1. Google Pixel 8 – Mr. India Meets Pixel | The Revenge
Never thought I would see Mr. India back in action but not in a movie but as the brand ambassador of Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The big idea behind this campaign came from a creative agency called FCB Group India.
Talk about effectively communicating a feature you want to highlight. What a brilliant way to incorporate Mr. India and Google Pixel’s magic eraser feature. This collaboration isn’t just innovative; it is a testament to genuine creative efforts. It demonstrates the perfect blend of modern technology with the essence of our everyday life. Hats off to the creative spirit of FCB Group India.
I love this ad because the concept fits so well with the new Google Pixel. Whoever thought of bringing in Anil Kapoor as Mr. India needs to be promoted ASAP…
2. Uber Eats – Best Friends
There was a time when giant movie stars thought working in ads was beneath them, but now, I guess the advertising industry has become a giant itself. THE Robert De Niro stars in an Uber Eats ad where he “does things” with the new sensation Asa Butterfield.
The ad is simple, which is why I think I liked it. Young Asa is shown to be confused and nervous in front of De Niro, which is exactly how I would be if he ever came at a 100ft distance from me (I know he won’t, but one can wish – sigh). The ad agency Mother London effectively does the job for Uber as you are transfixed to the screen, and I think 8/10 people would watch the complete ad.
Although the script seems a little too simple but it might be intentional to keep the two actors as the main attraction. All in all, it’s good to see Robert De Niro in his element doing things he wouldn’t normally do because do you want me to believe that De Niro rides around in an Uber?
P.S. Robert De Niro takes Al Pacino’s name at 2:37…
3. Cadbury Dairy Milk – Women’s Cricket
Finally, a women empowerment ad done right, and what lovely timing when the cricket craze is at an all-time high. The ad so subtly points out the stereotype we associate with cricket that only men or boys will play cricket or a woman won’t know anything about the game.
The concept is not new perse but it is just so refreshing to see this idea coming to life in Pakistan in a not too preachy or in-your-face manner. We have a habit of overdoing things, but this ad hits the right spot with its nuanced and captivating narrative. It is a celebration of breaking barriers, not just in the context of cricket but also in the larger picture of the standards that society imposes on people, especially women.
Also, the faces and names of our women cricket players on the chocolate packs really brought the whole campaign together. Although I am not a big fan of printing faces on packaging because they will ultimately end up in a dustbin and is quite disrespectful but I guess this is one of the ways of increasing familiarity among the general public as it is high time now we start supporting women’s cricket more.
4. Cadbury Dairy Milk – SitTogether
I love it when someone smartly conveys the message that we should treat our house helps equally, and this ad checked all the boxes for me. It’s such a simple ad, but it delivers a big message, and that is beautiful. It starts with our main guy discussing cricket with the “Kaka” (a term we are all familiar with, used for the male house help), and the wife of our guy comes and asks Kaka to cook more food as she has invited guests over (btw who does that during a crucial cricket match unless they are coming over to watch the match) and our main guy very calmly exclaims that he has ordered food because kaka and he will be going to watch the match live in the stadium – which is an amazing surprise.
The cutest part about the ad is how kaka responds by saying, “Lekin ab tou matar cheel diye” which further signifies the bond they share. The commercial is moving and makes you smile from ear to ear, demonstrating that keeping things straightforward and simple is, in most cases, the best approach since there are fewer moving parts and less potential points of failure.
