Category: News Headline

  • Cars24 turns Zomato delivery bags into mobile adverts across Bengaluru

    Cars24 turns Zomato delivery bags into mobile adverts across Bengaluru

    BENGALURU: Bengaluru’s gridlock has found a new purpose. Cars24, the used-car platform, has plastered its branding across thousands of Zomato delivery bags, turning food couriers into roving billboards. The logic is simple: if the city won’t move, let the marketing do the moving.

    The partnership transforms everyday delivery bags into brand real estate. With Zomato’s army of riders weaving through traffic and queuing at signals, Cars24 reckons it’s found a captive audience where traditional out-of-home advertising stands still.

    “OOH is great. But MOH—moving out of home—is better,” says Cars24 head of creative, content and communication Prachi Sharma. “We had one simple idea: take the brand to the streets in a city that is constantly moving.”

    The company frames this as part of a broader hunt for unconventional brand surfaces. Delivery bags today, something else tomorrow. For now, Cars24 is treating the exercise as an experiment, promising to share learnings and impact data once the campaign wraps.

    It’s marketing that moves with the traffic—and in Bengaluru, that means it moves very slowly indeed. Which, for advertisers, may be precisely the point.

    Second-hand car platform tests “moving OOH”  as traffic-choked city becomes captive audience

     

  • Prime Volleyball League adds Kannada feed as regional push gathers pace

    Prime Volleyball League adds Kannada feed as regional push gathers pace

    HYDERABAD: The RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia is betting big on regional languages. From Saturday, matches will be available in Kannada—the sixth tongue added to a lineup that already includes English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. The move targets Karnataka’s volleyball-mad fanbase, particularly supporters of the Bengaluru Torpedoes.

    The tournament, now in its fourth year, is underway at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. First-day viewership on YouTube was robust, with reach spread across all regional feeds. The Kannada addition comes as the league chases deeper penetration in southern markets.

    “The support we receive from Karnataka is immense,” says Bengaluru Torpedoes co-owner and director Yashwanth Biyyala. “Providing the livestream in our local language is a sincere effort to engage more deeply with our loyal fans.”

    Prime Volleyball League  chief executive Joy Bhattacharjya frames the expansion as nation-building. “Our large viewership on the opening day demonstrates the massive, multilingual appetite for volleyball across India,” he says. “This is about more than just numbers—it’s about creating a model for deep, inclusive fan engagement.”

    The 2025 season is being broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed globally via YouTube. The channel offers match highlights, recaps, behind-the-scenes footage and other content designed to hook armchair fans. Four teams clash on Saturday: Kochi Blue Spikers face Bengaluru Torpedoes, whilst Chennai Blitz take on Kolkata Thunderbolts.

    The tournament runs until 26 October. By then, the league will know whether its multilingual gambit has scored the breakthrough it so craves.

  • Papa Johns slices into India with Bengaluru launch

    Papa Johns slices into India with Bengaluru launch

    MUMBAI: Bengaluru is getting a taste of international flavour as Papa Johns makes its Indian debut with four restaurants in Indiranagar, Hennur, Electronic City, and Sarjapur Road. Operated by PJP Foods India Private Limited, the launch brings the brand’s iconic promise of “Better ingredients. Better pizza.” to local diners, featuring a Bengaluru-exclusive ghee roast pizza.

    Speaking on the launch, PJP Investments group – group CEO Tapan Vaidya said, “This is a proud moment as we deliver the Papa Johns experience to Indian customers. Our pizzas are crafted with fresh, never-frozen dough and premium toppings. Bengaluru is the perfect city to start this journey, and we look forward to expanding rapidly across the country.”

    Papa Johns chief financial officer & executive vice president Ravi Thanawala added, “Opening our first restaurant and quality control center in Bengaluru sets a strong foundation for long-term growth and ensures the highest standards of quality and service that define our brand.”

    The brand’s entry blends global favourites with local innovation. Each pizza is made with fresh dough, real mozzarella, and vine-ripened tomato sauce, staying true to its international recipes. The ghee roast pizza, available in chicken and paneer variants, infuses south Indian spices with indulgent ghee, creating a distinct local twist.

    Pulsar Capital & Ambrosia QSR managing partner Vish Narain said, “Our goal is to provide excellent quality pizzas at affordable prices while appealing to India’s diverse palate.”

    All Bengaluru outlets will be supported by a centralised Quality Control Center in Hennur to maintain consistent freshness. Customers can enjoy dine-in, takeaway, and digital ordering through the app and website, with delivery services coming soon.

