Thaikkudam Bridge Have Inspired A New ‘Indus Battle Royale’ Character

For SuperGaming’s CEO and co-founder Roby John, gaming is part of the larger sphere of art and culture forms. “We’ve always believed that a game’s background score isn’t just filler — it’s the heartbeat of the experience. It sets the tone, heightens tension, and pulls players into a deeper, more immersive world,” he says.

That’s why the company behind the video game Indus Battle Royale has teamed up with Kerala fusion band Thaikkudam Bridge, drawing influence from the themes of their song “Navarasam” – from the 2015 album of the same name – and created a new character in the in-game world of Virlok. Agni Raagam. John says, “He’s a vigilante in Virlok, who embodies cultural pride, justice, and defiance against oppressive systems — qualities that align with both Kathakali’s dramatic intensity and Thaikkudam Bridge’s artistic ethos.”

The character was launched at a Thaikkudam Bridge concert in Pune on Mar. 1, 2025, one of the first times an Indian independent band has influenced the gaming world. While Agni Raagam in Indus Battle Royale was in development since 2023, it was three months ago that SuperGaming decided – through one of their creative leads – that “Navarasam” with its surging, evocative energy was apt for the character. “it was as if the song had been waiting for Agni Raagam all along,” John says.

Thaikkudam Bridge’s guitarist Ashok Betty Nelson says this collaboration opens doors for Indian music in global gaming. “Whether it’s folk, fusion, or classical sounds, Indian music has the power to create deep, immersive atmospheres in games,” he adds. The band counts the experience as “surreal and humbling” and of course, allows Thaikkudam Bridge’s music to reach newer audiences “beyond traditional indie rock” listeners, according to Nelson. “It’s exciting to see how a different kind of storytelling, through an interactive medium, can amplify the themes of our music,” he adds.

A few members of the band are gamers (“It’s a great way to unwind between gigs and studio sessions,” the guitarist says) and they did end up playing Indus Battle Royale when they were approached to use “Navarasam.” Nelson says, “It’s impressive to see an Indian-made game with such ambition, and it’s cool to think our music could vibe with that kind of energy. We’re not hardcore esports pros, but we appreciate how gaming, like music, brings people together across boundaries.”

SuperGaming’s John invokes the examples of songs like The Crystal Method’s “Born Too Slow” heard in iconic racing game Need For Speed: Underground in 2003 to Skrillex’s “Bangarang” in car racing game Asphalt 8: Airborne to show how music defines the gaming experience. Nelson too points to action adventure game The Last Of Us and the score of composer Gustavo Santaollala. The guitarist adds, “The music doesn’t just accompany the visuals; it becomes part of the world itself. For us, seeing ‘Navarasam’ fuel the spirit of Agni Raagam is a surreal moment. It means the song isn’t just being heard — it’s being experienced by players, tying emotion to action.” John sees it as sending a larger message to Indian gamers everywhere when they hear a distinctly Indian sound while gaming. “It’s not just about global appeal; it’s about giving Indian players a sense of pride and ownership,” he says.

The band feels that their music so far – from Navarasam and their second album Namah – would particularly lend themselves well to games with “mythological and historical settings.” He adds, “We are open to exploring various genres, but we are drawn to projects that allow us to contribute to a meaningful narrative.”

Outside of regular tours and shows – a couple of international tours are expected to be announced soon – Thaikkudam Bridge have begun working on their third album. “With this new album, we are exploring fresh ideas while staying true to what defines Thaikkudam Bridge,” Nelson says.