.jpg)
What’s red, white, and scrolled all over? Your weekly doomscroll session, obviously, featuring brands trying everything from AI-generated drama to celeb cameos that scream, “Please don’t skip!” Today we sift through the ad-ache-inducing clutter and dig out the gems (or the flops) that made you stop mid-swipe. From emotional blackmail to edible humour, no campaign is safe from our snark or praise.
This isn’t your standard #AdReview. We’re here for the ads that made us feel something, whether that’s joy, rage, confusion, or just “huh?” So strap in, sip that overpriced cold brew, and get ready to judge some creativity. Because in the world of ads, it’s not just about what you sell, it’s how many brain cells you burn or bless while doing it.
Let’s break it down: who killed it, who mailed it in, and who should probably call it a day.
Apollo Fertility’s “IVF Baby vs Normal Baby”
This campaign, released on World IVF Day 2025, hits the sweet spot of emotional education and relatability. Using animated characters in a light, banter-filled setup, the ad breaks down stigmas around IVF births while reiterating that every baby, regardless of conception method, is filled with the same chaos and charm. With its sensitive subject matter handled through inclusive storytelling and a hopeful tone, this film doesn’t just promote fertility services, it subtly repositions IVF as mainstream and love-driven. This one’s a clear hit for its warm messaging and social relevance.
Bingo’s “When Tedhe Meets Trendy”
A standout from the world of meme culture and moment marketing. By riding the wave of viral content, user reactions, and self-referential humour, Bingo turned its Tedhe Medhe snacks into the face of a trend-driven content fest. The campaign evolved from memes into a full-blown movement with fan participation at its core. It’s bold, unapologetically Gen Z, and very in tune with how young India consumes entertainment today. This is a hit for not just for its visibility, but for showing how a snack brand can lead the meme economy with crunchy confidence.
KitKat × Spotify’s “Break The Loop”
This KitKat campaign, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and powered by Spotify, is a fun, functional fusion of snacking and music discovery. It cleverly tackles the universal habit of replaying the same songs on loop and nudges users to “break” that pattern, just like one breaks a KitKat bar. The QR-enabled pack linking to curated Spotify playlists is a smart integration that brings utility to an otherwise routine snack. Ayushmann adds the charm, the idea is interactive, and the youth-centric vibe keeps it catchy. This one’s a hit, thanks to its breezy execution and cross-platform appeal.
Vinsmera Jewels’ “Truly Irresistible”
The campaign featuring Mohanlal and directed by the legendary Prakash Varma is in a league of its own. With no gimmicks, no noise, just pure visual poetry, it celebrates craftsmanship and charisma in the most graceful way. Every frame is lush, deliberate, and dripping in class, while Mohanlal’s presence commands effortless luxury. The film doesn’t shout to sell; it invites you to admire. Not just a hit, this is the best ad of the entire week and has gone intensely viral, setting a cinematic benchmark for jewelry storytelling with timeless elegance. The ad subtly nods to the growing male jewellery arc in India, where elegance and self-expression are no longer gendered, but proudly worn, celebrated, and cinematic.
Häfele × Sachin Tendulkar Ad
Sachin Tendulkar’s collaboration with Häfele for their Terra Quartz Surfaces is a polished, purposeful ad that highlights durability without feeling like a product demo. Set in a warm kitchen space, it brings out the emotional core of homemaking while letting the surface’s features, scratch resistance, fade proofing, and stain resistance, shine subtly through action. The casting of Tendulkar adds instant trust and aspirational value without overacting or gimmickry. This one’s a hit for successfully blending product performance with everyday emotion, making a premium kitchen utility feel both aspirational and accessible.
Wicked Gud's "All Taste, No Junk"
WickedGud’s ad with Shilpa Shetty takes a lighter, cheekier route by turning "controversy" into a nutrition flex. The ad flips expectations by dramatizing healthy eating, free from maida and palm oil, as something scandalously good. With Shilpa’s strong association with wellness and clean eating, the brand messaging aligns perfectly with her persona. Visually clean, tonally fun, and nutritionally confident, this is another hit, especially in the cluttered “healthy snack” space where few brands communicate with such clarity and quirk.
American Tourister Ad
Rohit Saraf’s campaign for American Tourister tries to tap into the chaos and charm of student life, urging young audiences to “carry a little comfort” with them. While Rohit is a fitting choice, relatable, fresh-faced, and wellloved by Gen Z, the ad plays it too safe. The storyline lacks punch, and there’s little that sets the communication apart from any generic backpack promo. Despite good production and intent, it’s a miss primarily due to weak brand recall. Viewers might remember Rohit, the vibe, even the twisty student metaphors, but not necessarily the brand he’s endorsing.
Hush Puppies' "Chief Comfort Officer"
Hush Puppies India nails its positioning with Vir Das as their self-declared Chief Comfort Officer. The “Ease, Please!” campaign is clean, quirky, and rooted in product truth, style meets comfort. The back-to-back pose with Sahiba Bali not only makes for a catchy visual but also reinforces the message of balance and ease. Vir’s persona adds both humour and relatability, and the brand’s core promise shines without needing hard-sell tactics. It’s a clear hit for turning a functional product into a lifestyle statement with comfort-first storytelling.
View this post on Instagram
Jiostar × Meta India's "Under Arrest"
In a gripping crossover of fiction and function, JioCinema and Meta India join forces to deliver a sharply executed awareness campaign on digital safety. Featuring Kay Kay Menon reprising his Himmat Singh persona, the reel cleverly mirrors an “under arrest” crime-drama scene to educate users about blocking, reporting, and securing themselves on Meta platforms. The fusion of OTT familiarity with public interest messaging makes it memorable without being preachy. It’s a hit for using star power and storytelling to land a message that matters, especially in India’s evolving digital culture.
View this post on Instagram
HRX × Tripti Dimri Ad
HRX’s latest campaign brings together its founder Hrithik Roshan and newly appointed brand ambassador Triptii Dimri in a striking visual rollout. Titled “Built for Sweat. Designed for Life.”, the ad champions HRX’s athleisure line as not just performance-wear, but stylish lifestyle gear. Triptii’s presence adds freshness and massappeal to the brand, while Hrithik maintains the legacy of discipline and drive. Crisp editing, bold red backdrops, and dual messaging make this one a definite hit, a seamless refresh for a brand looking to stay relevant in India’s hyper-competitive fitness-wear market.
.jpg)
