[1]Movie buffs across the globe love to discuss and flaunt their film memorabilia. Be it an original sword from 300 or a heavy metal helmet from Gladiator, the official movie collectables are auctioned at high rates worldwide. Due to the limited edition of official merchandise, the collectors take special interest in stocking up these possessions.
Sugandh Windlass, COO of collectorsheritage.com, a website that retails authentic Hollywood memorabilia in India, mentions about the rise in demand of artifacts from various eras in history, licensed movie Hollywood memorabilia and Live Action Role Play (LARP) products in India.
She says, “We have collaborated with the US-based company that provides us the official Hollywood props and products with a certificate of authentication. Fans who love to collect original memorabilia often order armour, knives, costumes, helmets etc that were used in the popular Hollywood blockbusters. Usually professionals and fans who can shell out money can afford these originals, and they prefer to order it online since it is still not popular in India.”
Prateek Gupta, a financial analyst with a global bank, informs that he has been collecting original movie merchandise from past five years. He says, “I am a big movie fan and I have over 150 products in my collection so far. It started with figurines and action figures that used to come free with food items. Earlier, my aunt who lives abroad used to get original movie products for my collection because it wasn't available in India, but now we have good options online and there are a few authentic shops that supply these goods on demand. Even when I travel abroad for work, I buy movie items for my collection. I recently purchased a state-of- art Spartan helmet, which I use as and interior décor item and is one of my favourite possessions. I also have the Dark Knight joker bobble head and robes from Harry Porter movie series.”
Aishwarya Uniyal, a student and avid collector of movie items, mentions, “In India it is tough to hunt for original movie products. Unlike the West, we don’t have online auctions or bids for movie props that were used in a blockbuster. The original collectable are too costly and they are limited edition. I have been looking for the official movie rings from the Lord Of The Rings series, but it is still not available in India.”
However, for those who can’t afford the original movie props, the replicas are also available in the city as an option. Aditya Kapur, owner of Party Hunterz shop, informs, “We sell thematic movie merchandise that are imported from various countries. These are not exact replicas as official companies do not manufacture them, but we sell items and costumes inspired by super hero movies and accessories that come from much affordable price. We have Jack Sparrow hat, bandana, eye patches, dreadlock wigs and other items that armature collectors buy from us.”
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