Top Trending Advertising/Media News & Highlights
Why the fundamental fault lines in the business won't be resolved by the Omnicom–IPG merger
The Omnicom–IPG merger is now more than just a balance-sheet event as India's advertising sector faces one of its largest structural changes in decades. In a sector already struggling with AI disruption, customer distrust, and shifting talent economics, it is a stress test for scale, relevance, and trust.Veteran executives Ashish Bhasin, Anita Nayyar, Shubho Sengupta, and Kunal Lalani provide starkly different interpretations of what consolidation actually means, including whether it signals the emergence of a three-player oligopoly, a long-overdue efficiency reset, or a defensive reaction to an industry that has already moved on.One thing unites their opinions: size by itself is no longer a guarantee of advantage. The next stage of competition will be characterised by speed, specialisation, and credibility rather than scale as holding corporations compete to handle conflicts, merge cultures, and reassure clients. In 2026, artists, agencies, and advertisers will focus more on who still matters than on who is the biggest."This era of consolidation in advertising and media did not begin recently—it has been unfolding over the past decade," notes Ashish Bhasin, founder of The Bhasin Consulting Group and former CEO APAC, Dentsu. He reminds us that media owners and broadcasters have travelled the same route as agencies, with mergers like Star and CNBC indicating what was to come. Given that "the top four or five holding companies now account for nearly 80–85% of the market share," as noted by Bhasin, the merger of Omnicom and IPG seems like the next obvious step. The level of competition has changed. "A very formidable competitor emerges for WPP," which has long maintained the top spot in India, as a result of the merger. "Going forward, WPP, Omnicom, and Publicis are likely to become the three largest holding companies in India," according to Bhasin, who envisions a market dominated by three titans. Scale will continue to be important, especially in the media, driving rivalry and making "further consolidation inevitable."However, Bhasin takes pains to avoid portraying this as everyone else's demise. He acknowledges that "the overarching trend clearly points towards consolidation," but adds that "India remains a large and fast-growing market, so there is space for multiple players to coexist."
Published 31 Dec 2025 11:11 PM
Network18 defies industry slowdown; Rahul Joshi charts bold growth path for 2026
In a year when the majority of advertising-driven media firms struggled with diminishing earnings, dwindling viewership, and industry consolidation, Network18 has reported growth in all of its major businesses while increasing its emphasis on relevance, subscription, creative collaborations, and digital-first expansion.Rahul Joshi, Managing Director & Group Editor-in-Chief at Network18, stated in an internal year-end message to staff members that the organization had "beaten the odds" in a difficult year for classic news formats by emphasizing unique content, ecosystem thinking, and non-traditional revenue streams. The group established Creator18 to bolster its creator economy strategy, providing a platform for a variety of digital artists while also utilizing their audiences to increase relevance and income share. Additionally, the business emphasized a fresh emphasis on high-quality tools, research, and insights across its major brands, Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18, as opposed to chasing "click-baity" traffic.Joshi emphasized the quick expansion of Moneycontrol's lending platform, the success of MC Pro, which has over a million users, and the early popularity of SuperPro, which targets high-value traders and investors and increases average revenue per user. He reaffirmed that the company's next growth phase will be defined by non-news content, digital tools, and product innovation. Stronger advertiser access, even from emerging markets, is made possible by the regional news cluster's ongoing multilingual expansion, which is bolstered by a robust national sales network and improved digital outreach. According to Joshi, the firm is still "de-risked" in comparison to its traditional ad-dependent counterparts because subscriber income is growing, transactions are scaling, and events and IPs are bolstering heritage monetization.He acknowledged the structural changes in media consumption, particularly among Gen Z, and pointed out that speedier, platform-native storytelling is becoming more relevant than conventional news formats. With a greater emphasis on CTV and social media, he emphasized that Network18's brands will lead with subtlety, intelligence, and digital-first execution, driven by platforms like Firstpost, Kadak, News18 India, and CNN-News18. Joshi declared 2026 to be a "mission mode" year to foster youthful leadership, experiment vigorously, and keep reinventing the future of Indian news media as he celebrated his ten years with the organization. "We made 2025 count in a year that was really difficult for many. He used Roald Dahl to encourage teams to maintain their faith in "magic" in the face of change, saying, "Let's make 2026 rock."
Published 30 Dec 2025 10:03 PM
On December 26, 2025, India will have early access to Now You See Me, Now You Don't.
