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  • Festive wheels turn faster as car platform hits record traffic

    Festive wheels turn faster as car platform hits record traffic

    MUMBAI: CarTrade Tech’s consumer platforms struck gold yesterday, recording their highest-ever single-day traffic as Indians hunt for festival bargains on wheels. The company told the Bombay stock exchange that CarWale and BikeWale saw visitor numbers rocket by 74 per cent compared with the first day of Navratri last year, and 60 per cent above August’s daily average.

    The surge points to renewed vigour in India’s car market, helped along by recent GST rate cuts that have made vehicles more affordable. For a sector that has endured sluggish demand, the spike offers a tantalising glimpse of better times ahead.

    “Yesterday was a landmark day for our platforms,” said CarTrade consumer group chief executive Banwari Lal Sharma. “The festive excitement, amplified by GST-led affordability, has fuelled unprecedented consumer activity.”

    Whether this traffic translates into actual sales—and signals a broader revival in consumer sentiment during the festival season—remains to be seen. But for India’s media and entertainment companies, which depend heavily on advertising from car manufacturers, the numbers will make for cheerful reading.

  • Man of Steel meets wheels as Studds launches Superman Helios helmet

    Man of Steel meets wheels as Studds launches Superman Helios helmet

    MUMBAI: Up, up and away only this time, it’s not Superman taking flight but bikers hitting the roads in superhero style. Studds Accessories Ltd., the world’s largest two-wheeler helmet maker by volume in CY 2024, has unveiled the Helios Superman Edition Helmet, the latest chapter in its DC superhero-inspired range. The launch follows the Batman edition released in July, continuing STUDDS’ collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products India.

    The Helios, Studds’ flagship full-face model, already carries an ISI (BIS) stamp and DOT (USA) certification. The Superman Edition takes things further with a high-impact thermoplastic polymer shell, aerodynamic spoilers, and regulated density EPS padding to handle crashes of varying intensity. For night riders, cataphote retro reflective padding boosts low-light visibility.

    Inside, the helmet is kitted out with comfort-first touches: an Antifog 100 lens offering 100 seconds of fog resistance, a ventilation system that keeps rides cool, and a hypoallergenic liner to reduce skin irritation. Riders with spectacles will appreciate the eyeglass-friendly fit, while integrated speaker pockets make it Bluetooth-ready. A quick-release visor and chin strap add everyday convenience even with gloves on.

    Durability hasn’t been ignored. A silicone-coated dual visor system resists scratches while doubling up as sun protection. A removable lower trim keeps the helmet looking fresh, and a rust-proof stainless steel buckle ensures strength across weather conditions.

    The real showstopper, though, is the bold Superman “Man of Steel” graphics available in six colour combinations across matte and gloss finishes, designed to give riders a road presence as striking as the superhero himself.

    Available in Medium, Large, and XL sizes, the Superman Edition starts at just Rs 3,700. It’s on sale at offline retail stores, Studds exclusive outlets, and the company’s official site, with availability on other leading marketplaces rolling out soon.

    Studds Accessories Ltd., managing director Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana summed up the mission: “At Studds, our aim has always been to combine security, novelty and style in every helmet. The Helios Superman Edition complies with international safety standards, is inspired by one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, and is designed to resonate with today’s riders. It’s protection with personality.”

    With superheroes now swapping capes for visors, Studds is clearly betting that Indian bikers want their safety served with a side of pop culture flair.

  • Group 108 builds buzz at MAPIC India with Grandthum and One FNG

    Group 108 builds buzz at MAPIC India with Grandthum and One FNG

    MUMBAI: From blueprints to buzz, Group 108 turned heads at MAPIC India 2025, proving that retail real estate can be as dazzling as it is strategic. Held on 16 and 17 September at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, the annual retail real estate gathering brought together the country’s leading developers, investors, and retailers. Amid the power-packed line-up, Group 108 stood out with its showcase of Grandthum in Greater Noida West and One FNG along the Noida Expressway two projects being pitched not just as retail spaces, but as lifestyle statements.

    Grandthum, with its distinctive architecture and mix of global retail and lifestyle offerings, has already become something of a landmark in Greater Noida West. Its strategic positioning places it at the heart of one of NCR’s fastest-growing hubs, catering to both evolving lifestyles and big-name international brands eyeing India’s booming consumer base.

    Meanwhile, One FNG promises to be a game-changer on the Noida Expressway, designed as a high-energy retail hub with immense business potential. Both projects are positioned as more than brick and mortar, they’re envisioned as future-ready ecosystems blending commerce, community, and experience.

