MUMBAI: The chaos of India’s entertainment market has left a gap, stories get lost in noise. Enter Cavalry Media, a full-service entertainment division from The Other Circle (TOC), designed to make headlines that actually stick. This is not about fleeting coverage; it’s about building narratives that linger in the cultural imagination.
Cavalry will focus on high-velocity entertainment ecosystems, including Hindi cinema, OTT platforms, creators, musicians, celebrities, and elite sports. Its approach is clear, replace scattergun PR with carefully targeted campaigns that integrate media strategy, digital IP, data analytics, and brand tie-ups.
TOC founder and CEO Aakanksha Gupta said, “Authentic storytelling is the only currency that lasts. Cavalry scales this philosophy, blending creativity with intelligence to ensure clients don’t just participate in culture, they lead it.”
Cavalry group head of entertainment Prathmesh Chavan added, “The modern audience is too savvy for reactive PR. Every launch, every film, every debut becomes a cultural moment, structured to endure well beyond opening weekend.”
Cavalry offers a 360-degree approach, including influencer campaigns, experiential activations, crisis management, and intellectual property development. The division inherits TOC’s 12-year legacy, boasting collaborations with some of India’s most influential names: Sonam Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin, Bhuvan Bam, Rishabh Pant, Armaan Malik, Abhishek Sharma, Santanu Hazarika, and Upasana Kamineni Konidela.
With Cavalry, TOC is not just making noise; it’s composing a symphony of stories designed to resonate, endure, and lead the conversation.
MUMBAI: Dream11 has kicked off the IPL season with a bang, smashing records faster than a Hardik Pandya six. The fantasy cricket platform registered an admiration worthy 16.5m concurrent users during the tournament opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore—testament to a marketing campaign that began brewing in the boardroom nearly eight months ago.
Dream11 chief marketing officer Vikrant Mudaliar orchestrated what industry insiders describe as a “logistical hat-trick” by corralling Bollywood heavyweights Ranbir Kapoor and Aamir Khan alongside cricketing royalty Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav for this season’s television commercial.
The campaign’s central question—”Aap key team mein kaun?” (Who’s in your team?)—taps into the very essence of fantasy cricket while resonating with fans across the subcontinent. With Dream11 already boasting 240m users, Mudaliar’s sights are firmly set on the next 100m cricket-mad Indians.
“We needed a reach of 500-600 million,” he revealed to Storyboard18. “Only cricket and the IPL and Indian cinema combined can deliver that level of exposure.” The campaign, directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame, required military-precision planning with multiple sets, parallel shoots and a complex scheduling ballet to accommodate the stars’ limited availability.
The adverts, filmed over several days in party settings, in planes, showcase something rarely seen in Indian advertising: self-deprecation from genuine celebrities. “The ability to poke fun at oneself requires a certain maturity,” noted Mudaliar. “Much of the humour came from the celebrities themselves.”
Such starry productions don’t come cheap, with budgets reportedly running into crores. However, Dream11 has optimised its marketing spend by stepping back from co-presenting sponsorship of IPL broadcasts, instead betting big on creative quality.
The strategy appears to be paying dividends. While Amit Sharma, chief technology officer, and his team work feverishly behind the scenes to keep the platform running smoothly under unprecedented traffic on Day 1 of the IPL as Virat Kohli blasted RCB to a victory over reigning champions KKR, Dream11’s war room is celebrating a return on investment that even the shrewdest fantasy cricket player would envy.
As Vikrant might say: when you’ve got the Hitman, Pandya, Sky, Rishabh, Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor on your team sheet, century-making becomes considerably easier.
MUMBAI: Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., a prominent name in the building and construction materials sector, has announced a partnership with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL season 18. Through this collaboration, its Homesure Tileex brand becomes the official tile adhesive partner for the franchise, reinforcing its growing presence in the market.
With Uttar Pradesh being a key market for Homesure, partnering with LSG one of the tournament’s most consistent teams in recent years was a natural fit. The association also benefits from the team’s strong lineup, featuring star players such as Rishabh Pant, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, and Mitch Marsh.
