ITV

Category: MAM

  • TotalEnergies sets Guinness Record for largest influencer dance challenge

    TotalEnergies sets Guinness Record for largest influencer dance challenge

    MUMBAI: TotalEnergies, in partnership with Goat (part of WPP) and Xley by Mad Influence, has secured a Guinness World Record for the most videos of people dancing to the same song uploaded to Instagram in one hour. Over 400 unique videos were shared within 60 minutes, making it one of the largest influencer-led activations in history.

    The record-breaking campaign marked the launch of the LambaChalega anthem, promoting TotalEnergies’ hi-perf engine oil. The track, symbolising endurance and performance, was brought to life through an energetic dance challenge led by Varun Dhawan, alongside influencers such as Awez Darbar, Amol Kamble, Kheshavi Chhetri, and RJ Tripti.

    More than 400 influencers from across India participated in the launch, demonstrating the vast reach of digital marketing. The initiative will expand to over 3,000 influencers, spanning nano, micro, macro, and celebrity tiers, to maximise engagement across categories such as fitness, biking, food, travel, and lifestyle.

    Goat, a global influencer marketing leader within WPP, spearheaded the strategy and execution, ensuring seamless participation and widespread impact. Xley by Mad Influence played a crucial role in influencer selection and campaign execution, leveraging AI-powered discovery, real-time tracking, and content management.

    Following strict verification, a Guinness World Records adjudicator confirmed the achievement and presented the official certificate on-site.

    Xley by Mad Influence founder & CEO, Gautam Madhavan stated, “This is a historic moment for influencer marketing. This campaign proves that influencer marketing is no longer just about collaboration—it’s about creating movements that redefine brand engagement globally.”

    By merging Goat’s execution expertise, Xley’s technology, and TotalEnergies’ vision, this initiative has set a new benchmark for large-scale influencer-driven campaigns.
     

  • Sony Sab lights up Ujjain’s sky with groundbreaking 3D holographic show

    Sony Sab lights up Ujjain’s sky with groundbreaking 3D holographic show

    MUMBAI: When it comes to pushing creative boundaries, Sony Sab just took things to another dimension-literally. In a spectacular fusion of technology, mythology, and marketing, the channel transformed Ujjain’s night sky into an enormous, immersive 3D canvas to mark the launch of its epic new series, Veer Hanuman. This jaw-dropping holographic sky projection-the largest of its kind in India—was unveiled on Mahashivratri, delivering a larger-than-life spectacle that left audiences spellbound.

    Harnessing cutting-edge scrim technology, Sony Sab projected breathtaking visuals of young Hanuman’s legendary journey onto a non-dimensional surface, creating the illusion of celestial storytelling floating in mid-air. As light, movement, and sound intertwined, the sky became a stage for an experience never seen before in Indian television marketing.

    This industry-first activation showcases Sony Sab’s commitment to reimagining audience engagement. It wasn’t just a launch; it was a moment of devotion, technology, and entertainment converging in a way that redefines how audiences experience television content.

    “As we launch Veer Hanuman, we’re drawing on India’s rich cultural heritage and harnessing cutting-edge technology by creating an immersive experience that will captivate audiences,” said Sony Sab head of marketing and communications Vaishali Sharma. “Our innovative approach with this breathtaking 3D holographic sky projection will break new ground, enabling us to connect with viewers in a fresh way. Ujjain served as the perfect backdrop to mesmerise audiences and set the tone for a show that will inspire and entertain millions.”

    Sony Sab didn’t stop at the sky. The channel rolled out a multi-platform campaign, integrating television, social media, Youtube, and digital activations to bring behind-the-scenes moments, bite-sized content, and interactive experiences directly to audiences.

    The highly anticipated Veer Hanuman, premiering 11 March, narrates the journey of Lord Hanuman, from an adventurous young boy to a revered deity symbolising devotion, bravery, and loyalty. Featuring Aan Tiwari, Sayli Salunke, Arav Chowdharry, and Mahir Pandhi, the show airs Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm on Sony Sab.

    With this pioneering holographic spectacle, Sony Sab has set a new benchmark for how television marketing can transcend screens and enter the realm of real-world, immersive storytelling.

     

  • TBS brings the action to SXSW 2025 with a high-tech, high-thrill showcase

    TBS brings the action to SXSW 2025 with a high-tech, high-thrill showcase

    MUMBAI: Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) is set to make waves at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025 in Austin, Texas, marking its third consecutive year at the world’s largest convergence festival. With an immersive lineup featuring SASUKE/Ninja Warrior, Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2, and a sneak peek into World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, TBS is bringing its biggest hits to the global stage—powered by cutting-edge AR, VR, and live broadcasting technology.

