ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Škoda drives emotion with Heartbreak campaign

    Škoda drives emotion with Heartbreak campaign

    MUMBAI: They say love hurts, and Škoda Auto India is proving it with Heartbreak, a tongue-in-cheek campaign celebrating the coveted Škoda Octavia RS, created in collaboration with BBH India.

    The limited-edition Octavia RS, launched as part of Škoda’s 25-year anniversary in India, sold out in a blistering 20 minutes, leaving enthusiasts heartbroken, and inspired.

    At the centre of the campaign is a high-octane brand film that channels the car’s rally-bred spirit, turning FOMO into full-blown automotive passion. But the heartbreak doesn’t stop there.

    Fans can head to an interactive microsite, octavia heartbreak.skoda-auto.co.in, to explore the playful ‘Non-owner’s manual’, a witty guide for those who didn’t manage to grab one of the 100 cars.

    Adding to the fun, Škoda also launched ‘Driver’s Seat’, a special body perfume inspired by the RS’s thrill, letting fans “smell the drive” even without the keys.

    Škoda Auto India brand director Ashish Gupta said, “The ‘Heartbreak’ campaign celebrates not just those who own the Octavia RS, but also the countless fans who’ve kept its spirit alive. True performance isn’t just felt on the road, it stays with you.”

    BBH India chief creative officer Parikshit Bhattaccharya added, “When you’ve got 100 cars and a million fans, you create a coping mechanism for heartbreak. Every element of this campaign was crafted to make the experience unforgettable.”

    From film to fragrance, microsite to memes, Škoda’s Heartbreak proves that even when love for a car goes unrequited, the passion can still go full throttle.

  • Techugo & Nik Baker’s whip up digital delight

    Techugo & Nik Baker’s whip up digital delight

    MUMBAI: There’s something cooking, and this time, it’s digital. Nik Baker’s, the beloved premium bakery chain known for transforming north India’s café culture, has teamed up with Techugo, a global technology leader, to craft a seamless digital ecosystem that blends indulgence with innovation.

    The partnership aims to deliver a next-generation mobile app and in-store tech experience designed to make every bite smoother, smarter, and more rewarding. The upcoming Nik Baker’s mobile app will allow food lovers to browse exclusive products, place quick orders, receive personalised recommendations, and redeem loyalty rewards, all through a frictionless checkout system supporting multiple payment options.

    Inside the cafés, Techugo’s digital solutions will add flavour to convenience. Each table will feature scannable QR codes for instant menu access and ordering, with the system synced in real time with the kitchen and admin panels to ensure quick, accurate service.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Techugo COO Ankit Singh said, “We are thrilled to partner with one of north India’s most adored bakery brands. Our goal is to build a scalable, intuitive, and future-ready platform that enhances customer experience while strengthening backend efficiency.”

    The initiative also includes an advanced admin dashboard for real-time order tracking, inventory management, and performance insights, ensuring consistency across Nik Baker’s 34 bustling outlets.

    By pairing its signature charm with Techugo’s innovation, Nik Baker’s is serving up a fresh recipe for café culture, one where taste meets technology and every order is a little more delightful.

     

  • Moneycontrol summit fuels MF industry’s next leap

    Moneycontrol summit fuels MF industry’s next leap

    MUMBAI: When India’s top fund minds gather under one roof, the conversation is bound to compound. Moneycontrol, India’s leading financial news platform, hosted the Bengaluru edition of the Moneycontrol Mutual Fund Summit 2025, presented by HDFC Mutual Fund and powered by Axis Mutual Fund, bringing together the country’s sharpest asset management leaders to decode the next phase of India’s mutual fund revolution.

    With the theme “Decoding purpose, product, and tech,” the Bengaluru leg built on the momentum of the Mumbai debut, spotlighting the industry’s journey toward a 1 trillion dollars AUM by 2030. The discussions explored how innovation, trust, and digital transformation are reshaping mutual funds from passive savings tools into dynamic wealth-creation engines.

    The summit featured an illustrious line-up including D.P. Singh (SBI Mutual Fund), Navneet Munot (HDFC AMC), Vaibhav Shah (Mirae Asset), Sandeep Tandon (Quant MF), and Neil Parikh (PPFAS MF), among others. Together, they offered insights into everything from investor behaviour and regulatory frameworks to the rise of AI-driven financial advisory.

