ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Fevikwik sticks to fun with AI mashups and Rs 5 lakh prize campaign

    Fevikwik sticks to fun with AI mashups and Rs 5 lakh prize campaign

    MUMBAI: When glue meets giggles, you know Fevikwik is up to something. This time, the quick-fix brand has gone from mending the broken to mashing up the bizarre with its newly launched Fevikwik AI Pack, powered by its in-house engine, KwikGPT. From Monsoon Beats (umbrella with headphones) to Time Waist (belt with a watch) and Cute Chops (a chopping board fused with a vanity mirror), the AI tool conjures up oddball hybrids that are as hilarious as they are shareable. The idea? To prove Fevikwik doesn’t just stick, it sparks imagination.

    The campaign, created by Ogilvy India, rides on India’s AI craze, where everything from movie scene swaps to fantasy cricket picks has gone viral. Now, Fevikwik’s twist lets users head to aipack.fevikwik.in, key in any two objects, and watch KwikGPT whip up an image of their invention along with a cheeky name.

    And the fun isn’t just virtual. Weekly winners pocket Rs 10,000, while the ultimate “Chutki Mein Kalaakari Champion” takes home a grand prize worth Rs 5 lakh. The most inventive creations also get a social media spotlight on Fevikwik’s channels, fuelling a leaderboard race for bragging rights.

    “We want to spark action through instant ingenuity, especially for younger audiences,” said Pidilite Industries Ltd CMO Sandeep Tanwani. “Fevikwik is evolving into a symbol of spontaneous creativity celebrating originality, humour, and the joy of making things happen in the moment.”

    Echoing the sentiment Ogilvy India chief creative officer Anurag Agnihotri added: “In a world where AI makes creators of us all, Fevikwik AI Pack spotlights the brand’s playful personality. It’s not just glue, it’s a spark of possibilities.”

    With influencers, creators, and digital buzz fuelling the campaign, Fevikwik is proving once again that it knows how to stick to culture and this time, with a big laugh and a bigger prize.

  • Hyundai drives ahead as 1 in 3 buyers unlock Digital Key convenience

    Hyundai drives ahead as 1 in 3 buyers unlock Digital Key convenience

    MUMBAI: No more fumbling for car keys Hyundai owners are now tapping their way into the future. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced that 33 per cent of buyers have signed up for its Digital Key feature, marking a sharp shift in how Indians want to interact with their cars. Rolled out first in the Hyundai ALCAZAR in September 2024, and extended to the Hyundai CRETA Electric in January 2025, the Digital Key uses NFC technology to replace the need for a physical key. Owners can simply tap their smartphone, smartwatch, or NFC card on the car’s door handle to lock or unlock, and place it on the wireless charging pad to start the engine.

    The feature’s versatility has struck a chord 35 per cent of users are actively sharing their keys with family, friends, or drivers. Each key can be extended to up to three users or seven devices at a time, offering both flexibility and control. And for the forgetful, it eliminates the age-old panic of misplacing the car key.

    HMIL managing director Unsoo Kim noted: “The enthusiastic response to Digital Key reaffirms our belief in creating technology that adds real value to everyday life. We were the first to launch connected car technology in India in 2019, and we remain committed to democratising such premium features.”

    With Hyundai steadily shaping India’s connected mobility landscape, the success of Digital Key signals that tech-driven convenience is no longer a luxury, it’s an expectation. As uptake climbs, HMIL is expected to roll out the feature across more models, making the smartphone the new car key for millions of Indians.

  • Reliance gets high on health drinks with ayurvedic beverage bet

    Reliance gets high on health drinks with ayurvedic beverage bet

    MUMBAI: Reliance Industries is betting big on India’s growing thirst for healthy drinks, snapping up a majority stake in Naturedge Beverages, maker of the herbal functional drink Shunya. The deal marks the latest move by Mukesh Ambani’s conglomerate to build a beverage empire that can rival Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in the world’s most populous country.

    The acquisition brings Shunya—a zero-sugar, zero-calorie drink packed with ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and brahmi—into Reliance Consumer Products’ expanding stable. The brand has caught on with health-conscious Indians seeking alternatives to sugary sodas, tapping into ancient wellness traditions that promise stress relief and mental clarity.

    Founder of Naturedge and scion of the century-old Baidyanath Group ayurvedic empire Siddhesh Sharma launched Shunya in 2018 with the aim of making traditional herbs palatable to modern consumers. “Super-herbs like ashwagandha and brahmi not only act as natural stress-relievers but also boost strength, stamina and focus,” he said.