    Stepping into the TBS booth, visitors can experience the thrill of SASUKE/Ninja Warrior like never before. Fans can test their skills in a VR recreation of the show’s legendary First Stage and even meet the legendary “Mr. Sasuka” Katsumi Yamada in AR. For the ultimate nostalgia hit, the original Sasuke goal button will be on display for fans to relive the excitement of victory.

    Anime lovers won’t be left out—Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2 is getting its own interactive AR experience, letting fans befriend the mischievous Mokke and step inside the world of this globally beloved anime, streamed on Crunchyroll.

    Beyond entertainment, TBS will showcase its Live Multi Studio, a next-gen video transmission technology co-developed with WOWOW. This groundbreaking software enables ultra-low latency, bi-directional live broadcasting between Tokyo and Texas, proving that distance is no barrier to seamless, real-time content creation.

     

  • AFAA turns the spotlight on brilliance in advertising

    AFAA turns the spotlight on brilliance in advertising

    MUMBAI: The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) is turning up the creative heat with the return of its Brilliance Awards, inviting entries for its highly anticipated second edition. With ten top advertising categories in the spotlight, the awards aim to honour campaigns that don’t just win trophies but genuinely build brands.

    “Awards should celebrate advertising that works, not just ads made for awards,” said AFAA chairman Srinivasan Swamy. “That’s why our jury—comprising top advertisers from across Asia—will focus on real brilliance, the kind that makes an impact in the real world.”

    After a resounding response to its inaugural edition, the Brilliance Awards 2025 are now open for submissions across categories such as automotives, banking, consumer durables, food & beverages, e-commerce, fashion, pharma, real estate, telecom, and travel. Brands and agencies can submit their entries online before the deadline on March 31, 2025.

    In keeping with AFAA’s ethos that true creativity is priceless, there’s no entry fee, only a stage to showcase work that truly shines.

  • Two Brothers Organic Farms puts food transparency on the table

    Two Brothers Organic Farms puts food transparency on the table

    MUMBAI: In a world where food labels make big promises, but true origins remain a mystery, Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF) is cutting through the confusion with its groundbreaking farm-to-fork traceability technology. This innovation ensures that every batch of food tells an honest story—one that consumers can verify with just a simple scan.

    The technology, backed by Polygon’s blockchain, offers a tamper-proof record of every step in a product’s journey, from sowing and harvesting to packaging. Unlike private blockchain solutions that lack credibility, TBOF’s open, decentralised ledger captures real-time data, making food sourcing fully transparent.

    To drive awareness, TBOF has launched a bold campaign film challenging the industry’s vague labelling. The campaign asks a crucial question: Do consumers really know where their food comes from? By showcasing how blockchain-backed traceability ensures authenticity, the brand is pushing for a future where food transparency is the norm, not the exception.

    “We believe food should nourish, not deceive,” said TBOF co-founding farmer, Satyajit Hange. “Consumers deserve full transparency, and we’re proud to make that a reality with blockchain-backed traceability.”

    Currently, 29 TBOF products, including Jaggery Powder, Groundnut Oil, Moringa Powder, and Peanut Butter, feature this cutting-edge traceability. With plans to expand across its 100 plus offerings, the brand is redefining food integrity in India.

    As concerns about food sourcing grow, TBOF invites consumers to demand better. With a simple QR code scan, they can uncover their food’s entire journey from farm to fork ushering in a new era of trust and accountability in what we eat.

  • Detective Dotson cracks the big screen case at Animela 2025

    Detective Dotson cracks the big screen case at Animela 2025

    MUMBAI: Mumbai is about to witness a thrilling cinematic investigation as Detective Dotson: The Movie, the animated companion to the highly anticipated cosy mystery game Detective Dotson makes its grand premiere at AniMela 2025. Marking a first-of-its-kind moment, the film will be the inaugural video game adaptation to be showcased at India’s International Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics & XR Festival.

    The screening is set for March 8, 2025, at 6 pm at P.C. Saxena Lecture Theatre, IDC, IIT Mumbai campus. Following the premiere, Masala Games’ CEO and co-founder, Shalin Shodhan, will take centre stage for an exclusive Q&A session, offering insights into the game’s world and its transition into film.

