ITV

Tag: Chennai

  • Plates with purpose: ITC Aashirvaad turns Navratri feasts into care acts

    Plates with purpose: ITC Aashirvaad turns Navratri feasts into care acts

    MUMBAI: Food for thought, with a side of care. This Navratri, ITC Aashirvaad Soul Creations has launched ‘Nav creations,’ a festive initiative that transforms everyday vrat meals into acts of kindness.

    At a time when families gather over wholesome vrat thalis and young kanyas are celebrated as symbols of purity, many girls remain outside the festive circle. ‘Nav creations’ steps in to bridge that gap, ensuring each order adds a touch of warmth to lives that might otherwise go unnoticed.

    Here’s how it works, every order from the ‘Nav creations’ menu on Swiggy or Zomato comes with a festive card and a QR code. By uploading proof of purchase, customers earn 100 coins. Once 500 coins are collected, Aashirvaad Soul Creations serves a wholesome Navratri meal to a young kanya. To spread the joy further, contributors also receive a personalised ‘Nav creations’ digital frame to share online.

    The vrat-special menu itself stays true to tradition, prepared without onion or garlic and using only sendha namak. From kuttu paneer pakodas with kali mirch dip, velvety vrat paneer curry, and fluffy sabudana khichdi thalis to soft sabudana parathas and rajgira pooris paired with comforting aloo subzi, each dish brings the festive kitchen to the table.

    Available across Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune until 2 October, the menu is more than convenient festive dining. With ‘Nav creations,’ every plate becomes a prayer, and every order an offering of care.

  • Himalaya hits the streets: bringing cool comfort to Chennai’s sweltering summer

    Himalaya hits the streets: bringing cool comfort to Chennai’s sweltering summer

    MUMBAI: Chennai’s Marina Beach saw an unusual sight this July: not just sunbathers or cricket matches, but a Himalaya-branded truck booth parked amid the crowd, drawing traffic police, sanitation workers, and commuters seeking relief from the unrelenting Tamil sun.

    In a campaign more about care than commerce, Himalaya Wellness took its Aloe Vera Gel Face Wash directly to the streets with mobile Aloe Vera Truck Carts stationed at hotspots across Tamil Nadu. The setup was refreshingly simple—free face washes, a shaded spot, and a brief pause from the city’s heat. For many, it felt like more than a brand activation; it was a moment of genuine respite.

    The response was immediate. Traffic constables stopped in for a cool wash, sanitation staff cleansed away the city’s grit, and passersby lingered not just for a product demo but for a rare moment of connection—with themselves, and with a brand showing up when it counted.

    “For us, wellness is about how we show up in people’s real lives,” said Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director – Beauty & Personal Care, Himalaya Wellness. “In Tamil Nadu’s peak summer, our booths became safe, soothing spaces. Whether a constable cooled off or a vendor washed away fatigue, these small moments made a big impact. That’s real connection.”

    For Pratheep Kumar, Media Manager at Himalaya and a Chennai native, the idea was born out of empathy. “Anyone who’s lived here knows how relentless the heat is. Marina Beach is where the city comes alive—so it was the perfect place to offer a moment of relief.”

    A short film capturing the activation showcases candid reactions—smiles, sighs, and thanks—from those who experienced the booth. The footage doesn’t just spotlight the face wash; it tells a story of care, comfort, and a brand living its purpose one face at a time.

    For Himalaya, the Aloe Vera Truck Cart is more than a marketing pop-up. It’s a real-world gesture rooted in the brand’s nature-first legacy—a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful brand moments come in simple, human acts: a cool wash on a hot afternoon, offered with empathy.

    To see the spirit in action, watch the campaign video here: 

    And if you’re braving Chennai’s summer, keep an eye out—you never know when a Himalaya truck might roll by, offering a much-needed pause in the heat.  

