‘Game of Thrones’ merchandise: Made in India
As the ‘Game of Thrones’ contenders get ready to wage war in its penultimate season, three companies in the North Indian city of Dehradun work tirelessly on arming these heroes
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ndian fans of Game of Thrones can take pride in the fact that the American fantasy drama has a strong connection to their country. Windlass Steelcrafts in Dehradun, Uttarakhand has been working with major Hollywood studios and TV networks to supply props to films and TV productions including Band of Brothers, Batman Begins, Pirates of the Caribbean and Vampire Diaries. “We have supplied armour and helmets that have been used in the Game of Thrones,” said chairman Sudhir Windlass. “We [also] have the licence to retail authentic props that include Jon Snow’s cape, complete ensembles of various characters and Live Action Role Play swords like the long claw, ice and oath keeper.”
Windlass Steelcrafts began operations in 1943 to manufacture khukris (knives) for the British Gurkha regiment in India. Ever since, it has been working with studios including HBO, Warner Bros, 21st Century Fox, Universal and Paramount. The company has had merchandising associations with Frank Miller’s 300, Assassin’s Creed, Braveheart, Gone With The Wind, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Sea of Monsters, The Terminator, Gladiator and Troy. Providing details of his company’s association with Hollywood movies and production houses, Windlass explained, “There are two different aspects to it. Shooting props — wherein the items are used in the actual execution of the production. These are generally procured in very small quantities and are replicated [by the concerned production houses] using VFX and CGI effects. The other component is merchandising licensed props. Under this segment, the production houses issue licences to retail high quality replicas of props that include clothing, armour and swords.
“Apart from our alliance with films and shows, we supply swords to major militaries across the world. Post Windlass’ acquisition of Marto, the Spanish sword maker, in 2011, we are one of the largest manufacturers of swords, shields, knives and bayonets. We also recreate replicas of historical items for museums. Our most recent collection includes reproductions of sacred Islamic swords kept in Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul.”
ARMY CONNECTIONS
But Windlass’ company is not the only one with a Hollywood connection in the picturesque city of Dehradun. Ex-Indian army man Saurabh Mahajan founded his company, Lord of Battles, following his retirement in 2005.
“It is a pleasure to see our products in Hollywood movies and shows. I loved studying medieval history and was impressed by the kind of clothing, helmets, shields and swords that kings and their troops used,” he said. “While serving in the Indian army’s Armoured Corp, I was fascinated by the design element of war supplies. I take pride in the fact that