    For Reliance, the deal is part of a broader push to dominate India’s beverages market. Since launching its consumer products arm in 2022, it has gobbled up the nostalgic Campa Cola brand and rolled out energy drinks and flavoured waters. The company is chasing what it calls a “total beverage portfolio” to capture Indian wallets from morning chai to evening refreshers.

    Reliance Consumer Products  executive director Ketan Mody said the partnership would help promote “India’s legacy” while offering quality products at affordable prices. With Reliance’s vast distribution network, Shunya could soon be available in corner shops from Mumbai to Chennai.

    The move reflects a broader trend as Indian consumers increasingly embrace functional foods and beverages that promise health benefits beyond basic nutrition. As lifestyles become more stressful and wellness awareness grows, traditional remedies repackaged in modern formats are finding eager buyers.

    Whether Reliance can crack the code on healthy drinks remains to be seen. But with deep pockets and distribution muscle, it’s certainly willing to pay for the privilege of trying.

  • India’s tourism bonanza continues as foreign arrivals hit record high

    India’s tourism bonanza continues as foreign arrivals hit record high

    MUMBAI: India’s tourism sector is roaring back to life, with foreign tourist arrivals surging to nearly 100 million last year—the highest on record. The ministry of tourism announced that 99.5 million foreigners visited India in 2024, up from just 15.3 million during the pandemic-ravaged year of 2021.

    The recovery has been spectacular. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism more than quadrupled from Rs 64,000 crore in 2021 to Rs 293,000 crore in 2024. Tourism’s share of GDP has jumped from a measly 1.5 per cent in 2020-21 to 5.2 per cent in 2023-24, making it a significant economic driver.

    Americans lead the charge, with 1.8 million visitors in 2024, followed closely by Bangladeshis at 1.75million. The British, Australians and Canadians round up the top five source markets. Notably, Australia saw its visitor numbers soar from just 34,000 in 2021 to over 518,000 in 2024.

    The boom has created jobs too. Employment in tourism rose from 68 million  positions in 2020-21 to 84.6 million in 2023-24, providing livelihoods for millions across the country.

    Union minister for tourism and culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared these figures in parliament, highlighting how India has bounced back from the travel restrictions that decimated global tourism. International tourist arrivals, including non-resident Indians, reached 206 million in 2024.

    The numbers suggest India is capitalising on pent-up demand for travel as the world emerges from the pandemic’s shadow. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and competitive costs, India appears well-positioned to maintain this momentum.

  • Birla Opus paints a bold stroke with free repainting ‘Assurance’ plan

    Birla Opus paints a bold stroke with free repainting ‘Assurance’ plan

    MUMBAI: Looks like Birla Opus is ready to brush away all consumer doubts quite literally. Birla Opus Paints, part of Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, has unveiled its new ‘Birla Opus Assurance’ campaign, a first-of-its-kind pledge in the Indian paint industry that promises to repaint homes free of charge if customers aren’t satisfied within a year.

    The one-year repainting warranty covers all four seasons, putting walls through the ultimate weather test. This goes above and beyond the standard product warranty, signalling Birla Opus Paints’ confidence in its advanced formulations and service quality.

    Fronting the colourful campaign are brand ambassadors Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, who don quirky avatars across multiple ad films. Adding extra sparkle to the ensemble are Ranveer Shorey, Murali Sharma, Seema Pahwa and Jaaved Jaaferi, each bringing humour and relatability to the brand’s promise. The ads cheekily thank the design and construction community contractors, architects, and dealers whose word-of-mouth recommendations continue to fuel Birla Opus’ growing popularity in the decorative paints market.

    Birla Opus Paints CEO Rakshit Hargave said the campaign reflects the brand’s “deep-rooted belief in the exceptional quality and performance of our products”, while Marketing Head Inderpreet Singh called it “a bold statement of confidence” that balances reassurance with humour.

    On the creative front, Leo Burnett South Asia’s CCO Sachin Kamble revealed that the films tap into the Indian psyche of “value, trust, and quality service”, with humour used to tackle everyday consumer concerns about durability and finish.

    The ‘Birla Opus Assurance’ campaign will run across Hindi and regional languages, backed by a 360° push spanning TV, digital, and print. With India’s decorative paint sector seeing fierce competition, Birla Opus has taken a bold stroke, one that promises to keep consumers covered, rain or shine.

