Category: Media and Advertising

  • PUMA India partners with Indian Olympic Association

    PUMA India partners with Indian Olympic Association

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA India has announced its partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as their official footwear partner for the Indian contingent to the Paris Olympics and also launched a mega outdoor campaign to celebrate the champions of the game.

    Over 100 Indian athletes, as part of this partnership, will receive podium and travel footwear, trolleys, backpacks, sippers, yoga mats, headbands, wristbands, socks and towels, designed to maximise their training and comfort during the 2024 Summer Olympics. To add, 45 out of the 100 plus Indian athletes across sporting disciplines comprise the PUMA contingent at the Paris Olympics, making the largest squad representing a brand in the country this year.

    PUMA India MD Karthik Balagopalan shared his perspective on this collaboration and campaign launch, stating, “PUMA is dedicated to empowering athletes to surpass their limits and achieve their full potential. Through our partnership with the Indian Olympic Association, we will provide athletes with best in-class footwear and sports accessories, aiming to support their pursuit of excellence at the Paris Olympics. Additionally, we aim to bring to the fore and recognize the milestones achieved by athletes of our country through this campaign. I hope our efforts to celebrate our champions will not only inspire others to give their best but also encourage many young and aspiring athletes to take up Olympic sports in India.”

    This strategic partnership with the IOA, the governing body of Olympics in India, not only affirms PUMA’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant sports culture but also serves as a catalyst for nurturing the growth, progress, and achievements of both current and upcoming generations of athletes in the country.

    “Our partnership with PUMA is pivotal in our mission to elevate the capabilities of our athletes. Equipped with PUMA’s top-quality shoes and accessories, our athletes will be primed to compete at the highest level. The IOA is deeply committed to enhancing India’s medal prospects at the Paris Olympics, and such collaborations are a crucial step towards achieving that goal,” said Indian Olympic Association president and renowned former track-and-field athlete Dr PT Usha.

    Titled “See the Game Like We Do”, PUMA India’s campaign celebrates double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu’s powerful smash, Olympic bronze medalist and hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh’s ability to stop the fastest balls with ease with a series of larger-than-life outdoor spectacles across Mumbai, as it shows Asian Games medalist Kishore Jena’s throw, equivalent to the height of a skyscraper. The campaign by PUMA comes to capture the attention of the country to the superhuman feats of our Indian contingent and their extraordinary dedication, igniting national pride as the athletes head to Paris to achieve the country’s highest glory.

    1   PV Sindhu’s speed of a smash at 349 kmph is three times the speed of Mumbai’s iconic Central Line route. Her exemplary achievement is visualized across the coaches with imagery splashed across coaches of the local train on this route, starting today.

    2   Kishore Jena’s best throw at 87.54 meters, equivalent to the height of a skyscraper, is commemorated by his towering image on the façade of a similar sized structure in Prabhadevi, Mumbai.

    3   Hockey champ PR Sreejesh lightning-fast reflexes and the ability to stop the fastest balls with ease is about 0.15 seconds, which is quicker than a blink. This powerful parallel is illustrated on a digital billboard on the eastern express highway (EEH) serving the cities of Mumbai and Thane.

    By drawing parallels between these record-breaking achievements and common everyday experiences, PUMA aims to inspire the country to take note of the Indian Olympic athletes’ relentless pursuit towards excellence and trailblazing accomplishments.

    “PUMA is proud to be at the forefront when it comes to empowering Indian athletes and celebrating their achievements. This campaign honours the hard work and dedication of our champion players as we stand united in support of them while they take on the world stage. Together, let’s celebrate their journey to success,” said PUMA India associate director & head of marketing Shreya Sachdev.

    Javelin champ and PUMA ambassador Kishore Jena said, “Support from the fans always plays a critical role for athletes in big tournaments, and it’s heartening to see a global brand like PUMA come forward with this amazing campaign to unite the whole nation, encouraging Indian athletes as we chase Olympic glory. I’m confident that high-quality footwear and sports accessories will help us to produce our best show in Paris, leaving no stone unturned.”

    PUMA athletes such as Javelin champ Kishore Jena, professional sport shooter Sift Kaur Samra and equestrian Anush Agarwalla will be experiencing the same world-class gears that propelled legendary Olympics medalists in the past such as Usain Bolt, Merlene Ottey, Shericka Jackson, Heike Drechsler, and many others.

    Professional sport shooter and Paris qualified Sift Kaur Samra said, “I understand that sports demand both physical and mental strength, especially at events like the Olympics where focus is crucial. Having world-class products gives confidence and positively influences performances. PUMA has been trusted by champion athletes worldwide, and I’m thrilled that they’re supporting Indian athletes’ Paris 2024 dream.”