    Crafted in Unreal Engine 5, Detective Dotson: The Movie takes audiences deep into the gripping tale of Dotson, an amateur detective grappling with personal loss while uncovering a sinister corporate conspiracy, a mysterious assassin, and a hidden family truth. As chaos unfolds amidst a high-stakes cricket match, Dotson must piece together clues before catastrophe strikes.

    Bringing a fresh visual identity, the film blends stylised 2D-meets-3D animation, mirroring the game’s modern Indian aesthetic. The experience is further enriched by an evocative original soundtrack created in collaboration with Nikhil Rao of Indian Ocean, pioneers of Indian rock.

    “This film offers an in-depth look into Detective Dotson’s world, setting the stage for the game’s official launch on April 3,” said Shodhan. “AniMela is the perfect platform to debut this project, celebrating the confluence of gaming and cinema.”

    AniMela’s artistic director, Anne Doshi stated, “We are thrilled to feature Detective Dotson: The Movie as the first-ever game-to-movie adaptation at the festival. It exemplifies the kind of passion projects that showcase India’s growing influence in the gaming and animation industry.”

    The film serves as a prequel to Detective Dotson, the mystery-adventure game that picks up where the movie leaves off. Set in a vividly realised contemporary India, the game puts players in the role of Dotson, challenging them to solve puzzles, crack cases, and uncover the hidden truths lurking beneath the surface.

    As AniMela 2025 returns to Mumbai for its second year from 7-9 March at IDC, IIT Bombay, Detective Dotson: The Movie promises to be a standout feature, merging gripping storytelling with cutting-edge animation and gaming. Whether you’re a film buff, a gaming enthusiast, or a mystery lover, Dotson’s world is one you won’t want to miss.

  • Hero Motocorp races ahead with 3.88 lakh dispatches in February 2025

    Hero Motocorp races ahead with 3.88 lakh dispatches in February 2025

    MUMBAI: Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, kept the throttle open in February 2025, dispatching 3.88 lakh units. While domestic sales stood at 3,57,296 units, the company also saw a stellar 33 per cent growth in global sales, crossing the 30,000-unit mark for the third consecutive month.

    Hero Motocorp reported 3,88,068 total dispatches in February 2025, with 3,57,296 units sold in the domestic market. Motorcycles remained the dominant category, contributing 3,52,312 units, while scooters accounted for 35,756 units. Year-to-date (YTD) figures saw a total of 53,49,583 units dispatched in FY25, up from 51,31,040 in FY24. Exports surged with 30,772 units shipped in February 2025, marking a significant increase from 23,153 units in February 2024, bringing YTD exports to 2,47,911 units compared to 1,69,765 in the previous fiscal year.

    Hero Motocorp’s electric vehicle brand, Vida, is riding a strong wave of popularity, dispatching 6,200 units in February. The growing success of the Vida V2 range reinforces the brand’s positioning as an aspirational yet accessible electric mobility solution.

    With the onset of the marriage season and new product launches, Hero Motocorp anticipates stronger momentum in the coming months. Strengthening its 125cc scooter lineup, the company has begun deliveries of the Destini 125, with Xoom 125 dispatches set to begin soon.

    Further expanding its premium retail footprint, over 64 ‘Premia’ dealerships now offer a seamless buying experience for Hero Motocorp, VIDA, and Harley-Davidson products all under one roof.

    Beyond sales figures, Hero Motocorp is accelerating skill development for women in the automotive sector. In collaboration with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), the company has launched an upskilling initiative to train 20,000 women over the next 15 months in key automotive sales and service roles.

    Hero MotoSports Team Rally made its mark at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, with Nacho Cornejo securing an impressive 6th position. Cornejo showcased unwavering consistency, finishing in the top 10 in every stage and bagging two stage podiums.

  • Fintech POP appoints Navi’s Pancholi to head engineering

    Fintech POP appoints Navi’s Pancholi to head engineering

    MUMBAI: POP, the fintech startup targeting young Indian consumers, has appointed Chandresh Pancholi as its new head of engineering and product.

    Pancholi joins from Navi, where he served as director of engineering, leading a 90-person team that helped propel the company’s UPI payment application from 12th to 4th position in India’s competitive digital payments market.

    During his tenure at Navi, he oversaw several key initiatives including the development of a credit line on UPI with Karnataka Bank and a central abuse detection platform for UPI reward systems.

    Prior to Navi, Pancholi held technical leadership positions at Paytm and Flipkart, building considerable experience in India’s e-commerce and financial technology sectors.

    POP, founded in 2023 by former Flipkart executives, offers a rewards-based payment ecosystem where users earn “POPcoins” worth Rs 1 each for transactions made through its platform. The company is backed by India Quotient and several angel investors from the consumer internet sector.