  • Uniqlo banks on Mr Dependable Rahul Dravid to stitch style into daily life

    Uniqlo banks on Mr Dependable Rahul Dravid to stitch style into daily life

    MUMBAI: Rahul Dravid has gone from “The Wall” to “Mr Dependable” in his newest innings this time not on the pitch, but in the wardrobe. Global apparel giant Uniqlo has launched its ‘Everyday Wear for Mr. Dependable’ campaign, fronted by the cricket legend, spotlighting its LifeWear philosophy of comfort, simplicity, and quality.

    The campaign hinges on two of Uniqlo’s core offerings: the breathable Airism Polo Shirt and the crisp Super Non Iron Shirt. In the campaign film, Dravid plays a split-screen double act on one side, a coach in his Airism Polo strolling past the nets; on the other, a family man in his Super Non Iron Shirt, ready for dinner. Together, the twin Dravids underline how Uniqlo promises dependable style across every facet of life.

    “For me, simplicity and consistency matter, in cricket and in life. Uniqlo fits into every version of my day, it’s simple, comfortable and functional,” said Dravid, reflecting the same calm assurance that earned him his moniker on the field.

    The rollout is set to be as versatile as its star: a 360° campaign across digital, social, in-store, CRM, and outdoor platforms from August 18. Adding tech to the mix, Uniqlo will also unveil a first-of-its-kind AR activation at its newest store in Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru, opening August 29, 2025. Shoppers will be able to interact with a life-sized virtual Dravid through an immersive zone, a campaign twist as dependable as the man himself.

    Uniqlo India marketing director Nidhi Rastogi said the collaboration was a natural fit: “Rahul Dravid represents the same consistency, simplicity, and quiet confidence that Uniqlo embodies.”

    From crease to closet, Dravid seems to have mastered the art of being reliably stylish. With a house full of fans and a wardrobe now full of Uniqlo, Mr Dependable is still batting for consistency only this time, in everyday wear.

  • Meghavi Wellness Air SpaLounge reimagines transit wellness as a premium experience

    Meghavi Wellness Air SpaLounge reimagines transit wellness as a premium experience

    MUMBAI: Breaking away from the conventional airport spa model, the Meghavi Wellness Air SpaLounge reimagines transit wellness as a seamless and premium experience. Think elevated comfort, therapeutic treatments, and on-the-fly accessibility all under one roof.

    Designed for modern travelers constantly chasing time, this lounge merges digital-first convenience with luxurious spa services, eliminating the need to leave the terminal or make prior reservations. Whether it’s a quick recharge or a full reset, this is wellness redefined.

    “As someone who lives between terminals and therapies, I’ve experienced how travel strains the body at a cellular level disrupting sleep cycles, circulation, and cognitive balance. Meghavi’s Air SpaLounges are built on the science of recovery, merging frequency-based therapies, lymphatic stimulation massages, zero gravity furniture to aid back stiffness and multi-sensory calm to help travelers reset in motion. This is transit wellness reimagined as essential infrastructure for the modern traveler,” said Meghavi Wellness co-founder Megha Dinesh.

    “There’s no airport in India with a spa lounge model like this — our Air SpaLounges now offer Ayurvedic potli massages, hot stone therapy, and even no-touch options like vibroacoustic beds for those who prefer minimal contact. With private therapy rooms, shower pods, self-check-in kiosks, and National Access inside the terminal itself, we’ve eliminated the wait and reimagined what’s possible in transit wellness. This Mumbai Domestic & International airport launch marks our 5th Air SpaLoungeand 60th outlet nationally — a milestone in making access frictionless and future-ready,” added Meghavi Wellness co-founder Prashant Jain.

  • Dentsu turns up the volume with India’s first agency-led podcast network

    Dentsu turns up the volume with India’s first agency-led podcast network

    MUMBAI: Mic check, India branded storytelling just got a whole new sound. Dentsu India has launched the Dentsu Podcast Network (DPN), a dedicated vertical set to make podcasts the next big stage for brands to converse, connect, and create communities across Bharat.

    Podcasts are no longer just background noise. With over 650 plus shows, 100 plus brands, and 120 plus creators already under their belts, the trio of Aditya Kuber, Agith Kuruvilla, and Ashwin Gangakhedkar now vice presidents at dentsu are bringing their podcasting prowess from Ideabrew Studios into the global agency ecosystem. Their experience spans seven languages, from chart-topping Hindi originals to fast-growing regional formats, making them uniquely placed to amplify dentsu’s branded content play.