    Highlighting the potential of the newly launched SIF category, D.P. Singh noted, “SIF bridges the gap between mutual funds and AIFs/PMS, offering evolved investors flexibility with oversight. Within a year, SIFs could grow into a Rs 1 lakh crore category.”

    HDFC AMC’s Navneet Munot struck an optimistic note, “India is transforming from a nation of savers to a nation of investors. People are ambitious, aspirational, and want to create wealth. India is a compounding story.”

    Echoing this forward-looking sentiment, Mirae Asset’s Vaibhav Shah underscored the importance of a liberalised framework for cross-border investments, while Motilal Oswal’s Akhil Chaturvedi observed that Indian investors are now more resilient and long-term focused.

    As India marches toward Viksit Bharat 2047, the Bengaluru edition of the Moneycontrol Mutual Fund Summit 2025 reinforced the sector’s crucial role in driving financial democratisation and wealth creation. With technology, purpose, and innovation steering the next phase, the mutual fund industry seems poised not just to grow, but to evolve.

     

  • Rahul Dravid helps buildAhome hit it home

    Rahul Dravid helps buildAhome hit it home

    MUMBAI: He’s defended wickets, now he’s defending dreams. Rahul Dravid has teamed up with Bengaluru-based home construction company buildAhome for a one-of-a-kind outdoor campaign that turns home dreams into brick-and-mortar reality.

    Centred on the warm call to action “Banni, let’s build a home”, the campaign combines emotion and innovation with a cutting-edge “sensing billboard” that interacts with passers-by, bringing technology and trust to life on the streets of Bengaluru.

    Spanning hoardings, bus wraps, metro ads and digital storytelling, the campaign paints the city blue and white, echoing buildAhome’s promise of reliability, clarity, and integrity. It positions the brand as a one-stop solution for everything from design to delivery, with over 300 in-house experts and a strict no-subcontracting model to ensure precision and peace of mind.

    For Dravid, whose name is synonymous with dependability, the partnership was a natural fit. The cricketing legend chose buildAhome’s green homes for their focus on sustainable design and energy efficiency, values that mirror his own grounded approach to success.

    “At buildAhome, we believe in promoting not just aspirational living but responsible living,” said founder and CEO Abhijith R. Priyan. “We don’t just build houses; we create homes that inspire confidence and stability.”

    From sensing billboards to storytelling that speaks the local language, buildAhome’s latest campaign hits home on every front, proof that when Rahul Dravid’s in your corner, even homebuilding can become a masterclass in patience, precision, and pure dedication.

     

  • Kareena shines in KT Kids’ tender new TVC

    Kareena shines in KT Kids’ tender new TVC

    MUMBAI: When it comes to parenting, perfection takes a backseat and love takes the wheel. KT Kids’ new national TVC, featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, celebrates exactly that, the unfiltered, joyfully messy world of motherhood.

    Conceptualised by Lumos Studios, the ad film positions KT Kids as “A mother’s trusted choice”, blending emotional storytelling with its promise of gentle, science-backed care. Kareena’s effortless warmth and authenticity bring a relatable charm to the film, capturing those everyday moments that define parenting, from bubbly bath times to sleepy hugs and everything in between.

    Set in a soft, cinematic palette, the visuals highlight the brand’s philosophy of care that’s pure, safe and full of heart, while subtly showcasing its range of shampoos and conditioners.

    “This campaign truly resonated with me as a mother,” said Kareena Kapoor Khan. “It captures the laughter, the chaos and the magic that come with raising children. KT Kids gives parents the confidence to care with love and without compromise.”

    KT Kids founder Dhruv Sayani added, “We wanted to celebrate the real side of motherhood, the mess and the magic. Kareena’s warmth brought that alive perfectly. Our goal remains to create products parents can trust completely.”

    Adding to the charm, the campaign introduces new SpongeBob SquarePants packaging, turning bath time into a splash of fun. Clinically tested and paediatrician-approved, KT Kids’ products are free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates and silicones, a reflection of the brand’s ongoing commitment to care that’s as gentle as a mother’s touch.

    KT Kids keeps it simple: safe care, happy kids and a little love in every bubble.

