Category: Media and Advertising

Innocean India wins Narayana Health’s consolidated media mandate

MUMBAI: It’s go health on its mind, and now in its pocket. Innocean India, part of the global Innocean Network, has secured the consolidated media mandate for healthcare provider Narayana Health.

In an era where both online and offline media platforms dominate communication, ensuring timely and effective delivery of critical healthcare messages is paramount. With its expertise in strategic media planning and execution, Innocean aims to strengthen Narayana Health’s connection with its audience, fostering greater trust and accessibility.

By aligning Narayana Health’s commitment to care with Innocean’s innovative media strategies, this collaboration looks to reshape the way Indians engage with healthcare information, ensuring it is both impactful and life changing.

Narayana Health chief marketing officer Ashish Bajaj said, “We are delighted to partner with Innocean India for our media mandate. Their innovative approach to media planning and execution is exactly what we need to elevate our brand and expand our reach. We are confident that their expertise will play a pivotal role in achieving our objectives and making a significant impact on the healthcare landscape.”

Innocean won the mandate despite cut-throat manoeuvres from other agencies. Innocean India managing director Jaeho Yoo said: “Innocean India is honoured to partner with Narayana Health, a leader in the healthcare industry. We look forward to leveraging our expertise to help Narayana Health reach new heights in the healthcare industry. We will strive to introduce and collaborate on innovative media solutions through close cooperation with Innocean headquarters in Korea.”

Added Innocean chief operating officer Santosh Kumar: “Our partnership with Narayana Health is a pivotal step in Innocean’s 2.0 journey. In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, media plays a more critical role than ever in reaching and engaging patients. By leveraging the power of strategic media planning and execution, we aim to amplify Narayana Health’s commitment to providing quality healthcare with best-in-class facilities to millions across India. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of driving meaningful impact through innovative media solutions.”

Together, Innocean and Narayana Health aim to empower every individual with the critical information and knowledge they need for their well-being. Placing the consumer at the heart of their efforts, this partnership reflects a shared mission to prioritise health and safety. By combining their strengths, the duo hopes to take healthcare communication to a new high — making it more accessible, relatable, impactful, and deeply resonant with the needs of every individual.

November 26, 2024
Omnicom Media enlists Varuni Vij as vice-president

MUMBAI: Omnicom Media group has signed up Varuni Vij as vice-president from this month. Vij has a large part of her 16 years of working in media agencies, moving onto the client’s side in 2020 when she started working with Reckitt.

Vij has had stints with Zenith, Madison World, Carat, Mindshare and Initiative over her career. Her last job was with the Good Glamm Group, where she says she “started as a media lead. But I significantly enhanced our brand’s visibility and engagement, leveraging my media expertise and passion for beauty and personal care I was promoted to Brand side for notable Beauty & Personal care brands – Organic Harvest, Manish Malhotra Beauty and POPxo makeup.”

Her going back to the agency side will be a homecoming of sorts.

November 25, 2024
IPL2025 Auction: The action heats up on day two

MUMBAI: With limited purses at their disposal, some of the team managements moved cautiously while making their purchases on day two of the IPL2025 mega auction at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a piggy bank with Rs 30.65 crore; Mumbai Indians, Rs 26.1 crore; Punjab Kings, Rs 22.5 crore; Gujarat Titans, Rs 17.5 crore; Rajasthan Royals, Rs 17.35 crore; Chennai Super Kings; Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 14.85 crore; Delhi Capitals, Rs 13.8 crore; Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 10.5 crore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs 5.5 crore.

The day was a bit of a shocker with some rather good players not finding any takers in the first round of the auction, but getting picked up in the first or second round of the accelerated auction later in the day. Among the cricketers who were left out figured: Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Ajinkya Rahane, Mayank Agrawal, Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell,Shai Hope, K.S. Bharat, Alex Carey, Akeal Hosein, Adil Rashid, Keshav Maharaj, Fin Allen, Moen Ali, Umran Malik, Mustafizur Rahman, Umesh Yadav, Steve Smith, Sikandar Raza, Sarfaraz Khan, Kyle Mayers, Navdeep Saini, Lungi Ngidi Kwena Maphaka and Shivam Mavi. Some of these were once celebrated as stars and sure shots who were paid big bucks in previous IPLs.

It’s almost as if some of the teams were looking to take major risks and take on new talent, instead of recruiting players who have put up mixed performances. While others went about putting in big bucks to retain their squads of yesteryear.