Commenting on the partnership, Walplast’s managing director, Kaushal Mehta, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Lucknow Super Giants, a team known for its determination and competitive spirit. Cricket is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, and this association enables us to connect with millions of fans while reinforcing our commitment to high-quality construction solutions. Just as a solid foundation is key to a successful team, superior materials are essential for durable structures.”
Walplast senior vice president & marketing, CSR & business head, P2P division Aniruddha Sinha, added, “IPL provides an unparalleled platform to engage with our audience. Partnering with LSG enhances Homesure Tileex’s visibility and strengthens our connection with customers who trust our products in their everyday projects. Through this collaboration, we aim to integrate our brand seamlessly into the cricketing experience, reaching homeowners, builders, and industry professionals alike.”
Lucknow Super Giants chief operating officer Vinay Chopra said,“We are pleased to welcome Homesure Tileex as our official partner for IPL 2025. Their strong market presence and expertise make them a valuable addition to our growing network of partners, and we look forward to a successful association.”
As part of the partnership, Homesure Tileex will engage fans through various brand activities throughout the IPL season, further strengthening its connection with cricket enthusiasts and industry professionals.
MUMBAI: Adidas has launched a bold new chapter in its global brand campaign, reaffirming its commitment to reducing negative pressure in sport and championing the power of encouragement. Featuring India’s cricketing elite, the campaign aims to foster a culture where support, not criticism, fuels an athlete’s journey.
New global research has laid bare a troubling reality—four in five athletes endure unhelpful sideline behaviour, often leading them to abandon their sport altogether. Adidas is stepping in with a clear message: positivity matters. The campaign, ‘You Got This’, underscores the transformative power of encouragement in sports, proving that a well-timed word of support can turn self-doubt into confidence.
Set to launch ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the campaign film stars India’s cricketing stalwarts—Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, and Virat Kohli. Adding an emotional punch, the film features a reimagined version of I’m Sticking With You by The Velvet Underground, produced by James Blake, capturing the essence of unwavering support from the sidelines.
Beyond the film, Adidas is introducing its sideline essentials, a toolkit offering practical guidance on how coaches, parents, supporters, and teammates can encourage athletes and help them thrive. This initiative stems from Adidas’ global study on the sideline effect, which examines the impact of both positive and negative sideline behaviours on athletes’ performance and mental well-being.
Adidas India GM Neelendra Singh reinforced the brand’s commitment to athlete support, stating, “At Adidas, we have always stood by our athletes, both on and off the field. Recognising that pressure is an inherent part of sport, our ‘You Got This’ campaign aims to inspire positive influence on every pitch, track, and court. A simple gesture of encouragement can transform self-doubt into confidence.”
The campaign will roll out across multiple media platforms worldwide, amplified further through retail activations that drive home Adidas’ mission: to make sports a space where encouragement outshines negativity. Because, in the end, a little bit of belief—especially from the sidelines—can change the game.
MUMBAI : Swiggy has launched a dynamic new campaign with cricketer Rishabh Pant, showcasing its Bolt service, which delivers fresh meals in just 10 mins. Created by Moonshot & scripted by Tanmay Bhat, Devaiah Bopanna, Puneet Chadha, & Deep Joshi, the ad cleverly highlights the speed & convenience of Swiggy Bolt in a playful & engaging way.
The film opens with Pant & a friend discussing their hunger when he confidently claims that Swiggy can deliver fresh food in mins. As the friend imagines an exaggerated, high-speed kitchen-on-wheels scenario, reality strikes when the order arrives almost instantly. The ad creatively illustrates Bolt’s efficiency by showing how Swiggy’s delivery partners are always positioned near restaurants, reducing wait times.
Swiggy food marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor said the campaign aims to change perceptions about food delivery, combining speed with quality. Pant also expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, calling it a game-changer in food delivery.
MUMBAI: From boundary-smashing innings to fearless comebacks, Rishabh Pant has always been a cricketer who plays on the front foot. Now, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman is back with adidas, as the sportswear giant signs a multi-year partnership with the Indian cricket star. This collaboration sees Pant rejoin adidas’ elite athlete roster, which already boasts names like Jude Bellingham, Noah Lyles, Kuldeep Yadav, and Nikhat Zareen.
