MUMBAI: Smart Bazaar has teamed up with McCann Worldgroup India to roll out a fresh brand campaign that captures a cultural shift sweeping through Indian homes, the move from ‘making do’ to ‘living well’.
The films spotlight how everyday spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, are being reimagined with more intention, reflecting dignity, pride and a desire for quality. At the centre of this change are women, the everyday architects of aspiration, turning homes into reflections of both dreams and needs.
“This is not just about retail, it’s about enabling aspiration,” said Reliance Retail, CMO, Surabhi Sen. “Consumers today want both savings and quality, and Smart Bazaar bridges that gap, turning everyday upgrades into everyday reality.”
McCann Worldgroup’s CEO and CCO Prasoon Joshi added, “India is at a cultural inflection point. Living well is no longer a luxury, it’s dignity and joy. With Smart Bazaar, we tapped into a truth quietly redefining daily life.”
The campaign, featuring films like Masterchef, Twinning, Twins and Shepreneur, positions Smart Bazaar not merely as a store but as a cultural enabler, making quality living accessible to all.
MUMBAI: Powering devotion with a human touch, Polycab is lighting up Mumbai’s ganesh utsav with installations that go well beyond wires and cables.
This year, the brand has shifted gears from product promotions to people-first gestures, creating comfort zones, safety watch towers and breezy walkways at two of the city’s biggest festive hotspots, Lalbaugcha Raja and Juhu Beach.
At Lalbaugcha Raja, where queues stretch for hours, Polycab has turned a regular bus stop into a “comfort zone” with mobile charging points and sheltered spaces offering respite from the city’s muggy weather. Devotees also find an experiential walkway with Polycab fans for a refreshing darshan route, and even a dedicated rest zone for Mumbai police personnel keeping the crowds in order.
Meanwhile at Juhu Beach, a prime immersion site, Polycab’s branded safety watchtowers are helping authorities monitor the massive gatherings, adding an extra layer of security to the celebrations.
“Ganesh Chaturthi is about unity and devotion. With these installations, we want to offer comfort and care to communities, going beyond products to build meaningful connections,” said Polycab India Ltd, senior vice president, brand & marcom, Shwetal Basu.
The initiative doesn’t stop in Mumbai. Pune is set to see branded gates and banners at major pandals, while Hyderabad’s Khairatabad ganesh pandal will feature a Polycab-branded police booth with water and charging facilities, along with a striking LED arch for devotees.
From Puri’s rath yatra to ganesh utsav in Mumbai, Polycab has been steadily building a reputation for festive connections powered by care, not cables.
MUMBAI: JSW MG and Cheil X are back with a laughter-fuelled second phase of their ‘EV sahi hai’ campaign, this time plugging into the star power of Varun Sharma and Pulkit Samrat of Fukrey fame.
Shot against the scenic backdrops of Dehradun and Rishikesh, the new films tackle two of India’s biggest EV myths: the lack of charging stations and dreaded range anxiety, all with the duo’s signature banter and tongue-in-cheek charm.
The first film plays out like a cheeky guessing game about India’s quirky town names, cleverly tying them back to the country’s 29,000 plus charging stations. The message? No matter how offbeat the location, you’re never too far from a plug point.
The second film flips the focus to road trips, with Pulkit confidently cruising in his EV while Varun plays the sceptic, questioning whether it can survive the long haul to Goa. By the end, humour disarms doubt, leaving viewers with one simple conclusion: EV Sahi Hai.
“Humour is at the heart of this phase, because what better way to bust myths than with a laugh?” said JSW MG Motor India, head of marketing, Udit Malhotra adding that celebrity voices would help the campaign reach “people from all walks of life.”
Cheil X, national creative director, Amit Nandwani called it a conscious attempt to move beyond “just presenting facts” and instead “debunk myths in a fun and engaging manner”.
Meanwhile, Cheil X Delhi, vice president and head of operations, Kanika, said the duo’s infectious energy makes them the “perfect pair to keep the message light yet impactful.”
MUMBAI: When Shah Rukh Khan and Jagapathi Babu lock horns, you expect fireworks this time, the spark came from a plate of biryani and a bottle of Thums Up. Thums Up, Coca-cola India’s billion-dollar blockbuster, has dropped its latest campaign, “Biryani Ek Nahi, Do Haath Se Khaate Hai”, directed by Karthik Subbaraj and fronted by Bollywood royalty SRK alongside Telugu powerhouse Jagapathi Babu. The TVC starts with a tense face-off that quickly dissolves into a toofani moment once biryani and the fizzy cola arrive, elevating the meal into a cultural ritual.
