Hit or Miss: The week in ads

Every week we gather the most clickable, chuckle-worthy, tear-jerking, and downright puzzling brand moments, all in one scroll. From ads that tugged at our heartstrings to ones that left us scratching our heads (or skipping the “Skip Ad” button), this roundup doesn’t just judge campaigns, it celebrates the chaos of creativity. Some brands went big on emotion, some leaned into humour, and a few just, well, leaned too hard. Whether it’s a celeb-led car pitch or a surprise Father’s Day tearjerker, this week gave us plenty to click, replay, and side-eye. So, buckle in, suspend your cynicism, and get ready for a light roast-meets-toast of the ad world. Because in advertising, like in life, some ideas stick, and some just slip off like poorly applied glue.

Flipkart’s ’s Glam Up Sale ad

Flipkart’s new ad is a pastel-packed, K-beauty-themed ride through radiant skin and dewy dreams. Leaning into the global Korean skincare obsession, the ad features a chirpy protagonist uncovering beauty “secrets from Korea” while highlighting deals and top brands. It's playful, trendy, and perfectly timed for Gen Z and millennial beauty junkies. While it nails the aesthetic and product appeal, the script does feel a bit too safe, like it’s ticking influencer bingo boxes without pushing creative boundaries. Still, for a beauty sale spot, it does the job with glossy charm. Hit, but a soft one.

Daawat x Zepto’s 10-minute biryani 

Zepto and Daawat's breezy, appetising collab that sells both speed and flavour with equal flair. Set around a woman whipping up biryani with Daawat’s special rice and Zepto’s quick delivery, the ad leans into the everyday hustle without losing the indulgence of a homemade meal. It’s warm, efficient, and visually satisfying, though the storytelling plays it safe and doesn’t quite leave a lasting aroma. 

Slight miss cause of missed brand recall.

Bharat Connect’s “Naam kya hai?”

This ad is a clever rebrand reveal that leans into everyday desi banter to spark curiosity. The repetitive question builds intrigue without overexplaining, and when the name finally drops, it lands with clarity and confidence. By keeping the tone casual and rooted in local lingo, the ad ensures strong recall, even if it doesn’t go deep into what the platform offers. As a name-drop campaign, it’s sharp, simple, and sticky. Definite hit.

Federal Bank’s “Savings Ki Vidya” 

Federal Bank's new ad starring Vidya Balan is a charming blend of star power and everyday smarts. With her trademark wit and relatability, Vidya walks us through simple savings hacks, like planning deliveries better or pausing OTT subs, to make a case for mindful money habits. The wordplay around "Vidya" is clever without being forced, and the tone stays warm, accessible, and rooted in reality. While the ad doesn’t break any storytelling ground, it’s easy on the eyes and delivers its message with clarity and credibility, making it a hit.

Schneider Electric’s Miluz ZeTa ad

This ad tries to fuse smart home tech with health-conscious living, but the execution feels a bit too clinical and flat. The idea of a switch that shows real-time AQI is innovative, but the storytelling lacks warmth or urgency to make you care. The "Doctor’s orders: fresh air only" line lands awkwardly, and the visuals don’t do much to elevate the product’s appeal beyond a basic demo. For a smart switch promising to improve your home environment, the ad itself could’ve used a breath of fresh creative air. It's is miss.

Amazon’s “Har Din Behtar: Balcony.” 

It showcases how small daily efforts, planting a balcony garden, nurturing seeds, and forming unlikely friendships, can brighten everyday life. The narrative beautifully ties back to Amazon’s promise to enhance daily living by providing the tools and products you need to make your days just a bit better. A solid hit.

Hyundai’s “Dil ya Deals” 

Hyundai's new ad featuring Pankaj Tripathi is a delightful blend of charm, relatability, and pure sales hustle. Tripathi’s easy banter with the neighbourhood aunties and uncles brings an unforced desi warmth to what could’ve been a basic promo spot. The line “Dil suno ya deals… Hyundai toh aayegi hi” strikes a clever balance between emotion and logic, speaking directly to India’s practical dreamers. Sure, it's ultimately a hard-sell ad, but with Tripathi at the wheel, it cruises smoothly into being a hit.

Freshwrapp’s “Bacteria Ki Entry Ko Rokey” 

Freshwrapp’s new ad featuring Vikas Khanna takes a serious turn with its hygiene-first messaging, but ends up feeling more instructional than emotional. While Khanna lends credibility and calm authority, the narrative is too direct and doesn’t quite build a memorable story around the product. The science-backed pitch about bacteria protection is solid, but the ad misses an opportunity to stir stronger emotion or relatability around home-cooked food.  Its a miss.

ZEE’s “Saath Hai Toh Baat Hai” 

This ad by Zee hits all the right emotional notes with a heartwarming, community-first story. Centered around a father missing his daughter’s wedding due to army duty, it beautifully captures how an entire neighbourhood steps up, bringing alive ZEE’s promise of unity and togetherness. The storytelling is cinematic yet grounded, with an emotional payoff that feels earned, not forced. By tying in its own brand message subtly and with cultural sensitivity, ZEE positions itself as more than a broadcaster, almost like family. Big hit.