    The showcase drew strong engagement across the two-day summit, with Group 108’s stalls buzzing with investors and retail partners. As Group 108, managing director Sanchit Bhutani noted: “The enthusiastic response at MAPIC India 2025 reinforces our vision of building world-class retail environments. This platform enabled us to strengthen alliances and explore opportunities that will fuel the future of retail in India.”

    By highlighting its retail destinations at India’s most influential real estate and retail summit, Group 108 reinforced its reputation as an innovator ready to reshape the NCR’s retail landscape. With Grandthum already commanding attention and One FNG set to rise as a new commercial landmark, the company is charting a path that aligns with India’s broader urban transformation story.

    As MAPIC India 2025 wrapped up, one thing was clear: Group 108 is not just building structures; it’s building buzz, business, and the future of retail real estate in India.

  • Eveready powers up with mobile accessories, from chargers to power banks

    Eveready powers up with mobile accessories, from chargers to power banks

    MUMBAI: From batteries to bandwidth, Eveready is charging into new territory. The iconic Indian brand, best known for lighting up homes with its flashlights and batteries, has now stepped into the fast-paced world of mobile accessories.

    Eveready Industries India Ltd. has unveiled a full range of power banks, chargers, and cables designed to keep India’s smartphone generation connected on the move. The line-up includes power banks from 5,000 mah to 20,000 mah, sleek built-in cable models, and a range of chargers spanning 12W to high-powered 65W GAN options. Nylon-braided cables with fast-charging support up to 5A and universal compatibility round off the offering.

    “Eveready’s foray into the mobile accessories segment represents a significant step forward in our mission to power everyday life in India,” said Eveready, CEO, Anirban Banerjee. “With high-quality power banks and chargers, we aim to provide millions with consistent, on-the-go power.”

    The products are designed to blend Eveready’s century-old reputation for reliability with modern convenience, offering features such as wireless charging pads and travel-friendly designs. The move also reflects the brand’s ambition to be synonymous with “power” in every sense: beyond just batteries and flashlights.

    Eveready, senior general manager, Insiyah Chawala added, “Fast charging isn’t just about the charger, it’s about the whole system. Our range ensures compatibility across cables, chargers, and power banks to give consumers truly seamless performance.”

    With this launch, Eveready positions itself as a one-stop destination for mobile power essentials, underscoring its evolution from a household staple to a digital-age companion.

  • Ranbir Kapoor tells men to skip the copy and show their original with Vi-John

    Ranbir Kapoor tells men to skip the copy and show their original with Vi-John

    MUMBAI: No more copy-paste looks, it is time to hit refresh. Vi-John, India’s number 1 shaving cream brand, has launched its bold new campaign with Ranbir Kapoor at the helm, urging men to stop being a “photocopy” and instead showcase their authentic selves.

    Titled “Photocopy nahi, original dikho”, the campaign shifts grooming from a chore to a statement of individuality. For a brand trusted in Indian homes for over six decades, this marks a sharp step into the world of today’s confident, self-expressive men.

    “Today’s generation doesn’t want to blend in, they want to stand out,” said Ranbir Kapoor. “Grooming plays a big role in that. Vi-John’s message is simple but strong: don’t be a photocopy, own your vibe.”

    Conceptualised by Havas Creative India with media handled by Dentsu, the campaign cuts across TV, print, digital, and social platforms. With its witty, clutter-breaking narrative, it repositions Vi-John not just as a shaving brand, but as a confidence partner for men everywhere.

    Vi-John Group, managing director, Harshit Kochar said, “With this campaign, we are celebrating individuality. Vi-John has always stood for trust and accessibility, but we also want to stay relevant to the aspirations of today’s youth.”

    The campaign also highlights Vi-John’s new premium shaving line, featuring sulphate-free, dermatologically tested creams and razors, designed to blend care with performance.

    As Havas Creative’s Anupama Ramaswamy put it, “Trends are easy to follow, but originality is what sets you apart. This campaign pushes men to embrace their unique style, with Ranbir delivering that message in his trademark charm.”

    With “Photocopy nahi, original dikho”, Vi-John sharpens its edge for a new generation, reminding men that true style begins with originality.

  • Hero Motocorp rolls out Destini 125 with Rajamouli’s blockbuster touch

    Hero Motocorp rolls out Destini 125 with Rajamouli’s blockbuster touch

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, scooter action. Hero Motocorp has given its new Destini 125 a truly blockbuster launch, enlisting master storyteller S.S. Rajamouli to power the campaign with his signature larger-than-life style.

    The campaign, built on the idea ‘Hero ka scooter, scooter ka hero’, positions the Destini 125 as the undisputed star of the scooter world. Directed by ad filmmaker Arun Gopalan and conceptualised by Mccann Worldgroup, the film highlights the scooter’s strength, reliability and authenticity while connecting with today’s style-conscious, aspirational riders.

