Hit or Miss: The week in ads

We look at Spotify, Honda, Hyatt and other brands that dropped their ads this week

by Soumya Gawri
Published: Dec 7, 2024 8:14 AM | 4 min read

As we enter the year's final stretch, it's a good time for reflections and reviews. We had a week of interesting ads that wowed us and some that didn't.

And to help you unwind this week, as we round up the best of the hits and the misses, let's tighten our seat belts and joyride through this last leg.

Spotify India Wrapped

Spotify India's 2024 Wrapped ads brought a mix of boldness and nostalgia. The Orry-Uorfi pairing embraced quirky Gen-Z vibes but felt niche, resonating more online than broadly. Meanwhile, Jackie Shroff and Ananya Panday delivered cross-generational charm with warmth, making it a crowd-pleaser. Overall, the former was a miss; the latter, a hit.

Honda Amaze "Here to Outclass"

Honda Amaze’s 2024 “Here to Outclass” ad highlights sleek design, ADAS tech, and affordability, but lacks emotional resonance or a standout narrative. While it effectively communicates the car's features, the ad feels functional rather than inspiring. A near miss—competent yet unable to leave a lasting impression.

Sara for Sofy

Sara Ali Khan's Sofy non-sticky pad ad showcases long-hour protection, odour control, and antibacterial hygiene. Her lively persona and aspirational lifestyle amplify the brand's message of confidence and ambition. The narrative aligns with Gen Z's aspirations, making it relatable and empowering. It's a well-rounded, impactful campaign making it a hit.

Shradha in Ofis

Shraddha Kapoor’s Ofis Square ad redefines coworking with sleek visuals and a professional narrative that resonates with urban millennials. The campaign effectively captures the spirit of collaboration and modernity, appealing to its target audience. While lacking a strong emotional hook, it successfully communicates the brand’s vision, making a subtle hit.

Anil Kapoor for Viva ACP

Anil Kapoor stars in Viva ACP’s latest campaign, showcasing durable and innovative aluminium composite panels for modern architecture. His energetic persona aligns with the brand’s message of style and functionality. While industry-focused, the ad effectively elevates Viva’s brand profile, making it a niche yet impactful effort. It's a hit for us.

Hyatt 'Made With Love'

The latest Hyatt ad under the #MadeWithLove campaign celebrates its journey of providing authentic hospitality experiences. Featuring a heartfelt tone, it showcases genuine travel moments, positioning Hyatt as a place where guests can truly connect and unwind. While visually appealing and emotionally resonant, it may seem overly sentimental for some, lacking a clear call to action beyond the emotional connection. But for their sheer brand history and emotional connection, it gets a hit from us.

Mutual funds Bharat

The "Bharat Farq Pehchanega" campaign by AMFI aims to raise awareness about identifying fraudulent financial schemes, urging Indians to become more discerning investors. With a compelling one-shot film featuring a passionate manifesto from "Bharat," the ad encourages vigilance against scams. Its broad outreach in multiple languages and formats has garnered substantial engagement, with over 30 million interactions. This campaign effectively addresses the increasing financial fraud concerns, positioning itself as both impactful and informative, making it a hit.

Saj Dhaj Ke with Libas

The latest campaign for Libas, titled #SajDhajKe, stars Avneet Kaur and brings bridal elegance to the forefront. The ad captures the essence of traditional beauty with a modern twist, showcasing Libas' festive collection through Kaur's graceful portrayal. It effectively appeals to young brides, positioning the brand as a go-to for festive and bridal wear. It's a hit for us.

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Therapy with Rungta Steel

The new Rungta Steel ad featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Bunny, Alia Bhatt as Safeena, and Shah Rukh Khan as Dr Jehangir Khan from Dear Zindagi is a clever mix of nostalgia and humour. The ad portrays the couple seeking marriage counseling with SRK offering advice, humorously linking their troubles to the durability of Rungta Steel. The trio's playful performances bring a light-hearted yet memorable twist, making this ad a hit for its creative blend of iconic film roles and product messaging.