    PUMA has established associations with various sports teams, including renowned global and Indian football clubs such as Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, alongside IPL teams such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals. Additionally, the brand showcases a roster of distinguished brand ambassadors including cricket icon Virat Kohli, sprinting champion Usain Bolt, football star Neymar Jr, boxing champ MC Mary Kom and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.

  • Manforce Condoms launches #ManforceHaiTohPossibleHai campaign

    Manforce Condoms launches #ManforceHaiTohPossibleHai campaign

    Mumbai: Manforce Condoms, a condom brand under Mankind Pharma, has launched a new digital campaign, #ManforceHaiTohPossibleHai, on the occasion of World Population Day. This campaign aligns with the brand’s mission to raise awareness about the growing population, blending humour into its message.

    The campaign humorously addresses population issues, creating excitement and engagement without directly showcasing the product. The central message reinforces the brand’s goal of making the word “Condom” synonymous with “Manforce”.

    The campaign is part of Manforce Condoms’ year-long property, #CondomNahiManforceBolo. With the Indian population estimated to have reached 1.44 billion as per the news reports, the brand encourages people to use condoms to control the population. The video captures the banter between the kidnapper and a couple where a middle-aged couple has been taken hostage and the kidnapper threatens them to sign the agreement to save their children.  

    The video takes a hilarious turn where the kidnapper becomes frustrated upon discovering the long chain of children belonging to the couple. Understanding that the couple has no intention to stop, he urges them to use Manforce Condoms to indulge in safe sex. Through the campaign, the brand iterates the importance of using condoms to indulge in safe sex and avoid unwanted pregnancy while not compromising on the elevated intimacy during lovemaking session.  

    Speaking on the occasion, Mankind Pharma AVP, sales and marketing Joy Chatterjee said, “As Manforce Condoms has always been at the forefront of spreading awareness around sensitive issues, we came up with the campaign to amplify our reach and messaging by leveraging the occasion of World Population Day. To ensure the campaign is well received by the audience, we took a light-hearted route to building a better connection with them. Fulfilling our duties as a responsible brand, we urge the audience to pledge and contribute to the mission of controlling the population by making informed decisions.”

     

     

  • Korra elevates Saket Vaidya as its CEO

    Korra elevates Saket Vaidya as its CEO

    Mumbai : Korra, a digital marketing agency, has elevated Saket Vaidya, a leader with a proven track record of driving business growth as chief operating officer (COO), to the position of chief executive officer (CEO). The announcement comes as the company gears up for its next level growth plans to expand in global markets.

    Saket Vaidya joined Korra’s leadership team in January 2017 and has played a key role in the company’s strategic direction and success. His promotion to CEO reflects his strong leadership skills and ability to drive innovation in the digital marketing industry. In his role, Saket will focus on continuing to drive business growth, and expanding market presence. With his extensive experience, Saket aims to lead Korra into its next phase of growth and success.

    Prior to Korra, Saket was associated with multiple businesses such as Webchutney and Indigo Consulting (a Leo Burnett company). Currently, his vision has established Korra as a leader in direct-to-consumer marketing. Vaidya’s leadership has been key to Korra’s successful evolution and consistent profitability.

    “Saket has been crucial to Korra’s success. He has built strong relationships with big brands like Airtel, Airtel Payments Bank, Meta, Sebamed, and Vivo. He has also onboarded clients like Mama Earth and Bata, which have played a key part in punctuating our journey. This has helped us grow, especially after the challenges of the pandemic.” said Korra chairman and MD Kumar Rajesh Raman.

    Commenting on his new role, Korra CEO Saket Vaidya shared, “At Korra, our focus is razor-sharp: to drive tangible business outcomes for our clients, not just deliver services. We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity, fostering strategic partnerships, and deepening our client relationships. This isn’t just about growth – it’s about setting new industry standards and becoming an indispensable force in our clients’ success stories.”

    As CEO, Saket envisions Korra as a global marketing organisation by 2025, unbounded by medium and expertise. This promotion aligns with Korra’s recent business transformation, which includes the establishment of a center of excellence (COE) and the onboarding of a new leadership team focused on revenue and operations, growth and partnerships, strategy and service excellence, and analytics and data sciences.