Kolkata Knight Riders got the train moving by offering Rs 1.5 crore for West Indies skipper Rovman Powell, which was his base price. Delhi Capitals then got into the act by acquiring Faf du Plessis for Rs 2 crore, his base price. But the big story of the day was the Rs 1.1 crore which Rajasthan Royals shelled out for the 13 year old tyro and hard-hitter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, making him the youngest ever player to be picked up for the IPL.

Among the players who were picked up during the day included: Akash Deep (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 8 crore); Lockie Ferguson (Punjab Kings, Rs 2 crore); Deepak Chahar (Mumbai Indians, Rs 9.25 crore); Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 10.75 crore); Gerald Coetzee (Gujarat Titans, Rs 2.40 crore); Tushar Deshpande (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 6.50 crore); Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings, Rs 2.60 crore); Nitish Rana (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 4.20 crore); Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians, Rs 1 crore); Washington Sundar (Gujarat Titans, Rs 3.20 crore); Krunal Pandya (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 5.75 crore); Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings, Rs 7 crore); Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings, Rs 2.40 crore); Allah Ghazanfar (Mumbai Indians, Rs 4.80 crore); Xavier Bartlett (Punjab Kings, Rs 80 lakh), Yuvraj Chaudhary (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 30 lakh); Pyla Avinash (Punjab Kings Rs 30 lakh); Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs 1.2 crore); Devdutt Padikkal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 2 crore) ; Luvnith Sisodia (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 30 lakh); Shreyas Gopal (Chennai Super Kings; Rs 30 lakh); Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 2 crore); Glenn Phillips (Gujarat Titans, Rs 2 crore); Donovan Ferreira (Delhi Capitals, Rs 75 lakh); Anukul Roy (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 40 lakh); Vansh Bedi (Chennai Super Kings, Rs 55 lakh); Moeen Ali (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 2 crore); Umran Malik (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 75 lakh); Sachin Baby (Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs 30 lakh); Arshin Kulkarni (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 30 lakh); Matthew Breetzke (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 75 lakh); Kwena Maphaka (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 1.5 crore); Praveen Dubey (Punjab Kings, Rs 30 lakh); Manvanth Kumar (Delhi Capitals, Rs 30 lakh); Karim Janat (Gujarat Titans, Rs 75 lakh); Bevon Jacobs (Mumbai Indians, Rs 30 lakh); Tripurana Vijay (Delhi Capitals, Rs 30 lakh); Madhav Tiwari (Delhi Capitals, Rs 40 lakh); Kunal Rathore (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 30 lakh); Arjun Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians, Rs 30 lakh); Lizaad Williams (Mumbai Indians, Rs 75 lakh); Abhinandan Singh (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 30 lakh); Kulwant Khejroliya, (Gujarat Titans, Rs 30 lakh); Ashok Sharma (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 30 lakh); Vignesh Puthur, (Mumbai Indians, Rs 30 lakh); Mohit Rathee (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 30 lakh).

Below are some moments from the auction interspersed with the final squads of each of the teams and the prices that were paid for them. Happy reading and viewing! (pix courtesy screen grabs from JioCinema’s stream of the auction)

The price mentioned in the second column is the amount paid to the player to acquire him for
the team.

November 25, 2024
Tonic Worldwide’s Smile Train campaign wins triple honours at Shorty Awards

Mumbai: Tonic Worldwide, a leading digital-first creative agency, has celebrated a momentous win at The Shorty Impact Awards 2024, clinching three prestigious accolades for its transformative collaboration with Smile Train. The groundbreaking campaign focused on inclusivity and representation, earning recognition in the following categories:

● Audience Honor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

● Gold Honor for On a Shoestring Campaign

● Audience Honor for On a Shoestring Campaign

The initiative introduced the first cleft-inclusive image repository on Shutterstock, challenging the norms of representation in visual communication. The repository serves as a readily accessible resource for brands and organisations to use in everyday communication, enabling the seamless adoption of cleft-inclusive visuals across industries such as water purifiers, FMCG, and BFSI.

This innovative campaign underscores Tonic Worldwide’s mission to drive societal progress through creativity. By creating an inclusive visual repository, the initiative has empowered brands to integrate authentic representation into their messaging, fostering narratives of diversity and empowerment.