    With this launch, Papa Johns India signals the start of an ambitious expansion, bringing premium-quality pizzas to a growing market hungry for global flavours and local twists.

  • Hrithik Roshan brews a storm with Prime Video

    Hrithik Roshan brews a storm with Prime Video

    MUMBAI: Hindi cinema’s Greek God is ready to stir up a storm, quite literally. Hrithik Roshan has joined hands with Prime Video for his first-ever streaming venture, producing a gripping new thriller series titled Storm (working title) under his banner HRX Films, a division of Filmkraft Productions.

    Created and directed by Ajitpal Singh, the series promises an intense cocktail of ambition, secrets, and survival set in the beating heart of Mumbai. With Parvathy Thiruvothu, Alaya F, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad leading the cast, production is set to roll soon.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Prime Video vice president APAC & MENA Gaurav Gandhi said, “Hrithik is one of Indian cinema’s most distinguished creative forces. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for us, bringing together his artistic vision and our global storytelling platform.”

    HRX Films founder Hrithik Roshan said, “Storm presented the perfect opportunity to make my debut as a producer in the streaming space. The world Ajitpal has created is raw, layered, and powerful. It’s a story that will resonate with audiences not just in India but around the world.”

    Storm marks a dynamic new phase for HRX Films, led by Hrithik and Eshaan Roshan, and signals Prime Video’s continued investment in bold, homegrown narratives with international appeal.

    With its layered characters, powerhouse female leads, and an undercurrent of suspense, this is one storm viewers will want to get caught in.

  • Pulsar shifts into creator gear with AI-fuelled Underground platform

    Pulsar shifts into creator gear with AI-fuelled Underground platform

    MUMBAI: If rebellion had an engine, it would probably sound like a Pulsar. Bajaj Auto, the world’s most valuable two- and three-wheeler maker, has fired up a new chapter of youth expression with the launch of Pulsar Underground, an AI-enabled creator platform built for India’s boldest dreamers, doers, and daredevils.

    From stunts and soundtracks to graffiti and AI art, the platform celebrates those who express their individuality by creating not just consuming. Staying true to the brand’s iconic mantra of being “Definitely Daring”, Pulsar Underground takes that spirit off the road and into the creator economy, giving young Indians a digital stage to show off what drives them.

    As captured in the campaign “Duniya Dekhti Hai Tu Dikha”, Pulsar has always urged riders to step out and be seen. Now, with Pulsar Underground, that daredevil DNA goes digital blending performance and creativity for a generation that prefers throttle to theory and reels to routine.

    The initiative opens its doors to over 5,000 creators across India, inviting them to take on challenges across biking, stunts, music, dance, art, graffiti, and even AI. The process is refreshingly simple: pick a challenge on www.bajajauto.com/pulsarunderground, create content, and post it on Instagram using #PulsarUnderground while tagging @mypulsarofficial.

    In true Pulsar fashion, rewards are revved up too. Top creators can win a virtual internship with the Pulsar content crew, a Pulsar NS200 or NS400Z, exclusive merchandise, and Amazon vouchers. The best entries will also be featured on Pulsar’s official social handles alongside leading Indian influencers, an open road to recognition for creators who dare to dream loud.

    What makes Pulsar Underground more than just another content contest is its built-in AI tool suite, designed to simplify creation and enable anyone whether a pro or a beginner to produce polished, high-quality content effortlessly. The brand calls it India’s first AI-powered creator economy IP in the automotive space, merging tech innovation with cultural expression.

    “Pulsar has always inspired riders to be daring and stand apart,” said Bajaj Auto Ltd president of marketing Sumeet Narang. “Pulsar Underground extends that same spirit into the digital space giving India’s creators a platform where performance meets creativity. Whether through stunts, music, dance, or art, this initiative is about turning individuality into influence and spotlighting the next generation of daring talent.”

    At its core, Pulsar Underground isn’t just about likes or hashtags, it’s about creating a movement. It’s where bike engines meet beat drops, and every wheelie, verse, or brushstroke becomes a statement of fearless identity. By fusing the thrill of speed with the power of self-expression, Pulsar is redefining what it means to be “definitely daring” in the digital age.

    With this campaign, Bajaj Auto doesn’t just continue to lead on the road, it also accelerates into India’s creator culture, giving young talent the tools and the throttle to push boundaries.

    Because when the underground roars, the world looks up and Duniya Dekhti Hai Tu Dikha gets a whole new meaning.
     

