Hit or Miss: The week in ads

August has rolled in with that unmistakable whiff of festive season in the air, and advertisers are already dusting off their sparkle. It’s that time of year when brands turn the drama up a notch, the jingles get a little catchier, and even the most stoic ad-watchers feel a smile tugging at the corners of their mouth. From over-the-top festive teasers to slyly clever one-liners, this week’s ad parade had everything: the hits that made us want to hit “replay” and the misses that made us wonder… why tho? Whether it was brands tugging at heartstrings, dangling irresistible offers, or just flexing their creative muscles for the sheer joy of it, August’s opening act didn’t hold back. So, grab your chai, slip into that early festive mood, and let’s unpack the week’s most talked‑about campaigns, the sparkling winners and the ones that fizzled.

Godrej Yummiez

Godrej Yummiez’ latest campaign, Protein toh bas bahana hai, flips the script with kids playfully convincing parents about protein needs through chicken nuggets delivering 16 g per serving. The humor and role‑reversal make it relatable and charming. Hit: Endearing, family‑centric storytelling that cleverly merges health with indulgence.

Park Avenue Amazon Woods

Park Avenue’s Amazon Woods no‑gas body spray promises 4× perfume content at ₹225, targeting young men with woody, adventurous notes. While value‑driven and affordable, the creative feels generic and lacks distinctive allure. Miss: Strong product pitch but uninspiring execution fails to fully elevate the premium fragrance positioning.

Marie Light

Sunfeast Marie Light, in collaboration with actress Jyotika, has rolled out the “Strong Team Nameplate” campaign in Karnataka, urging couples to display both partners’ names on their house nameplates. A survey revealed that two‑thirds of homes lack this gesture. The initiative lets couples pledge via a missed call and order custom nameplates, promoting equality at home. Hit: Emotional, socially relevant messaging that feels fresh and purposeful.

Tomaglow

Fixderma’s Tomaglow “Glow Like a Champion” campaign features Olympic javelin star Neeraj Chopra and emerging athletes, linking disciplined training to consistent skincare. The range includes cleanser, serum and cream powered by White Tomato Extract, Niacinamide, Vitamin C and more for brightening and pigmentation control. The campaign spans YouTube, social media and sporting events. Miss: May over‑emphasize athlete symbolism and underplay skincare utility for general consumers. 

Parle‑G

Parle‑G’s Friendship Day 2025 film celebrates the evolving bond between mother and daughter, reframing unchosen family ties as true friendships under the tagline “Jo auron ki khushi mein paye apni khushi… G Maane Genius.” It moves beyond playground friendships to honour emotional companionship that grows within the family. Hit: Emotionally resonant, timely and deeply relatable storytelling. 

MR.DIY

MR.DIY’s pan‑India campaign stars Rajkummar Rao as a witty reporter promoting the tagline “Milega kya? Mat pooch - MR.DIY Has Sabkuch,” positioning itself as a one‑stop store with over 15,000 affordable products starting at ₹19. It highlights variety, low price, and joyful discovery across ten categories. Hit: Relatable, value‑driven, and anchored by a trusted ambassador. 

FNP (Ferns N Petals) Rakhi

FNP’s 2025 Raksha Bandhan campaign titled “Door Ho Ya Paas, Rakhi Banayein Khaas” features a 30‑second film created entirely with AI, voiced by Piyush Mishra, and personalized dynamically with the sender’s or sibling’s name. It presents the emotional core of sibling connection, even across continents, with no physical shoot and each version feeling intimate.
Hit: Innovative use of AI personalization makes the ad feel deeply personal and emotionally resonant. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMc2cCwgaPJ/?igsh=dnc1bHgya2EyYzhx

Zouk Rakhi

Zouk’s Raksha Bandhan campaign is built around the tagline “Held My Bag,” spotlighting quiet sibling support, like when a brother carries his sister’s bag, rather than grand gestures. The Instagram reel portrays this subtle everyday allyship in a heartfelt, relatable way. Hit: Refreshing portrayal of sibling love, small support actions as meaningful emotional gestures. 

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