Speaking on the achievement, Tonic Worldwide, co-founder & chief creative officer, Sudish Balan said, “These honours at The Shorty Impact Awards reflect more than just creative excellence—they underscore the importance of purposeful storytelling. With Smile Train, we didn’t just create an image repository; we built a tool for change, challenging the norms of representation in visual communication. This initiative is proof that even on limited resources, creativity can create ripples of inclusion and inspire brands to rethink how they engage with diverse audiences. This win is a reminder of the transformative power of ideas rooted in empathy.”

Smile Train, SVP & regional director for Asia, Mamta Carroll added, “The Shorty Impact Awards are validation of the power of inclusive storytelling and its ability to shift perceptions. By creating a repository that highlights the beauty and strength of women with a facial birth difference, we’re not just challenging stereotypes—we’re offering a platform for greater visibility and empowerment. This campaign has proven that even small steps can make a big impact when creativity and empathy come together for a common cause.”

The success of this campaign highlights the role of creativity in fostering inclusivity and advancing social change, reaffirming Tonic Worldwide as a leader in impactful storytelling.

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shutterstock

November 25, 2024
Beyond Snack ignites snack aisles with Pushpa’s fire: ‘Flower Nahi Fire’ chips

Mumbai: Beyond Snack, India’s banana chip brand, has partnered with Mythri Movie Makers to launch an exclusive flavor, ‘Flower Nahi Fire,’ inspired by the unstoppable energy of Pushpa 2: The Rule. As part of its ‘24 Karat Taste’ campaign, this fiery new offering celebrates the sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, blending boldness and crunch to embody the spirit of its iconic protagonist.

The ‘Flower Nahi Fire’ banana chips mark a milestone as the first-ever movie-inspired flavor in the snack industry. Designed to mirror Pushpa’s resilience and intensity, this spicy, adventurous snack takes fans on a flavorful journey they won’t forget.

The flavor draws inspiration from Pushpa’s memorable dialogue, “Flower Nahi Fire.” Beyond Snack captures the essence of this line with a bold spice blend that delivers a fiery kick in every bite, combined with the natural sweetness of bananas.

“This collaboration celebrates Pushpa’s unbreakable spirit and India’s love for fiery flavors,” said Beyond Snack, founder, Manas Madhu. “We’ve crafted Flower Nahi Fire to reflect the movie’s energy. Its intense spice and crunch are as impactful as the character himself.”

Beyond Snack ensures that Flower Nahi Fire lives up to Pushpa’s fiery legacy with its unique features:

1 Bold Spice Blend: Infused with locally sourced spices, this flavor builds heat and complexity, catering to lovers of intense snacks.

2 Signature Crunch: True to Beyond Snack’s high standards, every chip is fried to achieve the perfect crispness.

3 Collector’s Packaging: Featuring visuals from Pushpa 2, the limited-edition packaging is a must-have for fans.

“This snack isn’t just about taste—it’s about celebrating the boldness of Pushpa Raj,” said Mythri Movie Makers, producer, Y. Ravishankar. “Fans can now experience Pushpa’s fiery energy off-screen.”

November 25, 2024
Arpan launches #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign

Mumbai: An alarming 50 per cent of children in India have experienced sexual abuse (MWCD 2007), with 182 new cases reported every day (NCRB 2022). As the rate of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) continues to escalate across the country, Arpan launched an awareness campaign aimed squarely at child sexual offenders. The campaign seeks to educate the public on what constitutes CSA and highlight that sexual violence against children is neither acceptable nor tolerable. According to the NCRB 2022, 42 per cent of all crimes committed against children are sexual offenses.

The #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign delivers a powerful, unequivocal message: Child Sexual Abuse is a criminal offense – Stop Now or Face the Consequences. This campaign is a direct call to action, warning offenders that they will face severe legal repercussions under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses, 2012), along with significant social consequences. Arpan aims to raise widespread awareness of CSA laws and protections, deter offenders, and ensure that they understand that they will be held fully accountable for their actions.

“We can no longer ignore the root of this grave issue. We must take proactive steps to prevent sexual abuse and protect children from harm,” said Arpan founder & CEO Pooja Taparia. “This campaign is not just about laws; it’s about making offenders understand that their actions will not go unnoticed. They will be caught, they will be isolated, and they will face severe legal consequences. Our children deserve to grow up in a world where they are safe, and the POCSO Act stands as a shield to protect them.”