Pant, who previously partnered with adidas from 2016 to 2019, returns to the fold, further strengthening the brand’s deep-rooted legacy in Indian cricket—one that has seen collaborations with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. With his never-give-up attitude and unwavering self-belief, Pant perfectly embodies the adidas ethos of resilience and excellence.
Adidas India general manager Neelendra Singh said, “At adidas, we stand by athletes through every high and low, supporting their journey to greatness. Rishabh’s fearless spirit and dedication to the game make him a perfect fit for our brand. We are thrilled to have him back in the adidas family.”
Pant said, “adidas is a brand I have always admired. We share a vision of inspiring athletes and pushing boundaries. I look forward to this journey, empowering the next generation and making a lasting impact in the world of sports.”
With a history of championing top athletes across cricket, football, athletics, and tennis, adidas continues to be at the forefront of sporting excellence. The addition of Pant to its roster reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of Indian sports, ensuring the next generation has the support they need to dream big and play bigger.
Mumbai: Greenpanel has announced the launch of its new TVC, featuring Delhi Capitals’ commendable players ‒ Rishabh Pant, David Warner, and Anrich Nortje. The commercial launch is a part of the brand’s association with the IPL franchise as its principal sponsor. It is a strategic marketing move aimed at increasing brand visibility and amplifying marketing initiatives while leveraging IPL sponsorship.
Crafted by (L&K Saatchi & Saatchi), this television commercial adopts a whimsical and light-hearted tone, offering viewers a peek into the entertaining chaos behind the scenes of an ad shoot. From navigating unexpected challenges to witnessing moments of camaraderie among the cast and crew, the commercial captures the essence of the filmmaking process. It humorously portrays the efforts of the crew in guiding the players out of their comfort zones to deliver authentic performances. The TVC culminates with a clever analogy drawn by the players, likening their newfound acting prowess to the water-resistant qualities of Greenpanel’s HDWR MDF boards, cleverly weaving in the brand’s messaging. (the tagline/messaging: MDF Ka Doosra Naam)
The integrated marketing plan for the commercial launch includes a combination of ATL, BTL, and digital initiatives. A high-frequency campaign has been curated to promote the commercial which is live on prominent television channels and OTT platforms and will run throughout the IPL season. Aligned with the ongoing elections, the brand has secured impactful and prime advertising spots on renowned TV channels for both polling and election days. In the digital space, Greenpanel has launched paid campaigns on social media and developed digital films featuring the players. It is also promoting the partnership and TVC launch through social media marketing. Additionally, the brand has a strong on-ground presence via POSM and stadium and merchandise branding in Delhi Capitals’ home matches.
Greenpanel VP, marketing Arvind Joshi said, “This time around, we’ve opted for a fresh and innovative approach by conceptualizing the commercial in a behind-the-scenes (BTS) format. We hope this will be a fresh kind of viewing experience and will break the clutter. Our latest TVC showcases our superior quality product offering and talks about our water resistant HDWR boards and reinforces Greenpanel’s leadership position.”
Director Shayak Roy added “It was the first and the best 1 hour of shooting of my life. Kudos to the team at Greenpanel for buying into such a fun idea which probably many brands at their level wouldn’t have dared to take up. Cheers to everyone involved, when all the parties are aligned it’s always a six.”
L&K Saatchi & Saatchi CCO Rohit Malkani: “After the hilarious and hugely popular Greenpanel IPL film last year, the pressure was back on to do another winner. We had Greenpanel toss us a product (Greenpanel Water resistant HDWR) that started off an explosion of fun ideas. But finally, we honed in on a film-in-film technique that uses Delhi Capital players to do what they’re best at, having fun!”
Mumbai: Amidst the thrilling action of the ongoing country’s action-packed cricket league, sports brand PUMA India has released an entertaining campaign with partner Delhi Capitals’ star players – Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma and Yash Dhull – to engage with the team’s strong fanbase.
