Hit or Miss: The week in ads

We look back at the ads that worked and those that didn't in this week's ad-venture!

by Soumya Gawri
Published: May 3, 2025 8:53 AM | 4 min read

In this week's hit or miss, we sift through the sparkle, the sizzle, and the occasional marketing misfire to bring you the most buzz-worthy brand moments! In a world where ads fight for your scroll time and celebs sell everything from soda to soulmates, some campaigns strike gold… and others? Well, they barely strike a chord. Did that detergent ad make us feel feelings? Did the tech spot leave us baffled and Googling? Buckle up for a wild ride through the good, the bad, and the “wait... what was that?” in this week’s ad-venture!

Harpic with Shah Rukh Khan

The latest TVC featuring Shah Rukh Khan, developed by Havas Creative India, presents familiar household situations to showcase common challenges with subpar cleaning products. It highlights how Harpic toilet cleaner aims to deliver quicker and more effective results. By blending emotional storytelling with a focus on product efficacy, the ad effectively communicates its core message, making it a hit.

Mother's Day with AJIO

AJIO’s quirky Mother’s Day campaign, “Movement of Offended Mothers (M.O.M.)”, features Sheeba Chaddha and highlights moms of famous influencers voicing gift-related grievances. It cleverly blends humor with emotion to nudge viewers toward meaningful gifting and celebrates overlooked maternal love. Mom says HIT!

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CashKaro Goes Latent

CashKaro’s #CoinsVSCashback campaign takes a bold, satirical jab at digital coin rewards, claiming real cashback is smarter. Inspired by India’s Got Talent controversy, the ad features Ghibli-style animation and quirky pop culture references through “The GOAT Talks” series, delivering humour-packed content that champions smarter online savings, making it a fun hit.

Škoda @130

Škoda Auto India's "Škoda Superstars" campaign celebrates the brand’s legacy but falls into generic storytelling. Despite Ranveer Singh's charm, the ad lacks emotional depth and fails to effectively highlight Škoda vehicles' features. It focuses more on product promotion than brand values , making it less impactful and relatable. It is a miss.

Coca-Cola, Swiggy, and a Tiger

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar's latest campaign, featuring Tiger Shroff and Swiggy Instamart, has become a hit by blending humor, convenience, and celebrity appeal. The ad showcases everyday interruptions, like a horror movie night or a romantic proposal, saved by a swift Coke Zero delivery, embodying the tagline "Life Interrupted, Taste Uninterrupted." Tiger Shroff's energetic presence and relatable scenarios resonate with audiences, while the partnership with Swiggy Instamart emphasizes quick and easy access to refreshment. This combination of entertainment, convenience, and star power has effectively captured consumer attention and engagement, deeming it a hit

The Last of Us 2 with Rohan Joshi

Rohan Joshi’s comedic ad for The Last of Us Season 2 on JioHotstar blends humor and storytelling. He delivers a witty recap of the show’s plot and characters, making it accessible and engaging. His relatable style and pop culture references help the ad connect with a wide audience. Best ad on the list, this week, Big Hit!

Myntra "Ek Aur Shaadi"

Myntra's latest ad, "Ek Aur Shaadi," created by the agency, Only Much Louder, brings a nostalgic twist by featuring Renuka Shahane, the iconic '90s television personality. The campaign humorously portrays the chaotic yet endearing dynamics of Indian weddings, resonating with audiences familiar with the cultural intricacies. Shahane's relatable portrayal adds authenticity, making the ad both entertaining and memorable. It's a solid hit.

Nykaa Fortune Teller

Nykaa Fashion's "Wear What’s Next" campaign features Sharvari consulting fortune teller Sheeba Chaddha, who predicts bold fashion trends like power dressing, ruffles, and denim-on-denim. This astrology-themed ad creatively blends style forecasting with mysticism, engaging viewers with its playful narrative and highlighting Nykaa's curated selection of over 850 brands. The ad is short and sweet, and a soft hit.

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IITIIMShaadi.com with Karan Johar

Karan Johar's ad for IITIIMShaadi.com, a matrimonial platform exclusively for IIT and IIM alumni, faced backlash for promoting elitism. Critics argued it implied only top-tier graduates deserve compatible partners, sparking debates on classism and inclusivity. Despite Johar's star power, the campaign was deemed tone-deaf and disconnected from broader societal values.

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Neutrogena with Shradha Kapoor

Neutrogena's latest "Beauty to a Science" campaign features Shraddha Kapoor promoting the Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50. While the ad aims to emphasize science-backed skincare, it has faced criticism for its lack of authenticity and overreliance on celebrity appeal. The campaign lacks depth and fails to provide compelling reasons to choose Neutrogena over competitors. Additionally, the ad's generic messaging and absence of innovative storytelling contribute to its underwhelming reception, making it a miss.