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, Arpan’s goodwill ambassador, expressed her support for the campaign, stating: “It’s time for all of us to come together and speak up for child safety. As an advocate for this cause, I stand with Arpan and the #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign because children deserve to grow up free from the fear of abuse. Offenders may try to manipulate or take advantage of children’s trust, but this campaign ensures that such heinous acts will not go unpunished”

The #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign was launched during Child Safety Week (14-20 November), with an extensive public outreach effort. In partnership with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), Arpan is displaying child safety messages across the Maha Mumbai Metro and Public Buses in Mumbai and Thane. Billboards in Vile Parle and Bandra, local trains on the Western Line, and Auto Rickshaws across the city are also showcasing the campaign. The campaign film is being shown in PVR theaters across Mumbai and is available on major OTT platforms, including Jio Cinema, Zee5, and MX Player.

In addition, schools in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh have joined the movement by displaying school uniforms on their main gates with the powerful message: All children in India are #ProtectedByPOCSO. Stop Right Now or Get Caught.

November 25, 2024
Asian Paints launches ‘The Safe House’ campaign

Mumbai: The exteriors of our homes stand as the first line of defense against nature’s harsh elements like heavy rains, intense sunlight and persistent dust. Over time, these elements can affect the look and durability of homes, leaving homeowners searching for a solution that truly lasts. Asian Paints, trusted by homeowners across India, has taken its flagship exterior paint, Apex Ultima Protek—widely known as the Lamination Paint—to the next level by powering it with Graphene, a revolutionary material offering unmatched protection and durability. Offering a 12-year warranty, this re-engineered paint sets a new benchmark for exterior protection.

Graphene is reshaping industries with its incredible strength, flexibility, and durability. Now, it powers Asian Paints Apex Ultima Protek, forming an ultra-strong barrier that shields homes from UV fading, cracks, and water damage. Graphene’s advanced elastomeric properties stand as the toughest and most reliable protection for Indian homes.

To bring this innovation to life, Asian Paints has launched an all-new campaign, “The Safe House,” with brand ambassador Ranbir Kapoor. In the commercial, Ranbir Kapoor is seen stepping into the role of a spy for the first time, navigating thrilling escapes from dangerous adversaries.

Conceptualized by Ogilvy India and directed by renowned filmmaker Shashanka Chaturvedi, the ad for Apex Ultima Protek unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of a Moroccan market as it takes viewers on a whirlwind adventure. Ranbir, as the dashing agent, along with his heroine, narrowly escapes enemies chasing them through winding streets. Just when it seems like there’s no escape and a missile locks onto its target, Ranbir has a brilliant idea—to retreat to their impenetrable “Safe House,” protected by Ultima Protek powered by Graphene.

The enemy tries everything—missiles and relentless attacks—but the Safe House stands untouched and invincible. This cinematic masterpiece brilliantly captures Ultima Protek’s protection against every element, be it scorching sun, torrential rains, or persistent dust.

By blending the intrigue of espionage with cutting-edge innovation, the campaign lands how Ultima Protek, powered by Graphene, delivers unparalleled performance. The safe house becomes a central metaphor, emphasizing the brand’s role in shielding homes from relentless external challenges, much like a spy’s impenetrable hideout that ensures safety under the harshest conditions.

Speaking about the new Ultima Protek campaign, Asian Paints CEO & MD Amit Syngle commented, “At Asian Paints, innovation and technology are at the heart of everything we do. From Teflon in Royale to Lamination in Ultima Protek, and now Graphene—the wonder material—we’ve consistently set new benchmarks in the category. With Graphene-powered Ultima Protek, we’re delivering the toughest protection for Indian homes. By focusing on technology-driven solutions, we aim to simplify the decision-making process for our consumers, helping them choose the best for their homes.”

Speaking about the commercial, Syngle added, “This Ultima Protek campaign mirrors a blockbuster action movie brought alive by the presence of our brand ambassador Ranbir Kapoor. Brimming with action and drama, Ultima Protek powered by Graphene, paired with Ranbir’s charisma, is set to captivate the nation.”

Ogilvy India CCO Sukesh Nayak said, “This campaign is an exciting, gripping spy thriller that brings to life the incredible safety and strength of Ultima Protek with Graphene. The creative concept of ‘Safe House’ demonstrates how this house is more than just a shelter – it’s a fortress, a secure haven made impenetrable by the power of Graphene. The story is brought to life by Ranbir Kapoor stepping into the role of a super spy who uses the safe house protection in the most intense situations to complete his mission.”