    Rajamouli, celebrated for crafting epic narratives and unforgettable heroes, lends cultural weight and cinematic drama to the story. “We imagined the scooter through the scale and spectacle of a Rajamouli vision,” said Mccann Worldgroup India, chairman APAC and CEO & chief creative officer, Prasoon Joshi. “The grandeur isn’t just for show; it mirrors the larger-than-life confidence the scooter gives its riders.”

    The Destini 125 backs up the campaign’s heroic claims with first-in-segment features. Think retro chrome styling, a large floorboard for comfort, bigger alloy wheels for stability, best-in-class 59 km/l mileage, advanced auto-cancel winkers, and a slick LED projector headlight with DRL. Together, they blend performance, convenience and flair into one compelling package.

    “At Hero Motocorp, our mission is to reflect the evolving aspirations of our customers,” said Hero Motocorp India, head of marketing, Aashish Midha. “With the Destini 125, style meets substance, and our collaboration with Rajamouli ensures it is showcased with the grandeur it deserves.”

    With its cinematic storytelling and standout features, the campaign redefines the Hero Destini 125 as not just another scooter but the true hero of its category.

  • Ola powers festive cheer with EVs from Rs 49,999 in ‘Muhurat Mahotsav’

    Ola powers festive cheer with EVs from Rs 49,999 in ‘Muhurat Mahotsav’

    MUMBAI: The EV giant has rolled out its ‘Ola celebrates India’ campaign, unveiling a special ‘Muhurat mahotsav’ with scooters and motorcycles now starting at just Rs 49,999 for nine days beginning 23 September.

    In true festive fashion, the deals are available in limited numbers each day on a first-come, first-served basis, with Muhurat time-slots announced fresh every morning across Ola’s social media handles.

    As part of the offer, the ‘S1 x 2kwh’ scooter and ‘Roadster x 2.5kw’ motorcycle will be priced at Rs 49,999, while the higher-powered ‘S1 pro+ 5.2kwh’ and ‘Roadster x+ 9.1kwh’: both featuring Ola’s advanced 4680 bharat cell battery packs will be available at Rs 99,999.

    “With Ola celebrates India, we’re combining progress, culture, and accessibility in a way that resonates with the festive spirit,” an Ola Electric spokesperson said. “This is not just about attractive prices, it’s about making world-class EVs accessible to every Indian household while celebrating our identity.”

    The campaign builds on Ola’s larger EV portfolio, which includes premium scooters like the S1 pro plus (5.2kwh, 4kwh) and mass-market models such as the S1 x plus (4kwh) and S1 x (2kwh–4kwh), priced from Rs 81,999 to Rs 1,69,999. The Roadster x motorcycle lineup, meanwhile, spans models from Rs 99,999 to Rs 1,27,499.

    The company also used its annual ‘Sankalp’ event to showcase its future roadmap, announcing deliveries of bharat cell-integrated scooters and motorcycles this Navratri, alongside its big leap into the sports scooter category with the new S1 pro sport, arriving in January 2026.

    With ‘Ola Celebrates India,’ the company isn’t just cutting prices, it’s revving up festive sentiment and recharging the nation’s journey towards electrified mobility.

  • HMD and Sanya Malhotra ring in a new era of self-expression

    HMD and Sanya Malhotra ring in a new era of self-expression

    MUMBAI: HMD has turned up the volume on self-expression with its new ‘Issa vibe’ campaign, starring actor and brand ambassador Sanya Malhotra. The spotlight? The stylish new HMD Vibe 5G: a smartphone designed less for numbers on a sheet and more for personality on the street.

    Launched in Mumbai, the campaign marks a bold brand refresh for HMD in India. With the rallying cry “Claim your vibe,” the company is shifting gears from the usual spec-heavy smartphone chatter to something gen z craves more: authenticity, individuality and a touch of flair.

    “HMD is moving the conversation from megapixels to meaningful moments,” said HMD, ceo & vice president, India & APAC, Ravi Kunwar. “It’s about how the device enhances life, not just its features. With Sanya and the Vibe 5G, we’re celebrating young India’s energy, confidence and creativity.”

    The campaign film brings this ethos to life through Sanya’s dynamic presence, blending everyday moments with expressive style. “Claiming your vibe is about owning who you are with comfort and confidence,” said Malhotra. “For me, the Vibe 5g isn’t just a phone, it’s a creative partner.”

    Crafted by And And Brand Partners, the film pulses with youthful energy. Creative director, Rajesh Minocha explained, “We wanted every frame to feel like a heartbeat of self-assurance. Sanya carried that effortlessly, inspiring audiences to own their identity.”

