Hit or Miss: Week in ads

As the final month of the year rolls in and the holiday spirit fills the air, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a warm cup of hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket, and indulge in the season’s most entertaining ads. Whether it’s the heartwarming stories or the bold, playful campaigns, there's something about watching ads this time of year that feels just as satisfying as the first sip of cocoa. As brands race to leave a lasting impression before the year ends, let’s take a look at some of the ad hits and misses from this last week of November 2024.

Kia Syros Launch 

The Kia Syros ad impressed with its futuristic design and tech focus, but lacked practical feature details. Overall, it’s a hit for creating strong pre-launch anticipation.

Be Someone's We with Vi

Vodafone Idea's "Be Someone's We" campaign, promoting unity and inclusivity, creatively addressed loneliness with a Guinness World Record effort. The message resonated strongly with audiences so it's a hit.

Googlies on Google

The "Googlies on Google" ad series by Ogilvy India introduces a playful, gamified approach to online searching. With the hashtag #DhoondhogeTohJaanoge and the quirky questions popping up across platforms, the campaign taps into curiosity and encourages users to explore surprising truths through Google Search. Its creative execution transforms mundane searches into interactive, educational experiences, making learning enjoyable. A clear hit for its engaging and innovative strategy.

Apple Christmas Ad 

Apple’s "Heartstrings" ad highlights AirPods Pro 2’s hearing aid feature in a touching story of a father hearing his daughter sing for the first time. It a heartfelt hit.

Youtube India Styles Ganji Chudail

YouTube India's "Ganji Chudail" ad features Neena Gupta and three content creators giving Ganji a "glow-up," promoting fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. A hit for engaging audiences with humor. 

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The Body Shop’s 'The India Edit'

This ad and their entry in India markets with Indian scents, celebrates local ingredients but feels too predictable, lacking a fresh approach in its cultural nod. The visuals and messaging miss a standout impact. It's a Miss for just being a catalogue ad and no story whatsoever.

MAMA Misson with Cadbury 5 Star

Cadbury 5 Star's "Making AI Mediocre Again" ad humorously encourages doing nothing, poking fun at AI's overuse. Its relatable, witty messaging resonates with a youthful audience. It's a very fun concept, definitely a hit for us.

The HarperCollins Parcel

The "Parcel" film by HarperCollins India, created in partnership with Taproot Dentsu, is a compelling short film promoting crime fiction. It blends thrilling storytelling with cinematic visuals, effectively engaging audiences. The campaign has been praised for its innovative approach to book promotion. Even if it's the longest ad ever, you'll happily grab the corner of your sofa and enjoy the mystery of the Parcel.

Freedom Oil in a Court

The Freedom Oil courtroom ad, emphasizing purity and health benefits, feels overly dramatic and forced, with humor that distracts from the core message. Its tone might alienate viewers rather than engage them. It's a miss.