     

  • Shaadi.com stirs up Lucknow with giant kadhai ad

    Shaadi.com stirs up Lucknow with giant kadhai ad

    MUMBAI: Who knew a humble kitchen kadhai could cook up such a storm? Shaadi.com’s latest outdoor campaign in Lucknow has done just that, turning a beloved North Indian superstition into a citywide spectacle.

    Partnering with Moms, the outdoor specialist from Madison World, the matchmaking platform unveiled a giant kadhai installation that instantly caught eyes and sparked conversations both on the streets and online. The campaign draws from the cheeky local saying, “Kadhai se kha liye? Shaadi mein baarish pakki!,” a superstition as familiar as it is funny.

    By turning that everyday phrase into a playful visual, the campaign struck a chord with audiences who couldn’t resist stopping for selfies, laughs, and a touch of nostalgia. It was a perfect recipe for virality, a mix of wit, warmth and cultural flair.

    “With this campaign, we wanted to showcase Shaadi.com’s relatable, light-hearted side in a way that truly connects with regional culture,” said Moms chief executive officer Jayesh Yagnik. “The kadhai idea taps into a shared superstition and turns it into a moment of joy and connection.”

    Shaadi.com brand manager – creative and social Johanna Israni added, “Some of the best ideas come from simple memories. Sneaking a bite from the kadhai is a universal moment, and we just blew it up, literally, to bring a smile to everyone’s face.”

    Conceptualised by Shaadi.com’s in-house creative team and executed with Moms, the campaign was further amplified digitally by Pulpkey. The result? A light-hearted outdoor activation that served equal parts nostalgia and novelty, proving that in advertising, sometimes all it takes is a good story, a great laugh, and one oversized kadhai.

     

  • Wendy’s rave serves burgers with a scare

    Wendy’s rave serves burgers with a scare

    MUMBAI: This Halloween, Wendy’s is swapping ketchup for cobwebs and fries for fright. The burger chain is turning its outlets in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune into haunted rave zones for one wicked night of food, fun and fearless partying.

    On October 31, Wendy’s Rave, Halloween edition will transform the restaurants into spooky diners with eerie lighting, creepy décor and surprise jump scares. Guests can feast on unlimited burgers, fries, beverages and desserts while grooving to a mix of Hindi cinema and EDM beats that promise to raise the dead, or at least the dance floor.

    Instead of the usual neon wristbands, party-goers will get glowing devil horn headbands, turning the crowd into a sea of red light and mischief. The surprise highlight? A DJ set by “Wendy” herself, complete with haunting Halloween makeup and a playlist that’s equal parts spooky and spectacular.

    “Halloween is all about bold, expressive fun, and Wendy’s is taking that spirit to the next level,” said Rebel Foods chief marketing officer Nishant Kedia. “The Wendy’s Rave is our way of serving flavour with a side of madness and a whole lot of music.”

    As beats drop and burgers flip, expect ghostly laughter, spine-tingling sound effects, and crew members in scary masks dishing out your meal with the occasional jump scare.

    It’s a night where burgers meet the bizarre, fries flirt with fright, and Wendy’s proves that food can be just as thrilling as a haunted house. This Halloween, your meal might just scream back.

     

  • PepsiCo’s new brand identity swaps its stripes for smiles

    PepsiCo’s new brand identity swaps its stripes for smiles

    NEW YORK: PepsiCo has binned the branding it has worn for a quarter-century. Out with the old, in with the grin. The company’s fresh corporate identity, unveiled on 28 October, marks its biggest visual shake-up since the turn of the millennium—a deliberate signal that this is no longer just the fizzy-drinks firm your parents knew.

    Sixty years after Pepsi merged with Lay’s, the empire has swelled to more than 500 brands—Tostitos, Gatorade, Quaker, Siete, poppi—and 300,000 employees. It peddles snacks and beverages from Kansas corner shops to Cairo kitchens, from São Paulo’s streets to Shanghai’s stores. Yet only 21 per cent of consumers can name a PepsiCo brand beyond Pepsi itself. Chairman and chief executive Ramon Laguarta reckons the rebrand will fix that. “Our new identity boldly reflects who we are in 2025: a company with expansive reach, aiming for positive impact across the globe,” he says.

    The new logo plants a “P” at its centre, hemmed in by shapes representing consumer focus, sustainability and taste. A custom typeface in lower case softens the corporate edge. The colour palette draws from earth tones and vivid hues—soil, drinks, planet, people. And lurking beneath it all: a smile. That grin anchors the company’s new three-word mantra: “Food. Drinks. Smiles.”