Over the last three years, Thums Up has steadily claimed biryani as its gastronomic soulmate turning what was once an instinctive pairing into what the brand calls a “social currency.” From the Toofani Biryani Hunt in 2023 to today’s cinematic campaign, the message has stayed consistent: biryani isn’t meant to be rushed. Keep aside the spoon, silence the phone, and savour every grain with one hand on the biryani and the other wrapped around a chilled Thums Up.
With SRK quipping about the endless Hyderabadi vs Lucknowi vs Kolkata biryani debates (“but what’s undisputed is the way we enjoy it”), and Jagapathi Babu emphasising biryani as a tradition best enjoyed slow, the campaign doubles down on indulgence over interruption. Backed by Coca-cola India’s integrated roll-out across TV, digital, social and on-ground activations, the campaign will also hand fans exclusive biryani vouchers, extending the ritual from screen to plate.
As Coca-Cola category head India and Southwest Asia for sparkling flavours Sumeli Chatterjee puts it, Thums Up isn’t just adding fizz to biryani; it’s turning the meal into a “moment people want to share, repeat and make their own.” And with star power, spice, and a thunderous taste, the toofani pairing looks set to remain India’s most flavourful ritual.
MUMBAI: Who needs hold music when your helpline has brains of its own? In a record-breaking makeover of customer support, Squadstack.ai’s Humanoid AI Agent Stack has helped regional OTT platform Stage cut through the chaos deflecting 55 per cent of calls, boosting CSAT to 86 per cent, and slashing support costs by 70 per cent in just six weeks.
For Stage, which streams hyperlocal hits in Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri, the timing was crucial. Soaring call volumes over payments and refunds had overwhelmed its human agents. Enter Squadstack.ai’s AI agents trained on over 600 million conversations who not only handle refund requests with empathy but also recommend shows mid-conversation, blending service with engagement like a pro.
The results speak louder than the dial tone. With an average handling time of 46 seconds and instant responses to nearly 90 per cent of leads, Stage’s users are finally getting the support they deserve, in their own dialects. “We couldn’t scale with human agents alone, but with AI, customers feel heard in the language they’re most comfortable with,” said Stage co-founder Harsh Tripathi.
Beyond speed, Squadstack.ai ensures compliance too, meeting ISO 27001 and SOC 2 standards while adhering to strict DND norms. As Squadstack.ai co-founder & CEO Apurv Agrawal put it, “This partnership validates our vision of scalable, secure, and empathetic engagement.” With Stage setting the stage for AI-powered support, India’s digital platforms may soon be dialing into a future where machines don’t just talk, they truly listen.
MUMBAI: It’s that time of the year when Kerala’s air carries the aroma of Onam Sandhyas, floors burst into bloom with colourful pookalams, and Punnamada and other famous lakes in Kerala ripple under the oars of Vallam Kali racers as the cheers of the crowd echo across the water. In 2025, brands are lining up to tap into this very sentiment, weaving campaigns that range from heart-tugging reunion tales to playful takes on how the festival is evolving in an age of technological advancement.
Diving headfirst into the festive spirit was Amul, with an ad film featuring the iconic Amul girl in a cream kasavu saree, rocking a pair of sunglasses as she balances on the edge of a long racing boat and performs the viral ‘aura farming’ step to traditional Kerala tunes. Staying true to its knack for seizing every cultural moment that resonates with Indian audiences, the dairy giant recreated the viral boat-dance originally started by 11-year-old Indonesian Internet sensation Rayyan Arkan Dikha.
On a similar vein, Parle-G also released a campaign film zeroing in on what the festival actually means to Malayalam households. The story follows a family returning to Kerala from the US after 16 years. While the daughter is eager to embrace the festivities, the father feels disheartened by how traditions have evolved with time.
For instance, the once-famous Poopara ground, known for its Onam celebrations, has turned into a bus stand; a pookkalam has been replaced by ready-made carpets; and the mango tree which was once used to tie a swing has been cut down because no one has the time to clear away the dry leaves. To him, it is both alarming and disheartening to see the festival lose its soul, with rituals altered in the name of convenience.
In a heartening twist, the daughter recreates his childhood memories by bringing home a Pulikali troupe, tug-of-war games and other vibrant touches of authenticity, reminding him that the essence of Onam lies in togetherness and shared joy. The film closes with the brand’s message: ‘Jo auron ki khushi mein paye apni khushi, Parle-G, G Maane Genius’.
