Hit or Miss: The week in ads
Our round-up of campaign spots that deserved a clap and also those that missed the beat
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Published: Sep 6, 2025 9:41 AM | 5 min read
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Advertising is a strange little circus. Some weeks, it feels like brands are tightrope-walking with brilliance, balancing creativity, timing, and audience insight to deliver pure magic. Other weeks, it’s more like watching a clown car pile-up, confusing, noisy, and you’re left wondering who signed off on it. That’s the thrill though: ads can be witty one moment, painfully cringey the next, and sometimes both at once.
This week was no different, big launches tried to flex, quick-commerce giants continued their meme obsession, and festive season fever clearly had some marketers running on caffeine and chaos. Some ideas landed like a standing ovation at opening night, while others stumbled so hard they deserve a polite golf clap at best. But that’s what keeps us hooked, because in advertising, you’re never more than 30 seconds away from either a masterpiece or a misstep. Here’s our weekly scoreboard of the hits and the misses.
Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Magic
Flipkart’s latest Big Billion Days ad dazzles with a star-studded lineup including Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and digital creators, built around the whimsical theme “Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.” Crafted by Leo Burnett, it transforms shopping into a magical, celebrity-filled journey, blending fantasy with excitement while moving beyond just discounts. It’s a hit because it fuses Bollywood charm with relatable shopping joy, creating instant recall.
https://www.instagram.com/
Lenskart’s Playful Spin with Kusha Kapila
Lenskart’s new campaign stars Kusha Kapila, Karan Johar, and founder Peyush Bansal in a witty store-side story. What begins with Kapila fixing her broken glasses soon turns into her debut as the brand’s face, highlighting Lenskart’s “First Lens Free” service with humor and flair. It’s a hit because it blends celebrity charisma with a fun, relatable twist, turning an everyday errand into a memorable moment.
https://www.instagram.com/
Nykaa Fashion’s “Kaha Se?”
Nykaa Fashion’s festive campaign “Kaha Se?” features Ishaan Khatter and Shanaya Kapoor stepping into a bustling square, embodying the relatable question of spotting a great outfit and asking, “Where is it from?” Despite the star power and vibrant setup, the ad feels predictable and over-rehearsed. It’s a miss because it lacks freshness and fails to leave a lasting impression.
https://www.instagram.com/
Bold Care’s Unfiltered Laughs
Bold Care’s ad pairs comedian Samay Raina with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap in a hilarious behind-the-scenes parody. Raina drops cheeky condom puns while Kashyap’s deadpan reactions fuel a roast-fest of witty banter and career digs. It’s a hit because it flips awkwardness around sexual wellness into bold, entertaining conversation that feels fresh, relatable, and share-worthy.
https://www.instagram.com/
UPI’s “Main Moorkh Nahi Hoon”
UPI’s latest campaign, “Main Moorkh Nahi Hoon,” stars Pankaj Tripathi as a witty peanut vendor who receives a dubious lottery message, but wisely sees through the scam. Through clever storytelling across six regional ad films, the campaign urges vigilance and common sense in digital payments. It’s a hit because it blends Tripathi’s charming authenticity with a vital safety message in a humorously relatable way.
https://www.instagram.com/
Blinkit’s Zandu Fast Relief Ad
Blinkit’s Instagram ad for Zandu Fast Relief Spray tries to deliver quick relief and faster service with a promise of delivery in just 10 minutes. While the concept of fast convenience is spot-on, the ad feels too straightforward and lacks emotional or creative depth. It’s a miss because it doesn't resonate beyond just the product.
https://www.instagram.com/
Zomato’s “Doctor by Day, Dhol Vadak by Night”
Zomato’s festive ad shines a spotlight on everyday heroes who balance demanding careers with their passion for dhol. Featuring real individuals like a medical technician-turned-drummer, it captures the rhythm of hustle and devotion during Ganesh Utsav. It’s a hit because it merges cultural pride with personal grit, making ordinary lives feel extraordinary and inspiring.
https://youtu.be/cL-KQDsv8No?
Godrej Enterprises' 'The Classroom of Curiosity'
Godrej Enterprises Group’s Teacher’s Day film, “The Classroom of Curiosity,” features employees stepping into classrooms to engage with inquisitive students. In a delightful exchange, the children spark conversations that highlight the power of asking questions. This initiative beautifully reinforces Godrej’s culture of innovation. It’s a hit because it champions curiosity as the foundation of growth, learning, and genuine connection.
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