    Chief consumer and marketing officer and chief growth officer for international foods  Jane Wakely calls it “a beautiful expression of both who we are as a company today and our aspiration for the future.” The smile, she insists, signals an “obsession with consumers” that will fuel growth.

    The rebrand will roll out gradually across PepsiCo.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, then seep into packaging, workplaces and signage worldwide. Whether it prompts consumers to smile back—or simply reach for a rival’s crisps—remains to be seen.

  • Exelmoto shifts gears from vanity to utility

    Exelmoto shifts gears from vanity to utility

    MUMBAI: Forget the flowery talk about clean air and conscious commuting. Exelmoto, the electric cycle venture backed by actor Suniel Shetty, cricketer KL Rahul and actor Ahan Shetty, is done playing the aspirational mobility game. It’s now chasing something far more lucrative: last-mile logistics.

    The company has signed up Delhivery, one of India’s largest delivery networks, for a phased rollout of 200 electric bikes purpose-built for hauling parcels through congested urban streets. The deal, which began as a pilot in June, validates founder Akshai Varde’s bet that sturdy frames and fat tyres built for Indian roads could handle real-world commercial pounding.

    “Delhivery validated what we built under real-world conditions,” said Varde, a designer with over two decades in motorcycles. “It showed that our design and engineering hold up even in demanding daily use.”

    The pivot marks a sharp turn for a brand that launched with lifestyle credentials in June 2025 —lightweight electric cycles that need no registration or licence, aimed at students, office workers and the elderly. But whilst the personal mobility pitch has its charms, the margins and scale lie in B2B contracts.

    “Our commercial pivot creates clear paths to profitability,” said Rahul, who joined Shetty and Ahan as co-investor earlier this year. “This isn’t just about personal mobility anymore; it’s about building last-mile infrastructure for India.”

    The company hasn’t abandoned retail entirely. Exelmoto recently launched Scoot, an electric cycle with a step-through frame and bench seat designed for women and older riders. It offers 45 kilometres of range with pedal-assist, keeping it licence-free whilst targeting comfort over speed.

    “When my generation can confidently adopt electric mobility, the revolution is truly underway,” said Shetty, who came aboard after seeing Varde’s prototype.

    With 68 outlets opening, Amazon and Flipkart listings set for November, and manufacturing capacity targeted at 50,000 bikes by 2026, Exelmoto is scaling fast. The company holds two granted patents and four pending, covering frame architecture and component packaging. Exports to southeast Asia and west Asia are in the works.

    Ahan, the youngest investor, summed up the shift: “My generation’s looking for brands that evolve with us, not just talk to us. Exelmoto began with style, and now it’s about substance and infrastructure.”

    Whether India’s clogged streets need another electric two-wheeler is debatable. Whether they need one that can turn a profit delivering packages is a far more interesting question. Varde and his celebrity backers are betting the answer is yes.

  • Cinépolis and Fanta brew up a spooky treat for halloween movie nights

    Cinépolis and Fanta brew up a spooky treat for halloween movie nights

    MUMBAI: Who says chills only come from the big screen? This Halloween, Cinépolis India and Fanta are serving up a frightfully fun experience that’s equal parts spooky and sippable.

    From 24 October to 6 November, moviegoers can enjoy a halloween combo featuring nachos and unlimited Fanta refills, all wrapped up in specially designed, Halloween-themed cups. The offer, aptly themed “Sip the spook. snack the fun”, brings a playful fizz to the season of frights.

    Cinépolis India managing director Devang Sampat said, “At Cinépolis, we believe in turning every visit to the cinema into an experience that connects with our audiences. Collaborations like this with Fanta allow us to engage with our younger patrons in ways that are playful yet experiential. As India’s festive calendar becomes more diverse, we see growing interest in global cultural moments like Halloween, and we are excited to bring that spirit alive within our cinemas.”

    As the world of cinema meets the world of candy corn and cobwebs, this collaboration promises a refreshing twist for the Halloween-curious crowd. Available across Cinépolis cinemas nationwide, except at Cinépolis ireo, Cinépolis savitri, and Cinépolis Vip, the offer lets you sip, snack, and spook your way through your favourite films.