November 25, 2024
Times Now Heroes honours humanity’s unsung champions in inspiring launch

Mumbai: The inaugural edition of Times Now Heroes, powered by Bennett University and The Times Group, launched today with a heartfelt ceremony celebrating courage, resilience, and compassion. The event, presided over by Bennett University, Chancellor, Vineet Jain and The Times Group, MD, honoured individuals whose selfless actions transform lives and uplift society.

Among the heroes celebrated were head constables Seema Devi and Suman Hooda of the Delhi Police, whose dedication to Operation Milap led to the rescue of 104 trafficked children across three states in just nine months. Their relentless commitment brought hope and joy to countless families, highlighting the enduring power of humanity and compassion.

Reflecting on their journey, Devi said, “We don’t wear uniforms when on duty. When we find a child, we help them understand, just like a mother or a sister and create a connection.” She underscored the rising danger of social media crimes targeting adolescents, urging vigilance and efforts to prevent human trafficking.

Hooda shared her pride in reuniting families, stating, “We have to attach emotionally with the kids and families to trace them. It’s impossible to do this without emotions. Kids listen to us as guiding figures, even when they won’t listen to their parents.”

Jain emphasised the shared vision of Times Now and Bennett University in celebrating real-life heroes, stating, “Our mission with Times Now Heroes is to bring to light the extraordinary power of ordinary individuals who lead with compassion, courage, and purpose. This initiative reflects the very essence of impactful storytelling—where real-life heroes inspire millions, acts of courage and selflessness transform lives and strengthen the very fabric of our society.”

Bennett University’s partnership with Times Now Heroes reinforces its commitment to nurturing future leaders and amplifying voices that inspire positive change. “Bennett University is not only building careers but also nurturing minds that will leave an indelible mark on society,” added Jain.

November 25, 2024
Vinod Bhat joins Tata AutoComp as chef digital officer

MUMBAI: Industry veteran Vinod Bhat has moved on from Vistara Tata SIA Airlines after a stint of almost four years. He has been hired by Tata AutoComp Systems as chief digital officer. Tata AutoComp specialises in the design, development, manufacturing, and supply of a broad range of automotive products and services.

A long serving staunch Tata loyalist, Bhat’s first job was with TCS where he spent 28 years rising to global business head consumer packaged goods – UK, Ireland and Europe and delivery center head before departing for Vistara Tata.

“As chief digital officer (CDO) at Tata AutoComp (Taco), I will be driving digital transformation across the Taco group through new age digital technologies like artificial intelligence/ gen-AI, IOT, IIOT, RFID, plant automation and manufacturing excellence, Tata data maturity, Tata cyber security, B2B/B2C/B2E use cases and so on.” Said Bhat on Linkedin

November 24, 2024
Flipkart and Arshad Warsi bring nostalgia to Black Friday Smartphone Sale

Mumbai: Flipkart has unveiled a hilarious and nostalgic Black Friday campaign featuring Bollywood’s comedy icon Arshad Warsi. Collaborating with SW Network and its production arm SW Studios, Flipkart reimagines a classic scene from the movie Golmaal, tying it to the excitement of their highly anticipated Black Friday Smartphone Sale.

The campaign brings to life the infamous “Black” scene from Golmaal, with Arshad Warsi reprising his role in a fresh, modern twist. The dialogue, “Lagta hai smartphones ke prices girne wale hain,” cleverly replaces the original line, perfectly capturing the humor and spotlighting the unbelievable discounts on premium smartphones.

Directed in-house by Jaunty, the campaign artfully blends nostalgia with humor, aligning with Flipkart’s narrative to amplify the buzz around Black Friday. The seamless integration of a beloved movie moment with the sale’s irresistible deals creates a campaign that resonates across generations.

SW Studios business head, Jaunty expressed excitement about the collaboration stating, “Recreating the charm of such an iconic scene with Arshad Warsi was a thrilling experience. We aimed to craft a campaign that resonated with movie buffs and shoppers. By combining nostalgia with Flipkart’s narrative, we intended to provide an unforgettable experience that adds value to the Black Friday buzz.”

The campaign highlights the potential of leveraging nostalgia, humor, and strategic marketing to deliver a compelling brand story. With a mix of laughter and relevance, Flipkart connects with audiences while showcasing incredible smartphone deals.

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November 22, 2024