Hit or Miss: The week in ads

The festive lights are on, the discount banners are waving, and somewhere between “Buy One, Get One” and “Mega Sale,” brands have decided it’s time to unleash a full-blown adocalypse. From made-up Rajinikanth cracking jokes while saving the universe to Arjun Kapoor breaking his poker face over indulgent ice cream, this week’s ads are hitting all the right notes.

Even Darsheel Safary and Rajeev Masand are busy giving “5 sitaare” to BoAt speakers like it’s the Oscars of audio. Whether it’s the hustle of Instamart’s Quick India Movement, the cultural charm of Bangaliyana, or the spicy punch of OPPO’s latest escapades, the festive season is officially in your feed, your screen, and probably in your group chat too. Grab your chai, settle in, and let’s cheer (and maybe cringe a little) at the ads that made us stop, stare, and share....and for all right reasons causing "It's raining Hits, Hallelujah!"

Read On: Rapido Rolls Out Two Festive Ad Campaigns

Prime Video '50 Years of Rajnikanth'

Prime Video’s tribute to Rajinikanth, “50 varshama andrum indrum endrum ore Thalaivar,” cleverly blends nostalgia with humor, showcasing the superstar’s iconic style over five decades. The ad hits the mark by balancing reverence and playful exaggeration, making fans chuckle while celebrating his legendary journey. Its witty moments and cinematic nods make it memorable without feeling over-the-top.

ASUS ExpertBook × Raj Shamani

ASUS India’s debut brand film for the ExpertBook series, featuring Raj Shamani, humorously flips Murphy’s Law to show that this laptop can handle anything. The ad cleverly combines comedy with product messaging, highlighting its military-grade durability and reliability. Fans and professionals alike find it both entertaining and reassuring, making it a memorable launch for the ExpertBook.

Take A Look: Mercedes-Benz India Rolls Out ‘Dream Days’ Campaign As An Ode To Aspirations

Bangaliyana, Born to Create

This ad celebrates the Srijoni of New Bangaliyana, portraying Bengali women as pillars of resilience, creativity, and tradition. Through vivid storytelling, it highlights how they preserve and transform cultural heritage, shaping modern Bangaliyana while honoring the past. The ad’s heartfelt narrative and authentic visuals make it memorable, connecting deeply with viewers who value culture and identity.

ICC 's Cheer for Women in Blue

Shreya Ghoshal’s official anthem for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 celebrates the spirit, determination, and passion of the Indian women’s cricket team. With empowering lyrics and an energetic melody, the song unites fans, ignites excitement, and rallies support as the players prepare to showcase their talent on the global stage.

OPPO India's "Business Badhega, Smooth Chalega"

OPPO India’s “Business Badhega, Smooth Chalega” campaign features Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri navigating unexpected challenges like desert mishaps, broken elevators, and stormy nights. The F31 Series proves reliable with its cooling system, network boost chip, and long-lasting battery. The ad humorously and effectively conveys that, no matter what happens, business will run smoothly.

Arjun Kapoor × Call Me Chunky

Call Me Chunky’s debut campaign features Arjun Kapoor humorously breaking his iconic poker face after tasting the indulgent ice cream. Set in exaggerated, meme-worthy scenarios, the ad showcases six bold flavors like Berry Cheesy Dream and Pop-Pop Caramel. It emphasizes the brand’s fun, textured experience, positioning Chunky ice cream as a mood-lifting treat impossible to resist.

Read On: Brands Turning To AI For Festive Campaigns

Instamart 'Quick India Movement'

Ajay Devgn stars in Instamart's "Quick India Movement" campaign, recreating his iconic split from Phool Aur Kaante in a surreal, AI-powered setting. The ad humorously highlights the urgency of modern shoppers, with Devgn declaring, “Jo mujhe chahiye, abhi chahiye.” Running from September 19-28, the sale offers 50-90% discounts and 10-minute deliveries across categories like electronics, beauty, and toys.

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Ibrahim Ali Khan × Wrogn

Wrogn's latest campaign, "Wrogn. But Real.", features Ibrahim Ali Khan, who embraces his imperfections, including his speech impediment, in a candid and authentic manner. The campaign encourages youth to celebrate their individuality and authenticity over societal expectations of perfection. Ibrahim's unfiltered performance and message resonate with the brand's ethos of self-expression and confidence.

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boAt '5 Sitaare for Sound'

boAt’s latest campaign features Darsheel Safary and Rajeev Masand in a playful critique of audio quality. Darsheel humorously tests multiple products, only to be blown away by the boAt Nirvana, awarding it “5 sitaare by the critics.” The ad cleverly combines wit and expert endorsement, highlighting boAt’s superior sound experience for music lovers everywhere.

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