The widely watched heist-adventure show With an early access release set for December 26, 2025, NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T will make its digital premiere in India, offering viewers looking for a premium watching experience a rental fee of INR 499. The movie will be accessible on several key digital platforms, like as Google/YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon, giving viewers a variety of ways to enjoy the magical series. The film NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T, which was directed by Ruben Fleischer, brings back the Four Horsemen along with a new generation of illusionists. It offers an exhilarating mix of mind-bending twists, shocks, and expansive magic sequences that have never been seen on screen before. With bold illusions and intense storytelling, the movie raises the stakes while maintaining the franchise's trademark blend of spectacle and tension.Along with an ensemble cast that includes Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, and Jesse Eisenberg, the movie maintains the adventurous tone of the trilogy while adding new characters and audacious new heists. The Now You See Me franchise, which is well-known for its chic graphics and deft storytelling, has amassed a sizable worldwide following thanks to its distinctive blend of magic and criminality.
Published 23 Dec 2025 11:00 PM
How an Indian Gen Z leader is reinventing design education
Director of the JD Institute of Fashion Technology Rinesh Dalal talks with Adgully about his experience reinventing design education through innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Dalal, who joined the education sector at the age of 18, offers a unique combination of strategic thought and artistic vision to his leadership position. He considers creating experiential learning ecosystems outside of classrooms, from fostering creative communities and supporting emerging talent to extending the JD tradition into digital-first platforms like JDOnline and JD Podcast. Dalal also discusses how technology, narrative, and purpose will continue to influence design education in India.I was never ready to start working at such a young age, much less establish my own business. I had intended to continue my education in film in London, but because my family is very business-oriented, I decided to use that money to start my own company. In retrospect, I can see how much I have developed both myself and inside the company. I joined JD Institute four years ago, and it has been two and a half years since I assumed full leadership. I have acquired extensive practical experience throughout this period, which enables me to firmly continue this tradition. As a member of the same generation as today's youngsters, I am aware of their goals, mindset, and the help they require at various phases of their development.JDOnline was developed to close the accessibility gap by enabling anybody, anywhere, to receive top-notch design education without being constrained by traditional classroom settings. JD Podcast helps students grasp the real-world dynamics of the creative industry by providing them with authentic talks, thoughts, and experiences from artists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. This helps close the industry awareness gap.
Published 21 Dec 2025 09:53 PM
Advertising/Media
Advertising and Media are the essential verticals in any country and both goes parallely while deciding any strategy for promotions. Advertising has been segregrated between Online & Offline advertising which has further wings under them whereas the Media is also categorize in Offline which is Traditional Media like TV, Newspaper, Magazine and its Online Media form which is through digital platforms like Websites, Social Media, Video Channels and others.
Param Sundari: A visual feast, yet the story lacks heart.
Sidharth Malhotra clumsily impersonates the King Khan in Param Sundari, while Janhvi Kapoor attempts to be Deepika in this languid mashup of SRK's previous two hits, Chennai Express (2013) and DDLJ (1995). Guys, no luck! They both collapse on their mooh. Malhotra, a Punjabi munda, goes to Kerala in an attempt to win over Kapoor, his purported soulmate, whom he found on an arbitrary dating app. Although it is discussed, the North-South cultural difference never fully resonates. This is because Janhvi Kapoor was a bad option for Sundari's casting. What prevented a local actress from taking her place? For example, Kamal Haasan was ideally suited to play the South Indian lover of the North Indian Rati Agnihotri in the popular 1981 film Ek Duuje Ke Liye. It seems like Bollywood is unwilling to venture outside of its comfort zone and is happy to place nepots in roles that are obviously unsuitable for them. Among the film's few positive aspects are the beautiful "Pardesiya" number and the exquisite depiction of God's own country, Kerala! However, when the lead duo itself seems strange and unimpressive, everything is insignificant.The media and advertising industries' news today emphasizes a noteworthy trend: AI is changing the global ad-tech stock landscape, with India's market possibly providing a buffer. A legal battle between tech titans Xiaomi, Apple, and Samsung over advertising campaigns, different agency leadership changes, and businesses implementing novel tactics like Apsara's first "Ambassa-dog" in India are some other significant events.
Highlight of National Sports Day: Kartik Aaryan's path to Chandu Champion
Kartik prepared hard for the position in three difficult sports—wrestling, boxing, and swimming—all of which need for self-control, endurance, and the ability to master particular skills. The actor spent about a year and a half honing these abilities under the supervision of professionals to make sure he captured Petkar's personality and tenacity in a realistic manner.Kartik's training was described as being on par with an athlete's regimen. The actor pushed himself to the edge through intense swimming practice, wrestling's raw force, and boxing's quick reflexes. His dedication to authenticity and storytelling on screen is demonstrated by his athletic prowess and physical metamorphosis.Chandu Champion, which was released on June 14, 2024, was one of Kartik's best performances to date and honored Petkar's unmatched history. His performance, which combined grit and emotional depth, was praised as deserving of a National Award. He received praise from both critics and spectators, which strengthened his reputation as a popular performer and box office success.Kartik once again demonstrated with Chandu Champion that all of his film selections are nothing short of masterpieces. The film, which was directed by Kabir Khan, tells the narrative of Murlikant Petkar's incredible journey during which he overcame hardships to make history.Kartik's journey for Chandu Champion serves as a fitting tribute to sports legends like Murlikant Petkar, whose tale continues to inspire generations, and serves as a reminder of the value of perseverance and the strength of dedication as we commemorate National Sports Day.