  • Spinny drives the point home with Sachin’s ‘God Promise’ on the move

    Spinny drives the point home with Sachin’s ‘God Promise’ on the move

    MUMBAI: When Sachin Tendulkar makes a promise, it’s not just heard, it’s driven home. Quite literally now, as Spinny’s ‘God Promise’ campaign hits the road across India’s metros, shifting gears from screens to the streets. After racking up millions of views online and sparking buzz on Linkedin, Spinny has now rolled out a high-visibility outdoor and transit campaign. Think branded cabs in Delhi, city buses in Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune, and even Mumbai’s iconic double-decker buses all bearing the message of trust, assurance, and India’s most beloved cricketer.

    It’s a smart move. Where better to meet your potential car buyer than during their daily commute?

    Much like the brand films, the OOH creative is no-nonsense and culturally grounded. The sight of Sachin paired with the words “God Promise” cuts through the usual billboard clutter not with flash, but with familiarity. The campaign strikes an emotional chord with Indians for whom trust, especially while buying or selling a car, is non-negotiable.

    In addition to the celebrity endorsement, Spinny has backed its ‘promise’ with action: a first-of-its-kind 3-year Assured+ warranty, a 5-day money-back guarantee, and access to over 10,000 plus verified cars. For sellers, the platform also promises best-price deals putting its money where its messaging is.

    From Delhi’s RWA networks to Mumbai’s bus routes and Chennai’s bustling corridors, Spinny’s strategy is simple: be visible where the buying intent brews. Not in boardrooms or banners, but on buses, in traffic jams, and on roads where real decisions are made.

    As one campaign insider put it, “Trust isn’t a tagline for us, it’s an everyday delivery.”

    With Spinny’s new route, the message is clear: in the great Indian used-car market, faith isn’t optional. It’s a feature.

  • Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

    Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

     MUMBAI: The queens are charged, the knights are digital, and India’s chessboard is now esports-ready. In a game-changing move for Indian chess, Nodwin Gaming has announced a strategic partnership with Chess.com and Chessbase India, marking a historic convergence of esports, content, and competitive chess. Together, the trio will co-create original IPs, power pro-level broadcasts, and elevate India’s growing chess ecosystem into a global force.

    From school tournaments to creator streams, chess has undergone a stunning revival. Once the preserve of silent halls and grandmasters, it’s now the fourth most-watched sport in India trailing only cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI. This new-age boom has been fuelled by the digital-first youth, and the stats are as sharp as a Sicilian Defence, 7.6 billion games played globally on Chess.com in 2024, 200 million plus registered users, including over 9 million monthly active players from India, 550,000 plus new Indian sign-ups every month, 925 million organic views, with viewership up 640 per cent year-on-year

    The tipping point? The Gukesh vs Ding Liren World Championship final, streamed in India exclusively by this trio, which racked up 24 million views and a peak concurrency of 200,000.

    “Chess has now become more than a game, it’s content, culture, and community,” said Nodwin Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee. “With this partnership, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem to take Indian chess from heritage to hype.”

    And it’s not just the numbers. The chess revolution is reshaping Indian cities and screens alike, Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai rank among the world’s top chess-viewing zones. 80.9 per cent of Indian chess viewership is on smartphones. Core audience? Ages 18–34, a Gen Z and millennial-driven wave of tactical fandom

    Chessbase India CEO Sagar Shah sees this as more than a business arrangement, “This is a vision to take Indian chess from grassroots to global. With NODWIN and Chess.com, we now have the firepower to truly scale it.”

    Chess.com India, country director Avadh Shah added, “The excitement around chess is at an all-time high, and this collaboration ensures India plays a defining role in shaping its future.”

    That future arrives fast. At the Esports World Cup 2025, chess will debut with a 1.5 million dollars prize pool. Representing India will be S8ul’s Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram the country’s first-ever esports team to compete in global chess.

    From mobile-first blitz battles to stadium-sized finals, chess is no longer just about black-and-white strategy, it’s a full-spectrum spectacle. And with Nodwin Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India now playing as one, India might just checkmate the world.