    Reporting to Dentsu Creative Isobar CEO Sahil Shah,  the new team will collaborate across dentsu’s media, creative, and CXM businesses to push the boundaries of branded audio. “Podcasts are no longer a niche; they are the most immersive and authentic way to connect with audiences,” said Shah, adding that DPN will help brands “tap into India’s cultural pulse” like never before.

    With India’s diverse subcultures and rising appetite for vernacular content, the opportunity is huge. As Dentsu Creative & Media Brands South Asia CEO Amit Wadhwa put it, “This is more than a media launch; it is a bold step towards shaping narratives that travel from the heart of Bharat to audiences across the globe.”

    In the months ahead, DPN will roll out original branded series, vernacular-first IPs, large-scale creator collaborations, video podcasts, and immersive storytelling innovations. The goal: to ensure every dentu client can harness the intimacy of podcasts and the diversity of Indian languages to build deeper, more meaningful brand affinity.

    For India’s podcasting scene already one of the world’s fastest growing, this could well be the big leap from playlists to power plays, with dentsu tuning brands into conversations that echo far beyond the metros.

  • Shaadi shopping hits jackpot as Omaxe Chowk gifts Rs 1.5 crore house

    Shaadi shopping hits jackpot as Omaxe Chowk gifts Rs 1.5 crore house

    MUMBAI: Who said wedding shopping only lightens the wallet? This season at Chandni Chowk, it might just hand you the keys to a Rs 1.5 crore dream home. Omaxe Chowk has rolled out its one-of-a-kind retail extravaganza Shaadi ka Mota Shagun making bridal trousseau shopping feel more like a game show. Starting 16 August and running for five months, shoppers will get more than bangles and bandhgalas; they stand a chance to win a house worth Rs 1.5 crore, a luxury car, two bikes, travel packages, jewellery, and daily to monthly rewards.

    The timing is as grand as the giveaways. India’s wedding industry, the second largest in the world, hit a whopping US 57.1 billion dollars (Rs 4.74 trillion) in 2023, growing 26.4 per cent year-on-year, according to IBEF. With nearly every sector from fashion and décor to jewellery and automobiles woven into the shaadi economy, Chandni Chowk has always been the bustling epicentre. Now, Omaxe Chowk is taking the tradition into overdrive by fusing heritage with plush retail infrastructure and digital flair.

    Omaxe Group executive director,  Jatin Goel summed it up: “Indian weddings are not just personal milestones but cultural events that drive one of the world’s largest wedding markets. With Shaadi ka Mota Shagun, we’re going beyond discounts, giving shoppers the chance to win prizes as grand as their celebrations.”

    From daily shopping vouchers to life-changing jackpots, the campaign ensures that every swipe of the card or exchange of cash could come with more than just shopping bags it could come with a set of keys, a flight ticket, or even a luxury ride home. For brides, grooms, and families alike, Chandni Chowk isn’t just where wedding dreams are stitched; it’s where fortunes may now be won.

  • Saiyaara soars as July box office scripts 2025’s biggest blockbuster month

    Saiyaara soars as July box office scripts 2025’s biggest blockbuster month

    MUMBAI: The Indian film industry found its monsoon magic in July and the box office is dancing in the rain. After a lukewarm June, July 2025 stormed ahead to become the year’s strongest month yet at the Indian box office, powered by two juggernauts: Hindi romance-drama Saiyaara and the animated epic Mahavatar Narsimha. Together, the duo accounted for more than 45 per cent of the month’s total collections, proving that love stories and mythological action still bring audiences to the theatres in droves.

    Leading the charge, Saiyaara grossed a staggering Rs 392 crore, making it the second-highest earner of the year so far, behind only Chhaava. Close on its heels, Mahavatar Narsimha roared to Rs 259 crore, with the Hindi version alone contributing 75 per cent of the take. Add in Hollywood’s heavyweights Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman & The Fantastic Four: The First Steps and the July box office became a truly global playground.

    The cumulative box office tally for 2025 releases has already climbed 22 per cent higher than the same period last year, keeping the industry firmly on track to cross the Rs 12,000 crore mark by year-end. That would put 2025 in contention to dethrone the all-time record set in 2023 at Rs 12,226 crore. Language-wise, Hindi continues to dominate with five titles in the year’s Top 10, while Hollywood has clawed up to a 12 per cent share of the pie, its best since 2022. Kannada too got its moment with horror-comedy Su From So, lifting its share from under 1 per cent in June to more than 2 per cent in July, while Malayalam slipped from 10 per cent to 8 per cent.

    If July is any indication, 2025 could well end up rewriting the box office record books with Bollywood, Hollywood, and even regional cinema scripting their own plot twists along the way.