From rural penetration to metro branding: HDFC ERGO's multifaceted marketing approach
India's top private sector general insurer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, is concentrating on raising awareness, fostering digital innovation, and fostering deeper customer connection in order to boost insurance acceptance as the country's insurance market rapidly changes. Somesh Surana, Joint President – Digital Business Group & Marketing at HDFC ERGO General Insurance, discusses the company's marketing roadmap, Gen Z strategy, the role of AI, and the brand's planned use of carefully chosen marketing techniques to reach "real Bharat" in this interview with Adgully.What is HDFC ERGO's overall marketing plan for the rest of the year, given the impending holiday season? India is working hard to promote the use of insurance. At HDFC ERGO, our approach will remain focused on category awareness, digital transformation, customer-centric innovation, and deeper engagement throughout Bharat, all while adhering to the IRDAI's 3A's framework: Awareness, Accessibility, and Affordability. To teach insurance from a young age and create a future-ready, insurance-aware India, we administer Insurance Quiz Junior. Now in its tenth edition, this innovative program began in 2016 with just 18 schools in one city and has since expanded to serve around 25 lakh kids in approximately 200 locations. In 2024, 3,200 institutions—including government and vernacular language schools—will be involved. Notably, 32% of these schools were located in small towns, and nearly equal numbers of female students participate, demonstrating that this program is truly inclusive.Building on the success of this campaign to raise awareness of insurance among the next generation, we have this year introduced a senior version of the quiz for college students, who are young adults about to enter the workforce and must make their own decisions about their future. In keeping with our goal of raising awareness of insurance at a young age, 1,100+ college students from 140+ Indian cities registered for the inaugural edition alone.Additionally, as the primary insurer for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry under IRDAI's State Insurance Awareness campaign, we have been educating the public about house, auto, and health insurance through a variety of initiatives. We go out to government schools around the states with the regional version of the quiz in addition to other awareness campaigns. Thirty-three districts participated last year alone.
Fireside Ventures leads Cumin Co. in securing $1.5 million to boost production and innovation.
With three product patents, Cumin Co. is a health-first kitchenware company that has raised $1.5 million in a strategic investment round led by Fireside Ventures and including Huddle Ventures. Through its direct-to-consumer web presence, the company hopes to increase market penetration while strengthening manufacturing capacity, accelerating product innovation, and scaling research and development.Cumin Co. has been successful since its founding in 2025. With strong word-of-mouth promotion and high repeat purchase rates that are rising at a rate of 20% MoM, the company has assisted over 7,000 households in India in starting their journey towards healthier kitchenware in a matter of months. The company wants to reach 100,000+ households with its network of mindful consumers in the upcoming year.Innovation in their exclusive Enviromax enamel coating technology, as well as a significant emphasis on R&D and IP creation, are the main drivers of Cumin Co.'s success. All of Cumin Co.'s products are naturally non-stick, certified by three international standards, 100% toxin-free, and built to last for generations, in contrast to conventional cookware that uses toxic heavy chemical non-stick coatings.The co-founders of Cumin Co., Niharika Joshi and Udit Lekhi, stated: "Despite being essential to every home, kitchenware has been neglected in India for far too long. Our goal is to reinvent ware by fusing design, safety, and rigorous R&D. We can expand our innovation pipeline and establish a new standard for healthy kitchenware in India thanks to this financing.Fireside Ventures Principal Shuchi Pandya stated: "We think that innovation, trust, and cultural relevance will come together to create long-lasting consumer brands. Despite being one of the few categories that is essential to every home, kitchenware has not seen much innovation in decades. By developing a brand that modernizes a stagnant category, enriches everyday cooking, and fosters enduring customer trust on a worldwide basis, Cumin Co. is well-positioned to reshape this market.