  • Casagrand bats for a third term with Sourav Ganguly as brand face

    Casagrand bats for a third term with Sourav Ganguly as brand face

    MUMBAI: From test matches to testaments of trust, Sourav Ganguly is playing a long innings off the pitch this time, as the face of Casagrand for the third year running. South India’s leading real estate developer, Casagrand, has extended its partnership with the cricketing icon, reaffirming its national ambitions with a familiar, dependable face. With its eyes set on expanding footprints in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Coimbatore, the brand is sharpening its game plan and who better than the man who redefined Indian leadership on the field?

    Known for his fearless captaincy and ability to build winning teams, Ganguly echoes Casagrand’s own growth story: bold, strategic and future-focused. “A home isn’t just a structure, it’s a dream nurtured,” said Ganguly. “Casagrand reflects that belief by building spaces that care for well-being and legacy. I’m proud to partner with a brand that understands the spirit of togetherness and vision.”

    Founded in 2003, Casagrand boasts over 160 completed projects and a cumulative 53 million square feet developed across urban hubs. In FY 2024–25 alone, the company launched over 18 projects, ramped up activity in Hyderabad and debuted in Pune cementing its reputation as one of India’s fastest-scaling real estate players.

    But Casagrand isn’t just about handing over keys. It’s pioneering post-handover support with features like assured rentals, resale assistance, and maintenance services, giving homeowners more than just square footage peace of mind. Its communities prioritise green spaces, smart layouts and multi-generational amenities, built with a vision that housing should enable legacy, not just lifestyle.

    The renewed Ganguly partnership goes beyond celebrity endorsement, it positions Casagrand as a brand built on shared values of trust, resilience, and ambition. With India’s property landscape getting more competitive, this brand–captain duo seems ready for a new innings complete with boundary-pushing aspirations and a stadium full of dreams.

  • Sunfeast’s new cookie shines bright with butter, glaze and mother’s love

    Sunfeast’s new cookie shines bright with butter, glaze and mother’s love

    MUMBAI: Turns out, a mother’s love isn’t the only thing that leaves you glowing, Sunfeast’s new cookie does too. ITC Sunfeast Mom’s Magic has just launched Shines, a shiny butter cookie glazed to golden perfection, and it’s got more than just sugar on top, it’s sprinkled with emotion, nostalgia, and warmth. With a delicate sugar coating and eight crispy layers, Shines promises a melt-in-mouth indulgence designed to add sparkle to everyday snacking.

    And bringing this cookie’s story to life is veteran actress Nadhiya Moidu, who stars in the brand’s latest TVC, marking the product’s debut with a poignant tale of maternal support. In the film, Nadhiya plays a mum who sweetly nudges her daughter’s dreams forward convincing her traditional father-in-law to let the young girl pursue chess training in Chennai. As she gently glazes a butter cookie, the message is clear: a mother always finds a way to make her child shine.

    “At Sunfeast, we believe in constantly innovating to craft differentiated offerings that bring unique sensorial experiences to our consumers,” said ITC Ltd chief operating officer for Biscuits and Cakes Cluster Ali Harris Shere. “Shines’ is our way of elevating the taste of a classic cookie experience and establishing a new vision for cookies altogether. By introducing a light & crunchy cookie, we are challenging the status quo and redefining what indulgence can look like. We are confident that butter cookie lovers will relish this innovation and make it a cherished part of their snacking routine.”

    Backed by Ogilvy Bangalore, the campaign builds on Mom’s Magic’s longstanding theme of mothers as everyday superpowers.

    “Mothers will do whatever it takes to make their children shine, and their love never becomes an obstacle; in fact, it fuels them to take the road less travelled,” said Ogilvy Bangalore chief creative officer Puneet Kapoor.

    Currently available across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Mom’s Magic Shines comes in two sizes 44g for Rs 10 and 128g for Rs 35 with packaging that mirrors the cookie’s polished finish. It’s a simple treat that wraps a little magic, a lot of love, and just enough glaze to make every bite feel like home.

    With this launch, ITC continues its run of crafting not just snacks, but stories that stick, one crunchy layer at a time.