  • Hitchki X Naagin Sauce unveil their ‘Uff Uff Mirchi Wings Challenge’

    Hitchki X Naagin Sauce unveil their ‘Uff Uff Mirchi Wings Challenge’

    Mumbai – Hitchki is thrilled to announce its exciting collaboration with Naagin Sauce. From 15 July to 30 July, all Hitchki outlets in India will host the ‘Uff Uff Mirchi Wings Challenge.’ This unique partnership aims to take your taste buds on a thrilling adventure with a specially curated menu that celebrates the love for fiery and flavorful chicken wings.

    The ‘Uff Uff Mirchi Wings Challenge’ invites all spice enthusiasts to join and test their courage against the spiciest chicken wings. The challenge will showcase a variety of hot wings, each more tempting than the last, all prepared with Naagin’s special sauces. Participants who successfully finish the chicken wings challenge within the time limit will triumph and secure a place on the leaderboard, along with exciting rewards from Hitchki and Naagin Sauce. At the end of the 15-day contest, the participant with the fastest completion time will be crowned the ultimate winner and receive an exciting prize.

    Expressing his excitement on the collaboration, Hitchki head chef Ajay Thakur said, “We are thrilled to partner with Naagin Sauce for the ‘Uff Uff Mirchi Wings Challenge.’ This collaboration will allow us to showcase the vibrant and bold flavors of Indian chillies through our specially curated chicken wings menu. Our mirchi wings promise an exhilarating flavor journey, combining intense spices with creative culinary techniques to deliver a dining experience that our guests won’t forget. We invite everyone to indulge in this fiery fiesta and discover the unique burst of flavors that Hitchki has to offer.”

    The special menu features five uniquely crafted chicken wings dishes, each highlighting a different aspect of Indian spice. The ‘Naagin Meri Priyatama’ offers chicken wings marinated in Karnataka’s Byadgi chilli and a 65 Masala spice blend, lightly batter-fried and pitched in Naagin’s The 65 Hot Sauce, with a mild heat level of 3/10. Also, a fun fact, the oil extracted from Byadgi chillies are used in the preparation of nail polish and lipstick! Next, the ‘Thumkeshwari’ brings an aromatic spice blend with Sankeshwari chillies, featuring Kentucky-style breaded chicken wings pitched in Naagin’s Original Sauce, with a moderate heat level of 4/10. Try this dish if you can as Sankeshwari chilli are also known as Kolhapuri Lavangi Mirchi!

    For those who crave a bit more heat, the ‘Kanta Laga’ presents black peppered chicken wings tossed in Naagin’s blend of Kantha Bomb Sauce, offering a spiciness level of 6/10. Dare to try ‘Bhoot Bhulaiyaa’ with Bhut Jolokia in Smoky Bhoot Sauce with a heat level of 8/10, certified as the world’s hottest pepper. Finally, for the ultimate spice lovers, ‘Mai Nagin … Nagin’ dares you to indulge in ghostly-crazy-fiery-spicy chicken wings made with a limited-edition hot sauce created exclusively for Hitchki in collaboration with Naagin. This dish boasts a scorching heat level of 10/10, as the Hitchki X Naagin Sauce is mercilessly hotter than Bhut Jolokia chili, which is known to be 170 times spicier than Tabasco Sauce.

    Commenting on the association, Naagin co-founder Arjun Rastogi said, “We are incredibly excited to partner with Hitchki to celebrate Chicken Wings! Our sauces are crafted with a deep respect for Indian chillies and flavors, and this collaboration allows us to showcase their versatility and intensity in a fun and engaging way. The ‘Uff Uff Mirchi Wings Challenge’ is set to be an unforgettable experience for all spice lovers.”

  • ITC Nimyle launches ‘Shuddh Shuruat’

    ITC Nimyle launches ‘Shuddh Shuruat’

    Mumbai: Nimyle – ITC’s leading floor cleaner brand, has launched a unique endeavour this Rath Yatra called “Nimyle Shuddh Shuruat” – an initiative to cleanse the entire path of the Rath Yatra with Neem based Nimyle.

    Taking inspiration from the symbolic ritual of “Chhera Pahanra” that marks the start of the yatra, ITC Nimyle’s Shuddh Shuruat is the first collective cleaning and purification of the path of the Rath. The initiative celebrates the cultural relevance of neem for purification by using neem-based Nimyle for the cleansing.

    The revered Rath Yatra holds immense cultural and spiritual value as it reinforces the spirit of shared devotion. The celebratory procession at the event began with a grand showcase of Odisha’s rich culture of performing arts. Gotipua, a traditional dance form associated with the temples of Odisha, was performed at the event to inaugurate the procession. Medha Nacha, the beautiful tribal dance to the beats of the dhol energised the spirited cleaning for all present. Oriya actors Poonam Mishra and Sivani Sangita graced the public gathering and participated in the collective cleaning of the path of the Rath with ITC Nimyle.

