Hit or Miss: The week in ads

As we slide into the last stretch of the year, the air is getting colder, the sweaters are coming out, and brands are either going emotional or going absolutely bonkers with their creative choices. With winter setting in and pollution trying to choke us all, advertisers are using nostalgia, warmth, humour and heart-tugging storytelling to cut through the fog. Whether its diamonds speaking of individuality, fried chicken giving a wink, or cars getting roasted online, it’s clear that holiday-era advertising has arrived early. This week’s mix captures the mood: some campaigns sparkle like fairy lights, others feel like a heater on low battery. Here’s our breakdown of the 11 ads buzzing across feeds.

Mr. DIY x Rajkumar Rao

Rajkumar Rao’s everyday relatability makes this one instantly likeable, and the ad leans into casual humour rather than hard-sell retailing. The brand feels accessible and friendly, and Rao’s personality gives it credibility. This is a hit because it builds brand recall with a smile instead of a sales pitch. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DQwHLa6DBfq/?igsh=MTlmYnN5dTRtZ3Y3bA==

Tata Sierra Launch

This ad stirred unintended backlash, with audiences immediately drawing comparisons to Ford Bronco aesthetics, suggesting the Sierra redesign lacked originality. The revival of a nostalgic Indian icon should have felt rooted and emotional, but instead sparked criticism of borrowed styling and disconnected messaging. This is a miss because the conversation became more about resemblance controversy than revival excitement. 

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JioMart Black Friday Mascot

This ad smartly leans into its Black Friday mascot, playful, animated and memorable, giving India-friendly personality to a globally understood sale day. It doesn’t pretend Black Friday is a cultural tradition here; instead, it uses character-driven humour to localise it. This is a hit because it makes discount season fun rather than desperate. 

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Cataract Awareness × Milind Soman

Instead of a heavy, medical-toned PSA, this one makes cataract awareness unexpectedly humorous using Milind Soman’s casual charm and self-aware delivery. It’s witty, cheeky and surprisingly effective, because the humour lowers resistance to a health message. This is a hit because it actually makes people watch an eye-health ad instead of skipping it. 

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WhatsApp ad Film

A warm rural ode to voice-notes, it perfectly captures the emotional intimacy of a recorded voice, especially when text feels inadequate. The execution is real, human and instantly beautiful, as it conveys love so simply. This is a hit because it feels like a lived moment, not a brand construct. 

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Rajasthan Royals IPL Coaching Staff Ad

This one offers viewers a peek behind the glam, the analysts, trainers and planners who engineer performance. It subtly reframes cricket as a professional discipline rather than pure entertainment. This is a hit because it elevates coaching intelligence and builds institutional respect. 

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Gopal Snacks ad

The three part ad casting, Tara Sutaria, Milthila Palker and Ridhi Dogra, gives this campaign fun personality clusters, graceful, goofy, grounded, each appealing to different micro-audiences. The snack fits naturally into moments of casual socializing rather than forced placement. This is a hit because the vibe is relaxed and real, not scripted and strained.

KFC x Johny Lever

Johny Lever brings old-school Bollywood physical comedy that makes this spot feel warm and familiar. The humour is simple but deeply effective, almost like a family-friendly skit. This is a hit because laughter sells, and Lever delivers it effortlessly. 

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Bobbi Brown x Ahan Shetty

Ahan Shetty’s understated presence pairs well with Bobbi Brown’s “less is more” modern elegance philosophy. The ad avoids loud glamour and goes for quiet refinement, which lands well with a sophisticated audience. This is a hit because it feels confident, not showy. 

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Malabar Gold “Brides of India"

A beautifully shot cultural mosaic, music, textiles, gestures, and jewellery traditions from across India. It feels like a cinematic celebration of Indian womanhood rather than just a product showcase. This is a hit because it’s rich in authenticity and emotional visual storytelling.

Jewelbox x Vaani Kapoor

Vaani carries an aura of fashionable individuality with subtle attitude, embodying modern diamond ownership for self, not just gifting or bridal association. The communication is aspirational without being alienating. This is a hit because it empowers rather than sells.