Hit or Miss: The week in ads

The festive season has officially hit full throttle, and so have the brands. With every scroll, our feeds are exploding with sparkly campaigns, sentimental stories, and comedic chaos, each trying to outshine the other in the grand Diwali ad dhamaka. From heartfelt narratives tugging at nostalgia to punchy one-liners riding on cultural quirks, the battle for eyeballs is fierce and fabulously creative. This week, marketers are leaving nothing to chance, weaving together tradition and trend, humour and heart, sales and storytelling, to stay top-of-mind in the noisiest season of the year. Some campaigns dazzle with clever insight and perfect timing, while others fizzle out under the weight of predictable tropes. So, as the celebrations heat up, we sift through the week’s brightest sparks and damp squibs to see which ads lit up the festive mood, and which ones barely made a flicker.

Sujata Mixer-Grinder: Liya Hota Toh Ye Nahi Hota”

The recent Sujata Mixer-Grinder ad featuring Pankaj Tripathi has garnered significant attention due to its relatable humor and Tripathi's authentic portrayal of a salesman. His natural charm and impeccable timing resonate with audiences, making the ad memorable. The tagline "Liya Hota Toh Ye Nahi Hota" adds a witty twist, enhancing its appeal and shareability, making it a hit. 

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Myntra Insider's Ad

In a recent Myntra End of Reason Sale (EORS) Instagram ad, Farah Khan humorously finds her cook, Dilip, with his new assistant and getting celeb treatment. The ad features Dilip, now with his own assistant, navigating the glamorous yet chaotic world of brand promotions. This playful twist not only showcases Dilip's rise from behind-the-scenes to a brand favorite but also highlights the evolving dynamics of influencer culture. Making it a hit. 

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McDonald’s India: Festive-Meals 2025

McDonald’s India’s latest festive campaign, Festive-Meals, celebrates Durga Puja and Diwali with heartwarming family moments and cultural traditions. Affordable meal options starting at ₹99, with up to 51% discounts, make it accessible to all. The cheerful anthem, vibrant visuals, and focus on togetherness resonate emotionally, creating shareable content and driving footfalls, making it a festive hit.

Wildstone Laqshya: Timeless Bonds with Pankaj Kapoor

Wildstone Laqshya’s latest ad featuring Pankaj Kapoor resonates through its heartfelt storytelling and nostalgic charm. Showcasing a grandfather-grandson bond, the campaign blends emotional depth with subtle brand messaging. Kapoor’s authenticity and the tender narrative evoke warmth and relatability, making it memorable. Its emotional connect, visually rich execution, and universal theme of generational bonding ensure audience recall, making it a hit.

Zomato: Where Is Durga This Pujo?

Zomato's latest Durga Puja ad resonates by highlighting the unsung heroes who continue to serve the community during the festivities. By showcasing individuals like doctors, airport staff, and police officers, the campaign emphasizes the spirit of dedication and service. This heartfelt tribute not only honors these essential workers but also connects the essence of Durga's strength with everyday acts of care. The ad's emotional depth and timely message make it a standout this Pujo season.

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CRED: The Deol Brothers' Hilarious Debut

In CRED's latest ad, Bobby and Abhay Deol unite for the first time, delivering a comedic masterpiece. Transformed into animated chickens and gold coins, they humorously promote credit card bill payments. The ad's quirky AI-generated visuals and a surprise cameo by their brother, Sunny Deol, add to its charm. Fans are left in splits, eagerly anticipating more from the Deol trio. 

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CaratLane: Karwa Chauth with Divyanka & Vivek

CaratLane’s latest Karwa Chauth ad stars Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya, highlighting the festival’s rituals and the couple’s bond. While the execution is polished and culturally accurate, it leans heavily on familiar visuals and storytelling, making it predictable. The ad communicates the occasion clearly but lacks the creative spark to make it truly memorable. Its a miss. 

The Dish with ChatGPT: A Culinary Journey

The latest ad for The Dish with ChatGPT takes viewers on a delightful culinary journey, blending technology with gastronomy. Featuring a diverse array of dishes, the ad showcases how ChatGPT can assist in exploring recipes, understanding cooking techniques, and discovering global cuisines. Its engaging visuals and informative content make it a valuable resource for food enthusiasts seeking inspiration and knowledge in the kitchen. It's a hit.

Air India: Care at Every Altitude

Air India’s Care at Every Altitude campaign shines by putting the spotlight on its cabin crew’s dedication. Featuring Deljit Padam, the ad emphasizes personalized care, safety, and passenger comfort. Its authentic storytelling, relatable moments, and human-centric approach create an emotional connect, reinforcing trust in the brand while highlighting service excellence, making it a memorable and impactful festive-season hit.