  • Plush and Blinkit deliver pads with a purpose this Menstrual Hygiene Day

    Plush and Blinkit deliver pads with a purpose this Menstrual Hygiene Day

    MUMBAI: Most people dread a legal-looking envelope but this one holds no fines, just facts. In a bold, attention-grabbing move for Menstrual Hygiene Day, femcare brand Plush has teamed up with quick commerce platform Blinkit to deliver more than just products, they’re delivering a cultural reckoning. In five Indian cities, over 25,000 homes received what appeared to be formal legal notices. But instead of summons, the sleek envelope bore a blazing message: “This is your final notice to put your comfort first.” Inside? A Plush 100 per cent rash-free pad and a mission to challenge the silence around periods.

    As part of its larger PeriodFriendlyWorld campaign, the activation brought period care straight into the spotlight (and the living room), removing the metaphorical brown bag from sanitary pads and giving menstruators permission to expect dignity, comfort and normalcy.

    The campaign ties into Plush’s wider digital movement, “Volume Up. Period.” which addresses a quiet truth: most menstruators instinctively lower their voices when talking about periods, not out of choice but conditioning. Plush is on a mission to unlearn that silence.

    “Periods have been tiptoed around for too long inside homes, offices, and even marketing boardrooms,” said Plush co-founder Prince Kapoor. “This campaign isn’t just about delivering pads, it’s about speaking up. To expect better. To demand comfort. To turn the Volume Up. Period. We’re proud to do it in partnership with Blinkit, who help us take this message straight into the homes where it matters most.”

    Blinkit Senior vice president for revenue Anish Shrivastava added, “This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re proud to collaborate with a femcare brand like Plush to support a cause that underscores the need for period care to be seen, respected, and prioritised. It’s about making room for honest conversations, and ensuring that something so fundamental is never out of reach.”

    The campaign ran across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai on May 27 and 28, making a case for how direct-to-home marketing can become a megaphone for cultural change. And while the pads were soft, the message was loud and clear: periods aren’t taboo, they’re part of life and they deserve to be treated that way.

    Because building a PeriodFriendlyWorld doesn’t start with a billboard, it starts at your doorstep.

  • Toon in drop out mall crawl brings summer mayhem for kids

    Toon in drop out mall crawl brings summer mayhem for kids

    MUMBAI: What do you get when Chhota Bheem, Tom & Jerry, Ben 10, and Mr. Bean walk into a mall? No, it’s not a joke setup, it’s Warner Bros. Discovery’s summer tour turning shopping centres into cartoon chaos with the mother of all toon takeovers.

    With Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids uniting for a high-energy, 10-city mall activation, Indian kids are in for a summer that’s equal parts action, laughter, dance-offs, selfies, and superhero hugs. The blockbuster bonanza kicked off this May and continues through June, transforming malls in metros like Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru and even non-metro hubs like Aurangabad, Kottayam and Ahmednagar into playgrounds of pure animated madness.

    Themed zones will see POGO’s India Ke Superheroes (featuring Little Singham, Chhota Bheem and Chhutki) rubbing shoulders with Cartoon Network’s Jhatpat Action Khatpat Comedy icons (Ben 10, Teen Titans Go, Tom & Jerry, and Powerpuff Girls) while Discovery Kids’ Katti Batti Dosti Pakki springs to life with Titoo and Mr. Bean’s wacky camaraderie.

    But it’s not just for the ‘Gram although there are selfie spots aplenty. Think interactive games, creative art corners, dance battles, and themed installations that pull kids right into the worlds they usually only binge-watch. The energy isn’t just reserved for the malls either. Online extensions include digital challenges, UGC contests, and highlights from the on-ground madness keeping the FOMO real.

    Warner Bros. Discovery marketing head of South Asia Janhavi Vyas said, “At Warner Bros. Discovery, we’re passionate about crafting joyful, immersive experiences that unite families and ignite young imaginations. Through these summer activations, we’re transforming malls into vibrant hubs of creativity and entertainment, bringing fans close to their beloved characters,while delivering blockbuster fun that complements our exciting summer slate and creating lasting memories for our audiences.”