    ITC Ltd divisional chief executive, personal care products business Sameer Satpathy expressed, “We are proud to be a part of the revered Rath Yatra, which has immense cultural and religious significance in India. ITC Nimyle, crafted with the power of neem, endeavoured to purify the revered path of the rath through the unique Shuddh Shuruat initiative, which celebrates the spirit of collective cleaning.”

    Mishra commented on her experience at the Rath Yatra with ITC Nimyle, “The tradition of the Jagannath Rath Yatra is deep rooted in India. It gives us all an opportunity to bow together before the supreme power. I am proud to have been a part of this unique collective cleaning of the path of the Rath. The Shuddh Shuruat campaign by ITC Nimyle aligns with the beginning of the state’s most auspicious celebrations.”

    Sangita added, “ITC Nimyle’s Shuddh Shuruat is a unique initiative that has encouraged collective cleaning of the path of the Rath, and is testament to our profound beliefs in culture and tradition. ITC Nimyle crafted with Neem reiterates purity in the cleaning of the path of Rath in a unique beginning.”

  • Lava partners with Gautam Gambhir to launch Blaze X

    Lava partners with Gautam Gambhir to launch Blaze X

    Mumbai: Lava International Ltd, an Indian mobile handset and technology solutions company, has released a digital film starring cricketer Gautam Gambhir for the launch of its new smartphone Blaze X. The film conceptualised and created by 82.5, an Ogilvy company is laced with humour creating excitement amongst the audiences for the new phone designed and manufactured in India. The campaign #BlazekaCraze aims to celebrate and connect with the fans of Lava Blaze, a series featuring prominent hits like Lava Blaze Curve, Lava Blaze Pro 5G, Lava Blaze 2 5G and Blaze 5G.

    The campaign introduces Lava Blaze X, a disruptive new model that offers numerous high-end features at a very affordable price point. The campaign leverages this value proposition and takes a creative leap where people- feeling betrayed by their currently owned phones when compared to Blaze X resort to violently breaking them.

    Gautam Gambhir comes across as a very apt choice for the campaign as he is known for his aggressive demeanor and an upfront on-field persona. It perfectly symbolizes what Blaze X stands for – the undisputed champion of its segment.

    The film unfolds in two parts – the first segment introduces Gambhir in an unusual temperament creating inquisitiveness amongst the viewers. The second segment reveals the features of the new Lava Blaze X which is brand’s latest offering to the Blaze fans.

    Commenting on the launch, Lava International Ltd marketing head Puravansh Maitreya said, “The thought behind the campaign ‘Blaze ka Craze’ was to connect with the young audience of Blaze series and introduce a product that is powerful, great looking and a true value for money. The film rightly captures the excitement amongst the fans for the new Blaze X. I am grateful to Gautam for his support to Lava and the fans of Blaze series.”

    Commenting on the campaign president – North & East, Chandana Agarwal said, “Lava is all set to change expectations from a phone, Blaze X is a perfect demonstration of this ambition, Gautam Gambhir, an epitome of discipline and prescriptive behavior is used bring alive the impact of this craze.”

    82.5 communication chief creative officer Anuraag Khandelwal said, “It was a perfect collaboratives effort between the client and us to create something clutter breaking for a fantastic product like the Lava Blaze X. We wanted to do something that’ll create conversations and buzz on social, so we went crazy, the passionate people at Lava backed it and Blaze ka Craze cha Gaya!”

  • BeanstalkAsia launches brand film for Homesure Products

    BeanstalkAsia launches brand film for Homesure Products

    Mumbai: BeanstalkAsia has delivered a comprehensive brand campaign for Homesure, a retail brand from Walplast Products, a building materials manufacturer. The campaign aims to establish the brand ‘Homesure’ as the epitome of trust, efficacy, and excellence in the building materials industry.

    From a strategic perspective, the agency first developed a sonic brand identity to enhance the Homesure brand enabling aural recognition for consumers and audiences. Traditionally, building materials are seen as coarse, dry, and lifeless, often characterised by drab white and grey tones. However, this cheerful and lively sonic identity aligns perfectly with the energetic, youthful, cheerful,  progressive, trustworthy, and fearless spirit of the Homesure brand, bringing life and vitality to homes.