  • Saatchi & Saatchi India turns gamers into drivers with Renault Kiger challenge

    Saatchi & Saatchi India turns gamers into drivers with Renault Kiger challenge

    MUMBAI: Saatchi & Saatchi India has given car launches a fresh spin with a gamified on-ground activation for the all-new Renault Kiger, designed to bring the brand’s “Rethink Performance, Rethink Kiger” positioning to life. The campaign turned bystanders into players, transforming a digital billboard into a live gaming experience that showcased the Kiger’s speed, agility, and responsiveness.

    Conceptualised by Saatchi & Saatchi India and executed by Digitas India, the activation ran from 23rd to 29th September at Dlf Cyberhub, Gurugram. Participants simply scanned a qr code to sync their smartphones as controllers and navigated a fast-paced, one-minute virtual course, complete with sharp turns and obstacles that mirrored the Kiger’s dynamic capabilities.

    To fuel the buzz, RJ Naved joined the challenge, inviting fans to beat his high score, a move that lit up social media. The activation trended as the 4th most talked-about topic on X, generated over 500,000 views, and drove strong engagement through influencer collaborations.

    “With the new Kiger, we wanted to shift the conversation from design to performance,” said Saatchi & Saatchi India chief creative officer Kartik Smetacek. “The playable billboard combined the reach of outdoor with the interactivity of gaming, an eye-catching way to make people experience performance rather than just hear about it.”

    Renault India VP – sales & marketing Francisco Hidalgo Marques added, “Innovation for Renault isn’t just in our cars, but in how we connect with people. Under the ‘Rethink’ umbrella, this activation turned a product showcase into an immersive gaming experience that redefined how consumers engage with the brand.”

    Following its on-ground success, the Kiger Challenge hit the digital racetrack, rolling out as playable ads online, allowing users to test their reflexes and experience the car’s performance anywhere, anytime.

  • Sanjay Dutt sparks digital push with Getepay’s Vega

    Sanjay Dutt sparks digital push with Getepay’s Vega

    MUMBAI: He’s known for power-packed performances, now Sanjay Dutt is helping power Digital Bharat. The Hindi cinema icon unveiled Vega, an indigenously built payment switch by Getepay, at an event in Mumbai, joining forces with Getepay founder and managing director Pravin Sharma, to celebrate a major stride in India’s fintech innovation.

    Headquartered in Jaipur, Getepay is a payment aggregator on a mission to make digital transactions simpler, faster, and more inclusive. Its latest creation, Vega, is a certified next-generation payment switch designed to serve banks, fintechs, and merchants with seamless scalability and security. Built on a microservices-based architecture, Vega promises lightning-fast processing, real-time settlements, automated reconciliation, and intelligent merchant management, all crafted in India, for India.

    Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Dutt said, “I’ve always believed in backing things that are real, solid, and made with heart, and that’s exactly what Vega is. This is about more than technology; it’s about giving every entrepreneur, from a street vendor to a shop owner, the confidence to go digital. That’s the Bharat I want to cheer for.”

    Pravin Sharma added, “Vega is not just a technological leap, it’s a bridge for millions of small entrepreneurs powering India’s economy. With Vega, we’re simplifying digital payments while enabling every corner of India to participate confidently in the digital revolution.”

    With its regulatory-compliant, future-ready design, Vega ensures secure, uninterrupted payment processing even during high-traffic periods. Its scalable framework allows banks and merchants to modernise swiftly without disrupting business operations.

    Following an 8 million dollars funding round led by Virender Sehwag, alongside Hyderabad Angels, ITI Growth Fund, and DBR Ventures, Getepay continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure, driving financial inclusion and accessibility for businesses of all sizes.

  • Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru adds 16 new brands in six months of growth

    Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru adds 16 new brands in six months of growth

    MUMBAI: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru, the city’s premier lifestyle and shopping destination, has strengthened its retail portfolio with 16 brand launches in just six months, marking an impressive phase of growth and curation. The latest to join its expanding lineup is The Souled Store, one of India’s most popular homegrown D2C apparel and lifestyle brands.

    With its quirky, pop-culture-inspired aesthetic and officially licensed merchandise from Marvel, Disney, DC, Harry Potter, and Friends, The Souled Store brings an immersive, experience-led space to Bhartiya Mall’s fashion floor: one designed for millennial and Gen Z shoppers who crave creativity, comfort, and self-expression.

    “Our retail mix is carefully curated to reflect the preferences of our catchment,” said Bhartiya Urban senior vice-president Ramaraju KN. “With a large base of millennials and Gen Zs, we’re focused on bringing in dynamic, experience-driven brands that resonate with their lifestyle and aspirations.”