    And just in case parents were wondering how to get their kids off screens post-visit, WBD’s summer programming plans ensure they don’t have to. The slate boasts nearly 200 half-hours of fresh content across the three channels, including 22 new Chhota Bheem episodes, the premiere of Chhota Bheem in Samay Chakra, superhero specials like Leo! Rise of Super Singham, and Singhamverse Kaalverse 2.

    Chhota Bheem also turns 17 this May, and WBD isn’t letting that go unnoticed cue crossover events, Maha Blockbuster films, and weekly stunts. Add in strong brand partnerships and multiple language options, and you’ve got a summer lineup designed to keep India’s kids happily glued whether on-ground or online.

    In short, if your child disappears this May and June, don’t panic. Just follow the sound of cartoon catchphrases, dance floor beats and raucous laughter. Chances are, they’re at the mall, tooning out in the best way possible.

  • Kurta in a Hurry? Libas and Zepto Stitch Up 10-Minute Fashion Fix

    Kurta in a Hurry? Libas and Zepto Stitch Up 10-Minute Fashion Fix

    MUMBAI: Who needs a fairy godmother when your new kurta shows up in 10 minutes flat? In a move that fuses style with speed, Libas has become one of India’s first fashion brands to leap into the world of quick commerce by launching on Zepto. Now live across 50 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, Libas’ best-selling kurta sets, co-ords, and everyday chic essentials can reach your doorstep faster than your pani puri cravings.

    This snappy partnership marks a major milestone for the ultra-fast fashion brand and the 10-minute delivery app known for grocery speed. Together, they’ve turned wardrobe malfunctions and last-minute outfit panics into just another tap on your screen.

    “AtLibas, we’re constantly reimagining how fashion fits into the lives of modern Indian women. Our launch on Zepto is more than just fast delivery, it’s about empowering our customers with instant access to style,no matter the occasion. We’re excited to be among the first fashion brands in India to embrace quick commerce at this scale,” said Libas founder & CEO, Sidhant Keshwani.

    Zepto chief business officer Devendra Meel shared, “Our mission has always been to make lives easier, this time, we’re bringing that promise to your wardrobe. Fast fashion isn’t just a trend, it’s now a timeline and we are glad to have Libas trust Zepto to reach their customers.”

    To drive home the point, the brands have rolled out a cheeky brand film capturing the familiar chaos of last-minute wardrobe dilemmas. The message? Forgot about that puja invite? Suddenly have a sangeet to slay at? Don’t sweat it Libas and Zepto have your back. And your outfit.

    From planned looks to panic orders, this collab captures the pulse of today’s hyper-spontaneous generation. Because who says fashionably late is the only way to arrive?

     

  • Omnicom expands global solutions presence with new Hyderabad campus

    Omnicom expands global solutions presence with new Hyderabad campus

    MUMBAI: Data-inspired, creative marketing and sales solutions provider  Omnicom is getting omnipresent in India. It has announced the opening of its latest global solutions campus in Hyderabad, following the launch of facilities in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram in April 2024. This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging India’s vast talent pool and driving innovation to enhance client services globally.

    The Hyderabad campus will bolster Omnicom’s global client solutions capabilities, offering expertise in media, technology, digital commerce, marketing science, market research, creative services, and business support functions.
     

    omnicom executives

    Annalect India &  Omnicom Global Solutions CEO Vishal Srivastava highlighted the importance of the new campus, stating: “This state-of-the-art collaboration hub will be a convergence point for brilliant minds, revolutionising the marketing landscape through innovation and excellence.”

    Credera India GDC CEO Gaurav Mathur added: “Hyderabad’s dynamic ecosystem and skilled workforce will further strengthen our ability to deliver transformative solutions for clients worldwide.”

    The four Indian campuses now host over 5,500 professionals across media, data and analytics, creative services, marketing technology, digital commerce, and artificial intelligence. The newly designed facilities provide collaborative work environments aimed at empowering Omnicom agencies globally and driving client value.