Here’s a look at some of the other campaigns that stood out this Onam:
Association of Mutual Funds in India ( AMFI )
Through its Mutual Funds Sahi Hai campaign, AMFI has rolled out festive-themed billboards, digital displays and social media posts in both English and Malayalam, with taglines like “Staying invested can take you places.”
At Cochin International Airport, Homecoming travellers are greeted by a life-sized 3D boat installation set against an LED backdrop. Passengers can hop aboard, pick a dream destination, from the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Unity, and capture moments that symbolise how long-term investing can take you places.
But the celebrations don’t stop there. The mutual fund self-regulatory body has also anchored itself at the legendary Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha, where over 75 snake boats slice through the waters before nearly a lakh spectators. The message? Just like the rowers’ endurance and rhythm, consistent investing builds momentum towards long-term goals.
Peter England
The apparel brand has launched a new Onam campaign aimed at Kerala’s Gen Z consumers, featuring traditional festive elements fused with the contemporary culture of today’s youth. The brand has roped in homegrown rapper Imbachi to headline the campaign with a specially created anthem.
The track combines the rhythm of Kerala’s ‘chenda melam’ with the beats of hip hop, offering a fresh sound that reflects the cultural roots of Kerala.
The campaign also sets the tone for Peter England’s long-term retail strategy, leveraging pop culture, music and Gen-Z influencers to strengthen engagement with India’s new-age consumers.
Sujata Appliances
Sujata Appliances’ Onam campaign shines a light on an old-age home, conveying that the festival’s spirit extends beyond biological family ties. The film follows an elderly woman abandoned by her own family who, instead of celebrating alone, brings together residents of the home and children from an orphanage. By preparing a traditional sadya and sharing it with them, she transforms what could have been a solitary occasion into one filled with joy and warmth. The campaign delivers a clear message: Onam is not only about kinship by blood, but about spreading love, embracing others, and forging new bonds of togetherness.
South Indian Bank
The bank has unveiled its Onam campaign film, written and produced by Aiswarya Suresh and directed by Brijith BKV of First Picture Show Co. Captured in a PoV format, the story follows a family reunion for Onam, bringing to the fore the campaign’s central theme: the best returns come from investing in relationships.
The film opens with a young Malayali woman returning home after years away, surprising her family just in time for the festival. She quickly becomes the heart of the celebration: from decorating a floral rangoli to dressing in traditional Thalappoli attire and joining the grand Onam feast. Subtly interwoven is the role of South Indian Bank’s mobile app, emphasising the brand’s message that while technology enables convenience, true wealth lies in the bonds that bring people together.
Casio Watches India’s Onam campaign depicts the warmth of new beginnings within families. In the film, a mother-in-law welcomes her daughter-in-law on her first Onam, gifting her a Casio LTP-SN5YSR-5A watch to mark the occasion. What may appear to be a simple gesture carries a deeper meaning, symbolising acceptance into a new family and creating a sense of belonging. In a touching moment, the mother-in-law gently remarks that it is her “daughter’s first Onam,” not her daughter-in-law’s, making her feel truly at home. The campaign also showcases a model designed specifically in India for Indian consumers, underlining Casio’s effort to create products that are culturally relevant to its audience.
Shriram Finance
The brand’s Onam campaign draws on Kerala’s association with gold, not merely as a symbol of wealth, but as a treasure chest of memories, traditions, and aspirations. Built around the thought ‘May your Onam be of Gold’, the film extends the metaphor to our loved ones, portraying them as life’s true riches. Familiar faces from Malayalam cinema and television bring a sense of warmth and relatability, while Vineeth Sreenivasan’s soulful composition lifts the narrative with melody and emotion, wrapping the story in festive spirit.
MUMBAI: Talk about coming clean… Himalaya Wellness is washing away more than just pimples.
Ahead of pimple acne positivity day, the brand unveiled its first-ever ‘world of neem’ at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, blending skincare science, celebrity voices and real-skin stories to change how young Indians see their skin.
With 20 crore teenagers and young adults in India battling pimples, the brand’s mission was clear: fight the stigma, not the skin. The immersive event brought together dermatologists, influencers and celebrities, showing that skincare can be simple, effective and stigma-free.
On stage, Dr Rashmi Shetty, leading dermatologist, busted myths and highlighted Neem’s natural antibacterial power. Actor Nitanshi Goel struck a chord with her personal take: “Real skin is beautiful. We don’t need to hide behind filters or shame.”
