Shining gold foil detailed with the Mumbai Indians logo and cricket elements. Their glittering texture and fully themed artwork make them ideal for a variety of card games such as Blackjack, Poker, and Rummy. These cards represent the spirit of the Mumbai Indians cricket team with each hand dealt, making them a must-have for both fans and card enthusiasts. This product is priced at Rs 999/- and is available across general trade, Official MIShop, Amazon and Art of Cards.

    . Mumbai Indians Swivel Box Plastic Poker Playing Cards: Introducing the Mumbai Indians Poker Playing Cards for the 2024 season which is officially licensed by the Mumbai Indians team and crafted with precision, each deck features high-quality PVC cards illustrated with unique caricatures spotlighting renowned Mumbai Indians cricket players. They also include each player’s distinctive jersey numbers and initials on each card. With 25 unique jerseys to collect, die-hard fans can complete their collection and experience the thrill of owning every iconic number of their favourite player’s jersey numbers. A must-have for the MI Paltan, this deck brings the excitement of the game to life in your hands. The poker-sized cards boast a sleek casino-style back design, proudly displaying the iconic Mumbai Indians logo, ensuring they stand out during every game. This product is priced at Rs 349/- and is available across general trade, Official MIShop, Amazon and Art of Cards.

    . Mumbai Indians Twin Pack Paper Playing Cards: The Mumbai Indians standard Playing Cards Set for Season 2024 includes two colourful decks that highlight the players and components of the franchise. Each deck is presented in a stylish flip-top box and features original artwork throughout in addition to the recognizable Mumbai Meri Jaan design on the backs. These bridge-sized decks with regular index, made of superior cardstock, are ideal for a variety of card games, including Rummy, Poker, Bluff, Crazy Eights, etc. This collection is perfect for both fans and card enthusiasts. This product is priced at Rs 299/- and is available across general trade, Official MIShop, Amazon and Art of Cards.