    The Souled Store joins a vibrant lineup of recent entrants including Shobitam, Peachmode, Biglilpeople, Indyvarna, Hush Puppies, Frangipani (featuring Chumbak, Imara, Voylla, and Abhishti), and Zoul & Zera. Earlier this year, the mall expanded into the home category with HomesToLife, offering premium furniture and design-led living solutions from Domicil, Fabbrica, and Corian.

    Bhartiya Mall has also diversified its dining and lifestyle offerings, welcoming Frank’s Hot Dog, Liquid Story, and Lily Bloom’s, alongside five new kiosks including Cookie Man, Taara, Quem, The Man Company, and 3m Car Care.

    Strategically located within the Bhartiya City township near Hebbal, the 7.5-lakh-square feat mall has emerged as a go-to lifestyle hub for North Bengaluru, catering to Gen Z, millennials, families, and working professionals alike. With an expanding catchment averaging 3,000 new homes and 3,000–5,000 office seats added each month, the mall is ideally positioned to meet the evolving needs of the city’s fast-growing population.

  • Shreyas Iyer Bats for Balance with Bhagavad Gita

    Shreyas Iyer Bats for Balance with Bhagavad Gita

    MUMBAI: He’s known for finding the middle of the bat, now he’s finding the middle path. Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has teamed up with Bhagavad Gita for All (BGFA), a fast-growing faith-tech platform founded by entrepreneur Prithviraaj Shetty, to promote mindfulness, focus, and emotional balance through ancient wisdom reimagined for modern lives.

    The collaboration blends the calm of spirituality with the rush of sport, showing how centuries-old teachings can sharpen clarity and resilience under pressure. With the global wellness economy pegged at nearly 6.8 trillion dollars, BGFA is betting on a future where self-awareness and performance go hand in hand.

    Over the past ten months, the platform has seen remarkable growth, over 10,000 books sold and 1 lakh plus app users, as young professionals and students increasingly turn to reflective practices for structure and purpose.

    Speaking on the partnership, Iyer said, “The Bhagavad Gita for All is not just a book; it’s a companion that helps you reflect, stay balanced, and find purpose amidst challenges. It’s beautifully designed and so relevant for today’s generation.”

    The platform’s digital-first approach, including a video-based book, immersive mobile app, and AI companion My Krishna, makes the Gita’s timeless lessons accessible beyond religious boundaries, into leadership, performance, and emotional wellness.

    Founder Prithviraaj Shetty added, “Schools and workplaces teach knowledge and skills, but not wisdom. Shreyas personifies the Gita’s spirit, remaining calm, focused, and balanced through every challenge.”

    Having previously collaborated with Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty, and Vidyut Jammwal, BGFA’s latest partnership positions it at the crossroads of culture, performance, and spirituality, where inner calm meets outer excellence.

  • Torrent Electricals lights up Diwali with tribute to electricians

    Torrent Electricals lights up Diwali with tribute to electricians

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, Torrent Electricals is shining the spotlight on the real heroes behind India’s festival of lights, the electricians who make every celebration glow. With its new campaign, Mitron Ki Diwali, conceptualised by Schbang, the brand moves beyond product talk to deliver a deeply human story of gratitude and connection.

    Set in a relatable middle-class home where last-minute lighting threatens to dim the festive spirit, the film introduces the electrician as more than a technician, he’s the bringer of light, quite literally. Through this everyday narrative, Torrent blends emotional storytelling with brand purpose, standing apart from competitors who focus solely on performance and specs.

    “True progress is built on the shoulders of those who often go unnoticed,” said  Torrent Electricals Limited CEO Sachin Phartiyal. “This campaign is our way of shining a light on electricians, the real enablers of every celebration, every home powered safely, and every moment of joy.”

    The campaign doesn’t stop at film. Torrent is extending its gratitude on-ground through appreciation initiatives for electricians and interactive digital contests designed to engage consumers while reinforcing the brand’s core values of trust and responsibility.

    Targeted at urban and semi-urban families aged 25–45, as well as the electricians, contractors, and retailers within its ecosystem, Mitron Ki Diwali resonates with audiences who value safety, reliability, and heartfelt storytelling.

    “We wanted to shine a light on the electricians themselves, the ones who climb ladders, untangle wires, and quietly make our homes sparkle,” added Schbang  group creative manager Mohammed Sadriwala. “They don’t just fix wires; they make celebrations possible.”