The event also spotlighted the evolution of Himalaya’s iconic neem face wash, now upgraded with a unique 5-part neem formulation that helps “skip the pimple episodes.” It’s the latest step in Himalaya’s 25-year journey as India’s most trusted face wash brand.
“Himalaya has always stood for care that’s gentle, effective and rooted in nature,” said Himalaya Wellness, business director, Rajesh Krishnamurthy. “This new formulation continues that legacy, empowering young people to embrace their skin with confidence.”
Alongside the launch, Himalaya kicked off a nationwide school programme reaching over five lakh students, championing acne positivity and holistic skincare habits.
MUMBAI: Fashion just found its festive beat, and Ananya Panday is leading the dance. Women’s ethnic wear brand Aurelia has named the movie star as its new brand ambassador, launching the high-energy campaign ‘Hameshatrending’ just in time for the wedding and festive season.
Known for her easy, fun, and versatile style, Ananya is the perfect fit for Aurelia’s ethos of keeping women confident, relevant, and yes always trending. The new festive collection plays up rich hues, intricate embellishments, and fluid silhouettes, offering everything from shararas and kurta sets to fusion co-ords. Whether it’s an intimate mehendi or a grand Diwali soiree, Aurelia promises to keep women stylish without missing a beat.
Timed to light up the busiest fashion calendar of the year, the campaign drops with a film and striking visuals across platforms, amplifying Aurelia’s presence in festive fashion conversations. Backed by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.’s TCNS division, CEO Anant Daga calls the partnership “a celebration of vibrancy, elegance, and confidence.” With Ananya Panday as the new face, Aurelia is betting that its festive sparkle will shine brighter than ever in wardrobes across India.
MUMBAI: When it comes to the news game, the 18s are playing in a league of their own. CNN-News18 and News18 India have once again flexed their dominance, leaving competitors scrambling to catch up in both English and Hindi news television.
According to the latest BARC data, CNN-News18 continues to tower over the English news space with a hefty 38.8 per cent market share, while NDTV 24×7 trails at 23.8 per cent and Times Now at a modest 17.0 per cent. (BARC India | Mkt: India | TG: 15 plus | Wk30’25 – 33’25 | 8 Channels considered | Market Share per cent Basis AMA’000). Ever since BARC ratings resumed in March 2022, CNN-News18 has kept its crown, week after week, making its supremacy look almost effortless.
The Hindi turf tells a similar story. News18 India clocked 77,918 AMA’000, comfortably ahead of Aaj Tak at 74,546 AMA’000 (BARC | Metric: Avg. Weekly AMA’s | TG: NCCS All 15 plus | Period: Wk 30’25-Wk 33’25, 24 Hrs, All Days | Market: HSM). With anchors like Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra fronting its power-packed programming, News18 India continues to be the nation’s preferred pitstop for Hindi news.
Part of the larger News18 Network, which boasts the country’s biggest omni-channel news presence, both CNN-News18 and News18 India have invested heavily in editorial firepower and technology. The strategy is paying off handsomely, with the network cementing its place as India’s most-watched and trusted news giant proving that in the battle for eyeballs, the house of 18 is still the boss.
MUMBAI: The house isn’t just full, it’s overflowing. Bigg Boss Season 19 stormed onto JioHotstar with India’s biggest-ever OTT launch, pulling in record-breaking Day 1 numbers that set the stage for a fiery season ahead. The opening episode clocked a 2.3x surge in reach and a 2.4x jump in watch-time compared to last year, while peak concurrency doubled over Bigg Boss 18’s launch. For a franchise that has ruled non-fiction TV for 18 years, this digital-first outing has levelled up the game.
It wasn’t just the audience piling in brands rushed in too. With 11 marquee sponsors across FMCG, auto, lifestyle, and personal care ranging from Vaseline, Appy Fizz, Flipkart and Lakme Peach Milk to Citroën, Manforce and Lux Cozi, the season has lured a mix as diverse as the housemates themselves. For advertisers, Bigg Boss continues to be more than a show; it’s a cultural juggernaut with unmatched reach and recall.
Keeping fans hooked round the clock, JioHotstar has added interactive features like live chats, polls, and a 24×7 live feed, ensuring audiences don’t just watch but actively play along. And of course, fronting it all is Salman Khan bringing charisma, banter, and that signature mix of star power and swagger that keeps audiences coming back.
As Alok Jain of JioStar put it, “The overwhelming response reflects not just the property’s scale but the deep bond audiences share with Bigg Boss.” With the launch already rewriting records, Season 19 is shaping up to be more than entertainment, it’s a 24×7 obsession.
