Hit or Miss: The week in ads

From celebrities endorsing products to brands experimenting with cutting-edge technology, these ads are a reflection of evolving trends in marketing

by Soumya Gawri
Published: Apr 26, 2025 8:25 AM | 4 min read

This week’s "Hit or Miss" ads bring a mix of creativity, star power, and innovation, each aiming to capture audience attention in unique ways. From well-known celebrities endorsing products to brands experimenting with cutting-edge technology, the ads are a reflection of evolving trends in marketing. Some stand out with their emotional appeal, seamless brand integration, and catchy messaging, making them immediate hits in the market. On the other hand, a few ads struggle with execution, leaving their intended message lost or feeling disconnected from the target audience. The use of AI, futuristic concepts, and celebrity endorsements is prominent this week, but the effectiveness of these strategies varies. As we break down these ads, we’ll analyze what worked, what didn’t, and why, giving you an insight into how brands are shaping consumer perception in the ever-changing world of advertising. Let’s dive into this week’s hits and misses!

Pepsi Thirsty For More Ad

Pepsi’s "Thirsty for More" campaign captures youthful energy and the desire for endless experiences. It’s vibrant, confident, and taps into Gen Z’s adventurous spirit. While not entirely fresh for Pepsi’s brand history, it’s a hit overall, bold visuals and pop culture connections make it memorable and effective.

Relaxo Bahamas Ad

The Bahamas "Stress Ko Do Rest" ad featuring Salman Khan promotes the islands as the ultimate getaway from daily stress. With stunning beaches and a relaxed vibe, Salman invites viewers to unwind and recharge. The campaign effectively blends star power with the Bahamas’ serene appeal, making it refreshing and impactful, and also a hit!

Parle Marie ad

Parle Marie’s latest ad uses humor to emphasize calling the biscuit by its full name. Everyday situations show confusion when someone asks just for “Marie,” reinforcing that it’s Parle Marie or nothing. The quirky storytelling and relatable scenes boost brand recall, making the campaign catchy, memorable, and distinct in the market, making it a hit.

Sprite with Kapil Sharma

Kapil Sharma stars in Sprite’s witty “Joke in a Bottle” ad alongside Anurag Kashyap. The duo engage in a hilarious meta-conversation about ads and fame, blending satire with brand messaging. Viewers are urged to scan the bottle for exclusive jokes, making the campaign both interactive and highly entertaining. Big hit!

God Promise With Spinny

The God Promise Spinny ad featuring Sachin Tendulkar is a bold move, blending cricket's iconic figure with the brand's promise of trust and reliability in used cars. The legendary cricketer's credibility boosts the ad's impact. It feels like a hit, thanks to his widespread recognition and emotional appeal.

Saffola Oats Ad

The Saffola Oats ad with Sanjay Manjrekar effectively blends health with cricket, using the former cricketer’s trusted image to emphasize the product’s benefits. Manjrekar's presence appeals to health-conscious consumers, associating the oats with an active, balanced lifestyle. It’s a miss cause it misses to lock the attention of the audience.

The Lloyd Stunnair Ad

The Lloyd Stunnair ad featuring Tamannaah Bhatia and Mahesh Babu is a stylish and dynamic collaboration, showcasing the brand’s air conditioners. Their star power adds sophistication and trust to the product. The ad’s modern appeal and celebrity presence make it a hit, attracting a wide audience with its charm.

AI Model with Kalon Jewelry

The Kalon Jewelry ad featuring the Naisha AI model combines technology and luxury, presenting a futuristic twist on jewelry shopping. The integration of AI adds an innovative edge, attracting tech-savvy and fashion-forward consumers. While intriguing, it may confuse traditional buyers, making it a hit for some, but a miss for others.

Tata Tea AI Ad

The Tata Tea Jargon Re AI ad, aimed at promoting awareness through technology, feels disjointed. The use of AI to address everyday issues comes off as forced and lacks emotional depth. While innovative, the execution might alienate traditional viewers, making it more of a miss than a hit.