    Beyond the screen, the campaign takes a 360-degree route: splashing across TV, print, digital, social, and even retail spaces. From bold digital storytelling to vibrant point-of-sale displays, HMD is ensuring the vibe is everywhere, right where young Indians are.

    For a brand known globally as Human Mobile Devices, the message is clear: HMD isn’t just selling phones, it’s selling a feeling. And with the Vibe 5G, it’s loud, proud, and unapologetically stylish.

  • Dentsu crowns new creative kings as Dhruv Tiwari and Zubin Jauhari join

    Dentsu crowns new creative kings as Dhruv Tiwari and Zubin Jauhari join

    MUMBAI: Two sharp minds, one bold mission Dentsu Creative Isobar has doubled down on its creative firepower with the appointment of Dhruv Tiwari and Zubin Jauhari as group executive creative directors. The move, announced this week, signals the agency’s intent to marry creativity with culture and commerce, shaping campaigns that don’t just win awards but win hearts across India. Both will report to Dentsu Creative Isobar chief creative officer Abhijat Bharadwaj and will lead a 150 plus strong creative team charged with pushing boundaries for some of the country’s most ambitious brands.

    Dhruv Tiwari arrives from DDB Mudra, where he transformed the North office into a creative powerhouse with work for McDonald’s, Royal Enfield, Kent RO and DLF Mall of India. His campaigns blended cultural spark with business impact and earned recognition at Adfest, The Abbys and Kyoorius. As he quipped: “I’m here to stir things up to craft work where creativity, tech and culture collide. Work that earns attention, sparks conversation, and maybe even rewrites the rulebook. If the shiny metals follow, well… we won’t complain.”

    Zubin Jauhari, meanwhile, is making a homecoming to dentsu. Over the past decade, he has worked on everything from Swiggy and Flipkart to Google, Facebook and Ola Electric, turning brands into cultural icons. His trophy cabinet features Cannes Lions, a Spikes Asia Grand Prix and a Kyoorius Black Elephant. On returning, he said: “It feels incredible to return to a place that shaped some of my fondest professional memories. I’m here to create work that resonates far beyond the industry, help define the future of creativity, and build a team that everyone can’t stop talking about, all while having a ton of fun doing it.”

    For Bharadwaj, the appointments cap a year-and-a-half-long talent build: “Now that the bottom and middle levels of our structure are solidly in place, it’s time to crown the top of this creative pyramid. I can’t think of anyone better than Dhruv and Zubin. Zubin is an award-winning creative who is an expert at new-age creativity and Dhruv is an excellent leader with a vast portfolio of successful campaigns. We’re in the fight and gunning for greatness.”

    Dentsu Creative Isobar CEO Sahil Shah echoed the sentiment: “The future of creativity lies in fusing culture, technology, and influence to deliver impact at scale. Dhruv and Zubin embody this new-age thinking and inspire those around them. Backed by a hugely talented team of 150 plus creatives, they will craft transformative work for brands and society while nurturing a culture that empowers our people to dream bigger and create bolder.”

    Together, Dhruv and Zubin are expected to deliver campaigns that channel India’s diversity and dynamism, harnessing technology to amplify culture and content to drive influence. The duo’s remit aligns with Dentsu Creative’s global mission: building work that’s emotionally resonant, culturally rooted and commercially meaningful.

    As the agency puts it, this is not just about crafting ads, it’s about “celebrating Bharat while speaking to modern India”. With this creative power pairing, Dentsu Creative Isobar seems ready to script its next blockbuster chapter.

  • Shemaroo wins ‘creative marketing team of the year’ at Gema 2025

    Shemaroo wins ‘creative marketing team of the year’ at Gema 2025

    MUMBAI: Shemaroo has done it again, twenty times over. The entertainment pioneer was crowned “creative marketing team of the year” for the second straight year at the Gema India awards 2025, while also sweeping up an impressive 20 trophies across categories.

    The wins included eight golds and 12 silvers, with standout honours in sound design, music usage, editing, promos, campaign design, animation, and key art. Celebrated projects such as The Rings of Time, Vash, The Goat movies, Bhraanti – An Illusion, and applause-worthy movies stood out for originality, cultural resonance, and audience impact.

    Speaking on the recognition, Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., chief operating officer, Arghya Chakravarty said, “Shemaroo Entertainment winning ‘Creative Marketing Team of the Year’ at Gema India awards for the second consecutive year, is a reflection of the consistency and creative leadership we have built over time. We have always believed in staying ahead of the curve, combining innovation with cultural relevance to engage audiences meaningfully. These wins are not isolated achievements but part of a sustained journey where year after year, our teams have set new benchmarks in creativity.”

    Now in its seventh decade, Shemaroo continues to cement its reputation as one of India’s most inventive entertainment brands, pioneering in storytelling, creative campaigns, and cultural engagement.