    The campaign aims to establish the diverse Homesure product portfolio as differentiated, technologically superior, sustainable, and quality-driven. Through meticulous research and development, the Homesure team of experts has crafted products that embody the essence of trust and reliability, catering to the discerning needs of architects, builders, contractors, engineers, masons,  painters, and homeowners alike. The campaign film titled “Ghar Banaye Khaas, Dilaye Vishwaas,” vividly captures a family’s journey as they navigate the chaotic, carnival-like situation in an under-construction house. Confusion and concerns give way to relief when the Homesure experts arrive,  offering trustworthy solutions that promise superior quality, technological advancements, and sustainability.

    Walplast SVP, marketing, CSR, and business head – P2P division Aniruddha Sinha said, “The mandate for BeanstalkAsia was to deliver a compelling brand campaign for  Homesure that seamlessly creates a deeper emotional resonance with our customers. The objective is to position Homesure portfolio as a beacon of trust, efficacy, and commitment by leveraging the insight  that constructing a home can be a chaotic experience and only Homesure product expertise provides  the reliability and dependability homeowners seek, making their journey smoother and assured.”

    The campaign establishes Homesure brand as the face of trust, dependability, and reliability, backed by over 40 years of legacy in the building materials industry. Homesure’s passion for quality and innovation, coupled with sustainable practices, sets it apart.

    Speaking about the strategy behind the concept of the film, BeanstalkAsia founder Upendra Singh Thakur said, “For every homeowner, their home is nothing short of heaven. But doing construction-related work can be a nerve-shattering experience. The entire process often feels chaotic and overwhelming, resembling a circus as depicted in the brand film. There seems to be no clear idea of who to trust. Amidst this chaos, finding someone trustworthy and dependable is crucial. In the film,  Homesure steps in as that trusted partner, understanding the homeowner’s apprehension & vision and  providing reliable solutions.”

  • ITC Mangaldeep unveils ‘Dil se Karo Baat, Bhagwan Ke Saath’ campaign

    ITC Mangaldeep unveils ‘Dil se Karo Baat, Bhagwan Ke Saath’ campaign

    Mumbai: ITC Mangaldeep has announced its new campaign, ‘Dil se Karo Baat, Bhagwan Ke Saath,’ which translates to ‘Make God your close confidant.’ The campaign celebrates one’s divine connection with god. It illustrates the relationship between humans and god as that of between two friends where heartfelt conversations take place. With this campaign, the brand embraces a new positioning that encompasses a diverse set of lives, rituals, and ways of expressing beliefs.

    The ‘Dil se Karo Baat, Bhagwan Ke Saath’ embarks on a journey of strengthening the bond we share with god and persuades us to be transparent with him as he is our confidant. This joyful campaign reimagines this connection, fostering a personal and friendly bond with god. Inspired by everyday interactions where individuals share worries, seek solace, express gratitude, and celebrate events, the campaign emphasizes the human need for intimate communication with the divine.

    Being ‘an enabler of devotion and a sense of well-being’, the brand intends to be a part of both the grand festival celebrations as well as the prayers we do in between everyday moments. While Mangaldeep is an important part of temple visits, it also has a role to play in prayers which take place on the go, at workplaces, stadiums, and shops, when we are in need. The belief is that temples are the holy abode of our gods, but the brand also supports the perspective that god never leaves our side. Mangaldeep believes that prayers can bring our loved ones together while also strengthening our souls and creating a personal space of calm.

    Speaking on the launch of this creative communication campaign, ITC chief executive of the matches & agarbatti business (MAB) Gaurav Tayal said, “This campaign aims to illustrate our connection with god. Through this campaign, we move beyond the idea of god solely residing in places of worship and instead emphasize the possibility of experiencing the divine presence throughout our daily lives. Through relatable scenarios, we showcase how this connection fosters not just a sense of respect for god’s power, but also a sense of companionship.”

    To take this campaign to its target set of audiences, ITC Mangaldeep has launched a new ad visualised by Ogilvy India.

    Speaking about the campaign, Ogilvy India group creative director Rajesh Mani said, “Who do we have a heart-to-heart with? Usually, someone we feel really close to. There’s a sense of ease and comfort that we feel. In this campaign, we ask people to speak to that one person who is in all our hearts – god. He is the 24X7 friend, philosopher, and guide. He doesn’t mind how you pray or for how long, as long as it’s from the heart, he will listen. Mangaldeep brings forth this beautiful thought in a slice-of-life fashion expertly capturing the nuances and champions devotion and devotees. This film is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity that is at the core of Mangaldeep.”

    In addition to the flagship TVC launch which will air from the 10 July in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Kerala, Mangaldeep has a set of social media and influencer activities planned in line to promote this new positioning among its consumers.