Hit or Miss: The week in ads

Bold statements, unexpected turns, and a few facepalm moments

by Soumya Gawri
Published: Jan 18, 2025 8:58 AM | 3 min read

The advertising world is buzzing with fresh ideas, high expectations, and a fair share of risks. Brands are eager to establish their presence early, experimenting with new campaigns that aim to capture attention and set the tone for 2025. Some are succeeding in making a splash, others, well, not so much.

It’s a week of bold statements, unexpected turns, and a few facepalm moments. From powerful visuals to catchy jingles, this week’s ads have a little bit of everything.

Whisper BindazzZ Nights

Whisper BindazzZ Nights' latest ad features an interactive "Sleep Quest" game, promoting its long, leak-proof pads. The engages users with a challenge while showcasing product benefits. It's entertaining and creatively highlights product features making it a hit.

Kinder Joy Sustainability

Kinder’s latest sustainability ad highlights the brand's commitment to responsible sourcing and eco-friendly packaging. It blends family bonding with environmental consciousness, showcasing how the brand balances fun moments with a focus on sustainability. The blend of family warmth and sustainability messaging is effective and timely, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. It's a hit.

Kalyan Muhurat Bride

Kalyan Jewellers' "Kalyan Muhurat Bride" ad, featuring Katrina Kaif, showcases the brand's wedding jewelry collection. The campaign emphasises the emotional journey of a bride, highlighting the significance of jewelry in Indian weddings. The ad effectively combines cultural storytelling with product promotion, resonating with audiences seeking meaningful wedding jewelry making it a hit.

Vishy and Gukesh for Myntra FWD

Myntra's latest FWD ad features chess legends Viswanathan Anand and D. Gukesh, blending humor with fashion. In the 80-second spot, Gukesh teaches Anand Gen Z slang, including "drip" for stylish outfits, highlighting Myntra's trendy collection. The ad is a hit as it effectively combines humor and fashion, appealing to a younger audience.

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Realme with Shahrukh Khan

Realme's latest ad for the 14 Pro Series 5G features Shah Rukh Khan, emphasising the smartphone's clarity and power. The campaign highlights advanced performance and camera capabilities, aiming to connect with India's younger demographic. The focus on traditional themes may not appeal to younger, modern consumers preferring contemporary designs. It's a miss.

Acko insurance with Munna Bhai and Circuit

Acko's latest health insurance campaign reunites the beloved characters Munna Bhai and Circuit, portrayed by Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, respectively. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the ad humorously addresses common health insurance misconceptions, such as room rent capping and corporate policy limitations. By leveraging the duo's chemistry, the campaign simplifies complex insurance topics, making them more accessible to a broader audience. The ad effectively combines humour and familiar characters to demystify health insurance, resonating with a wide audience. Its a hit.

Ramraj Cottom with Abhishek Bachchan

Ramraj Cotton's latest campaign features Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan and players from the Chennaiyin FC football team, aiming to reintroduce the dhoti to younger generations as a symbol of elegance and cultural pride. The traditional attire may not appeal to all viewers, potentially limiting its impact and it's not strong on the creative side making it a miss.

Tata Power Ad

Tata Power's 'Aapki Roof, Aapki Takat' campaign encourages homeowners to transform their rooftops into solar power stations, promoting sustainability and energy independence. The initiative highlights the potential of rooftops as platforms for solar energy generation, offering end-to-end solutions from inspection to installation. The campaign effectively promotes sustainability and energy independence, resonating with eco-conscious consumers. It's a hit.