    At POP, Pancholi will be responsible for scaling the company’s technical infrastructure and developing new product features as the startup attempts to challenge established players in India’s increasingly crowded digital payments market.

  • Mahindra races past Hyundai as India’s no two carmaker in February 2025

    Mahindra races past Hyundai as India’s no two carmaker in February 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s automobile sector witnessed a power shift in February 2025, as Mahindra outsold Hyundai to claim the second-largest carmaker spot in the country. With 50,420 domestic sales, Mahindra registered a robust 19 per cent YoY growth in the passenger vehicle segment, while Hyundai’s domestic sales dropped by 4.3 per cent YoY to 47,727 units, securing its third-place position.

    Mahindra’s total sales, including exports, reached 52,386 units, riding high on India’s SUV boom. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the company registered 20 per cent growth, selling 5,03,439 units in FY25, compared to 4,10,246 units in FY24.

    Mahindra’s export performance was particularly impressive, nearly doubling YoY, with 3,061 units shipped in February 2025, marking a 99 per cent surge from 1,539 units last year.

    Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) recorded total sales of 58,727 units, including 47,727 domestic sales and a strong export performance of 11,000 units registering 6.8 per cent YoY growth. However, the domestic market decline from 50,201 units in February 2024 signalled a 4.3 per cent drop.

    Market leader Maruti Suzuki maintained its top position, selling 1,60,791 passenger vehicles, reflecting a marginal 0.32 per cent YoY growth. The company’s exports, however, dipped by 13.5 per cent, with 25,021 units shipped compared to 28,927 units in February 2024.

    Tata Motors saw a 9.43 per cent YoY decline in February, selling 46,435 passenger vehicles, down from 51,267 units in 2024. The company’s EV sales were particularly affected, registering a 22.82 per cent drop, with 5,343 units sold, compared to 6,923 in the previous year.

    Toyota Kirloskar Motor maintained its stronghold in the Indian automotive market, recording an impressive 13 per cent YoY growth in February 2025. The company sold 28,414 units, a significant jump from 25,220 units in February 2024. Of these, 26,414 units were dispatched to domestic dealers, while 2,000 units were shipped to international markets. With this steady growth, Toyota continues to strengthen its position, riding high on demand for its premium and reliable offerings in India and beyond.  

    Kia continued its upward trajectory, selling 25,026 vehicles in February 2025, marking an impressive 23.89 per cent YoY growth from 20,200 units in February 2024. Kia kept the momentum going in February 2025, clocking an impressive 25,026 unit sales, a 23.89 per cent YoY surge from 20,200 units in the same month last year. Leading the charge was the ever-popular Sonet, roaring ahead with 7,598 units, followed by the stylish and powerful Seltos at 6,446 units. The all-new Syros made a strong debut, securing 5,425 units, while the Carens, a favourite among families, registered 5,318 units. Meanwhile, the premium Carnival added an exclusive touch to Kia’s lineup with 239 units sold. With this stellar performance, Kia continues to solidify its place in India’s ever-evolving automobile landscape.

    Mahindra’s rise highlights India’s growing preference for SUVs, while Hyundai’s dip suggests an evolving competitive landscape. Tata Motors faces challenges in the EV space, while Kia continues to gain traction. As the race heats up, all eyes are on how carmakers respond to shifting market trends.

     

  • In partnership with AAAI, SGF has hosted the lecture series, featuring top speakers for years.

    In partnership with AAAI, SGF has hosted the lecture series, featuring top speakers for years.

    Mumbai: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Subhas Ghosal Foundation (SGF) have announced that award-winning independent digital journalist Faye D’Souza will deliver the AAAI Subhas Ghosal memorial lecture 2025 on 5 March at St. Regis, Mumbai.

    Established in memory of Subhas Ghosal, a towering figure in the advertising industry, the Subhas Ghosal Foundation promotes the professional values he upheld. In collaboration with AAAI, the Foundation has hosted the lecture series for several years, featuring distinguished speakers such as Rajan Anandan, Uday Shankar, Ronnie Screwvala, Aroon Purie, and Sudhir Sitapati.

    Speaking on behalf of SGF, Sam Balsara stated, “We live in an era where news and views shape our daily lives. Faye D’Souza, with her fearless journalism, will discuss the challenges and opportunities for independent journalists and the implications for democracy and public discourse. It promises to be an insightful session.”

    This year’s event also welcomes a new sponsor, Amazon MX Player.