Hit or Miss: The week in ads 

As the year winds down, brands are clearly saving their best for the final sprint. December always brings a certain cultural sentiment - nostalgia, warmth, celebration, and that unmistakable holiday-season optimism.

This week’s lineup is exactly that: big emotions, big celebrities, clever humour, and world-class craft. It feels like every brand wants to end 2025 on a high, and the result is a string of solid hits. From festive storytelling to sharp PSAs and splashy fashion films, every ad this week reflects a “let’s go out with joy” energy. And honestly? Not a single miss. Each piece delivers clarity, intent and strong creative conviction, making this one of the strongest weekly wraps of the year.

Johnson’s Baby - “The Golden Minute” (Newborn Care PSA)

Johnson’s Baby spotlights the crucial first 60 seconds after birth through warm, medically grounded storytelling. The film explains lifesaving neonatal care with tenderness and realism. It’s a hit because it balances sensitivity with purpose, educating parents without overwhelm, an emotionally strong PSA anchored in trust and clarity.

https://youtu.be/BozrO3ATsWQ?si=nJCdg61yqBVDH-pE

Apple Holiday - “A Critter Carol”

Apple’s holiday storytelling formula strikes again with heart, humour and technical mastery. By using handcrafted characters and the iPhone 17 Pro as the cinematic tool, the ad becomes both a festive film and a product demo. It’s a hit for being visually rich, emotionally soft and unmistakably Apple in its Christmas-movie craft.

https://youtu.be/-avONMmQtlI?si=l7ObKiPGDmGLUg9I

Spotify India - “What’s On Your Wrapped?”

Spotify taps into the Bads of Bollywood references with Emraan Hashmi and Raghav Juyal's hit scene pairing for the Wrapped season with nostalgic humour and the playful chaos of their reversed role. It’s a hit because it is fun, meme-worthy, electric and, delightfully social, exactly how Wrapped content should feel.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRzvoooDNS_/?igsh=MTJpN2hpcXFzNDltMw==

Bikaji - “Kya Baat Hai Ji” ft. Pankaj Tripathi

Bikaji targets the UP market with Pankaj Tripathi bringing his trademark earthy humour and mass appeal. The setup feels rooted, conversational and regionally attuned. It’s a hit because Tripathi’s charm elevates the banter, making the brand feel authentic, approachable and perfectly in tune with its core audience.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRuQs6FDosU/?igsh=MW5wdmw1aWhhYjdocQ==

Kellogg’s India - 12-in-1 Muesli ft. Kajol & Babita

Kellogg’s highlights the efficiency and convenience of its 12-in-1 muesli through Kajol and her mum’s warm chemistry. The ad blends real-life family banter with a clear product benefit: simplifying breakfast without compromise. It’s a hit because it feels homey, credible and star-powered while keeping the focus firmly on functionality.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRWI7oIDMUD/?igsh=b3d0Nm5taGh2amFy

Meta India - Anti-Scam PSA ft. Sheeba Chadha

Meta pairs a strong character actor with a clear, actionable message about digital scams. The tone is conversational, not fear-driven, making the PSA feel practical and accessible. It’s a hit because Sheeba Chadha grounds the ad with credibility, and the content genuinely empowers users, a rare, effective PSA.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRjwVf9DLWh/?igsh=MWhvNnpubGpxMWUwdg==

Myntra - “Price Crash of the Year” ft. Rohit Shetty

Myntra goes full Bollywood-blockbuster parody with Rohit Shetty in a self-aware “CRASH!” sale announcement. The film is loud, explosive and intentionally over-the-top, which makes it instantly memorable. It’s a hit because it embraces Shetty’s signature style, turning a simple discount message into pure entertainment.

https://youtu.be/Jt0NGQV8Pbc?si=TAnkIUJi0y7XewsX

D’YAVOL X Eyewear - “Step Into The Light”

The launch film leans into high-fashion energy with dramatic lighting, slow-motion frames and a premium, almost cinematic feel. The brand’s signature aesthetic stays consistent with King Khan being in the ad himself and it's edgy, minimalist, and aspirational. It’s a hit because it presents eyewear as a lifestyle moment, elevating both the product and the brand attitude.

https://youtu.be/I-XvtLmgRwk?si=TBkDilhWQh7cDua5