PUMA’s campaign film for Delhi Capitals – called Delhi, Save the fight for the game – encourages fans to bring their aggressive spirit to the game with #DelhiSaveTheFight. Delhi’s characteristic aggression is often viewed critically but as a brand, PUMA believes that the capital’s shared passion will positively uplift the game.
Commenting on the occasion, cricketer Yash Dhull said, “This cricket season is pure sports entertainment and PUMA has a unique ability to engage with fans. PUMA’s films made for Delhi Capitals this year do a hilarious take on the city’s innate nature to be headstrong. I am from Delhi and well-versed with our love for aggression. So, teaming up with Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma, and shooting for this film with routine Delhi scenarios was lot of fun and laughter. Having said that, the film’s message is strong, and saving and bringing this aggression to the game is the right spirit.”
Commenting on the campaign, PUMA India head of marketing Shreya Sachdev said, “To celebrate our partnership with Delhi Capitals, we wanted to pay homage to the never-back-down spirit of the city. We are confident that this campaign will strike a chord with the team’s fanbase, as we continue to strengthen our commitment towards spreading the excitement of cricket culture in the country.”
PUMA is the official kit partner of Delhi Capitals and has signed a multi-year deal with the team’s parent companies JSW and GMR, furthering its footprint in the cricketing landscape. As a kit partner, PUMA’s logo is present on the leading arm of the jersey of both the men’s and women’s teams of Delhi Capitals. Inspired by the pulse of the country’s capital, the jersey incorporates the route map of the Delhi Metro Rail – the iconic representation of the city’s enterprising spirit. The players’ kit comprises athleisure, training wear, accessories and travel gear.
PUMA’s association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru has proven to be a big success in the league.
PUMA has been actively contributing to the rise of sports culture in the country by associating with 250-plus athletes across cricket, boxing, football, and para sports. The brand boasts a star-studded lineup of brand ambassadors featuring batting icon Virat Kohli, champion sprinter Usain Bolt, football stars Neymar Jr and Sunil Chhetri, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.
Mumbai: As the anticipation builds for India’s most awaited cricket spectacle, Star Sports, the official television broadcaster of the TATA IPL 2024, has launched an “ode to IPL fandom and its various expressions” in its campaign for season 17 of the tournament. Inspired by real-life fan stories, moments seen on social media and true events of fandom, the campaign brings alive moments of togetherness that unleash a plethora of diverse emotions. It celebrates the idea of “better together” by representing diverse groups of fans whose experience of TATA IPL 2024 and emotions attached with players, matches and match situations are elevated when they watch together.
The film features four IPL captains and Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassadors – Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer – representing diverse fans in different situations, each representing different emotions which take over when one experiences key moments of the games in groups.
The momentary transformations of fans’ personalities are a true representation of the emotional roller-coasters that IPL 2024 promises to be. Rishabh ‘Gabroo’ Pant’s gang sheds its “macho personality” and tears up with emotions, Hardik ‘Corporate’ Pandya and his team forget they are in a boardroom with foreign clients and break into a dance to celebrate, KL ‘Padhakoo’ Rahul and his study circle drop their books and let their passions fly when an umpiring decision goes against them, Shreyas ‘Good boy’ Iyer drops his submissiveness around his family and rebels against his father-in-law. The teasers and BTS clips surrounding the campaign have been making waves on social media and have added to the anticipation. It will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, and Malayalam to resonate with fans across India.
Disney Star head-sports Sanjog Gupta said, “TATA IPL 2023 was the biggest IPL in TV history and reiterated the belief that ritualism, community and togetherness are essential facets of the live cricket viewing experience. This year, our campaign is an ode to the plethora of emotions that fans around the country will experience over the next couple of months. Unlike Indian cricket, where pride is the pervasive fan sentiment across the nation, IPL allows different fans to take sides and experience distinct emotions in the same moment. And these emotions are elevated when they are experienced in the company of friends, families and/or community. The goal of the campaign is to elevate the stature of TATA IPL, drive fan tribes to support their teams even more passionately and excite viewers for an unparalleled experience on Star Sports.”
Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassador, Hardik Pandya, said, “I’m thrilled to have participated in the ‘Ajab Rang Dikhega’ campaign. Playing the role of a fan in the campaign, brought back memories of me being a fan, celebrating happily with friends and family when emotions take over during memorable victories.”
“As a ‘Believe’ Ambassador, it is an honour to be a part of the ‘Ajab Rang Dikhega’ campaign. IPL is an emotion, and we love it as much as the fans do. Through the new campaign, we celebrate the unique community experiences that IPL evokes across the country making it a truly unforgettable experience. I’m grateful for the love showered by fans and I’m looking forward to IPL 2024”, added Rishabh Pant.
The campaign has been conceived and conceptualized by Tilt Brand Solutions, a Mumbai-based brand and communications consultancy that is a part of Quotient Ventures.
The ‘Incredible Premier League’ is best experienced with friends and family, capturing the essence of communal viewing that enhances the thrill of live sports on television. Star Sports has effectively placed fans at the heart of its coverage, fostering a sense of community and highlighting the excitement of watching the marquee tournament on TV. Through a series of on-ground events under the ‘Star Nahi Far’ activations, the broadcaster has successfully engaged audiences from all corners of the country, offering fans and fan communities a unique opportunity to connect with their favourite heroes. The ‘Incredible 16’ initiative featured legends selecting their all-time IPL squads, receiving widespread acclaim. Fans enthusiastically voted to back their favorite all-time stars, and created their versions of the ‘Incredible 16,’ amplifying the excitement surrounding the tournament as the opening day approaches.
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, has unveiled its exclusive initiative, ‘Star Nahi Far,’ aimed at bringing fans across the country closer to their IPL heroes in a money can’t buy experience. This fan-first initiative is set to enhance fan engagement and provide them with once in a lifetime opportunity to meet their favorite cricket superstars up close and personal throughout IPL 2024 season.
The ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, started from Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad, now gains momentum with the upcoming visit of Mumbai Indians and Team India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya in Mumbai on 24 February, 2024. Hardik Pandya’s arrival to the Mumbai Indian squad of IPL 2024 will be heralded by a vibrant city-wide roadshow across Mumbai, where he will interact with fans, share insights into his cricketing world and off-field endeavors while creating lasting memories with his beloved supporters.
As the excitement for the IPL 2024 season builds, ‘Star Nahi Far’ promises to traverse the nation with activations featuring IPL’s brightest stars and Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassadors, including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Shikar Dhawan and more throughout the IPL season. Star Sports wants to give an opportunity to every true fan in the country and is also selecting fans through a contest to bring them close to their cricketing idol with 40 lakh enthusiasts already participated in the quest to meet Hardik Pandya in Mumbai.
CONTEST ALERT
Win a chance of a lifetime to be face-to-face with your favourite IPL Stars, by participating in the #StarNahiFar contest
Commenting on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Star Sports ‘Believe Ambassador’ Rishabh Pant said, “The IPL is not only about cricket; it’s also about the fans who make every match memorable. With Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I will get to share the game’s excitement with fans directly. Can’t wait to meet the fans in Delhi during IPL 2024 and make more special memories together!
Commenting on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Star Sports ‘Believe Ambassador’ KL Rahul said, “The anticipation leading up to the IPL season is palpable, and being able to connect with our Lucknow supporters in person adds an extra layer of excitement. Teaming up with Star Sports for the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I am eager to hit the streets of Lucknow through the season of IPL, share our love for the game, and create unforgettable memories with fans.”
The recently concluded events in cities of Tamil Nadu like Salem and Coimbatore along with Hyderabad underscores the broadcaster’s focus to nurture a deep connection between fans and their sporting icons. The resounding success of the inaugural leg witnessed over 10,000 passionate fans gathering to meet cricketing luminaries such as MSK Prasad and Irfan Pathan in Hyderabad, and Vijay Shankar, Sai Kishore, L Balaji, T Natarajan, and Shahrukh Khan in Tamil Nadu.
