From tiffins to chappals: Stranger Things gets an unexpected Indian twist

Netflix has found a smart and charming way to make Stranger Things feel instantly familiar to Indian audiences.

A recently released promotional video featuring Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo has gone viral for its playful use of everyday Indian household items — turning a global pop culture phenomenon into a delightful cultural crossover.

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A Light-Hearted Cultural Crossover

What begins as a standard promotional segment quickly transforms into a humorous exploration of Indian homes. The two actors are introduced to objects almost every Indian household recognises: a rubber slipper (chappal), a steel tiffin, a rolling pin, an Indian broomstick, and a Hawkins pressure cooker.

With genuine curiosity and comic timing, Finn and Gaten imagine how these familiar items could be used to fight Vecna, the terrifying antagonist from Stranger Things. The jokes land effortlessly, especially when they touch upon the unquestioned authority of Indian mothers and the legendary power of the chappal.

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From Kitchen Tools to Monster Weapons

The fun escalates as the duo riff on each object’s potential. A steel tiffin, they joke, could store both lunch and grenades. A rolling pin might be perfect for tripping or knocking down Vecna. The tone remains relaxed and playful, celebrating everyday Indian life without slipping into caricature.

The segment ends on a whimsical note, with the actors imagining the Indian broomstick being used for a musical performance inspired by Wicked, adding an unexpected pop culture mash-up to the mix.

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A Thoughtful Nod to Indian Viewers

One standout detail is the Hawkins pressure cooker — a staple in Indian kitchens that shares its name with the fictional town at the heart of the series. While Netflix hasn’t officially explained the idea, the choice feels intentional and warmly self-aware.

Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the humour and cultural references. As Netflix continues to invest in localised promotion, this video stands out for turning everyday Indian objects into unlikely heroes — and making Stranger Things feel right at home.