This year, we anticipate a 15% increase in Onam ad spending: Chandy Varghese
Brands are increasing their promotional efforts as Kerala prepares for the state's largest cultural and commercial holiday, Onam, starting today, in an effort to evoke a sense of joy among consumers. Print still has a dominant place in the media mix for advertising relating to Onam, even with the rise of digital and over-the-top platforms.Varghese Chandy, Vice President – Marketing and Advertising Sales at Malayala Manorama, discusses changing advertiser trends, consumer confidence, and why newspapers are still the preferred medium for national brands and retailers during the Onam season in an exclusive interview with Adgully.What is the general attitude of consumers this year before Onam? In comparison to other years, are you observing a shift in customer confidence or spending patterns? This year, consumers are feeling quite well. As the largest holiday in Kerala, Onam is a perfect example of the trend we have been witnessing since COVID: people are enjoying every occasion more and more.What is the anticipated increase in total brand advertising expenditure for this year's Onam festival, based on your observations? This year, we anticipate growth of at least 15%.During this Onam season, which particular industries are becoming the largest advertisers, and are there any new or surprising categories seeing an increase in spending? Every demographic is active during Onam since it is such a large celebration that touches all types of individuals. The largest category is retailers, with home appliances at the top, followed by textiles and jewelry. To help them, the brands also run their own campaigns. The largest brand category is automobiles.How is Malayala Manorama, a prominent daily, positioned to continue being a vital component of marketers' Onam plans in a market where OTT and digital are expanding quickly? We acknowledge the growth of OTT and digital. Newspapers continue to be the primary source of information for those with purchasing power, however. Additionally, only large format advertisements, such as those found in newspapers, can effectively convey offers. For this reason, many ROI-only businesses continue to concentrate mostly on newspapers. Credibility is another crucial element that newspapers have, which draws marketing campaigns to them as well.This year, are more integrated or immersive ads replacing classic ad formats? Could you provide an instance of a brand using Malayala Manorama in a creative manner? Malayala Manorama is a newspaper that prioritizes its readers. Therefore, there are many prohibitions on ads that mislead or annoy readers. Because our readers are our strongest pillars, we are extremely cautious when implementing any kind of innovation and do not want to deceive them. However, one trend we've noticed is that marketers are switching to large format ads, which are unique to newspapers and truly reflect their size.
Parineeti Chopra makes a sweet post about her "little universe" on the way and announces her first pregnancy with Raghav Chadha.
Actress Parineeti Chopra and her husband, AAP MP Raghav Chadha, are expecting their first child together and are about to embark on a new chapter in their life. On Monday, the couple shared the joyful news on social media. Film industry peers immediately poured into the comments section to thank Raghav and Parineeti.The actor's pregnancy was announced by the soon-to-be parents in a joint Instagram post. The post's initial image included a cute circular cake with the words "1 + 1 = 3" written on it and two tiny golden footprints drawn around it. In addition to the picture, they shared a video of them walking hand in hand through a gorgeous garden. "Our little universe … on its way" was the caption they used for the photo. Blessed beyond measure.Numerous fans sent congratulations and shared their excitement. Sonam Kapoor wrote, "Darling, congratulations." Huma Qureshi and Bhumi Pednekar only said, "Congratulations." Parineeti Chopra has officially confirmed that she is expecting her first child, despite a number of rumors circulating a few months back.She had previously posted about enjoying a nutritious meal and spending time with her husband Raghav on Independence Day. "An afternoon spent at home, surrounded by the love of family and the colors of our nation." Cheers to Independence Day! She wrote, "@raghavchadha88."Regarding her career, Parineeti Chopra will next be featured in an untitled Netflix series that also features important roles from Aup Soni, Sumeet Vyas, Jennifer Winget, Harleen Sethi, Chaitannya Choudhry, and Tahir Raj Bhasin. The series has already concluded its filming. The duo was recently spotted on The Great Indian Kapil Show as well. In September 2023, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha were married in a small wedding in Udaipur. With the help of their close friends and relatives, they were engaged in New Delhi in May 2023.
Only on Zed TV, Himmat Ke Samundar Ki, Hai Yeh Kahaani Har Ghar Ki with Juhi Parmar
There are untold tales of women behind every locked door: tales of unspoken struggles with emotional neglect, sacrifices made for family, dreams shelved, and unacknowledged strength. Despite the fact that these facts influence the lives of numerous people nationwide, they hardly ever receive public attention.Zee TV is now working to end this quiet. The station strengthens its relationship with viewers by offering content that goes beyond amusement to address important issues, as seen by the launch of its redesigned brand identity, Aapka Apna ZEE. In keeping with this idea, Zed TV presents Kahaani Har Ghar Ki, a revolutionary new reality format. The show, which is hosted by the well-liked Juhi Parmar, gives Indian women a polite and safe forum to tell their stories. Kahaani Har Ghar Ki, which is produced by Zee Studios, will debut on September 1st and air on Zee TV every day at 6:30 p.m.With her sympathetic performances and powerful depictions, Juhi Parmar has gained the respect and trust of audiences throughout the years. She reappears in this new guise not just as a well-known actor but also as "Aapki Juhi," a sympathetic mentor, listener, and guide who establishes a secure environment where women feel encouraged, heard, and understood. Every episode of Kahaani Har Ghar Ki will vividly depict the intensely personal journey of a real-life lady, bringing to light topics like relationship difficulties, familial pressure, emotional neglect, and professional sacrifices. By use of open discussions and professional advice from psychologists and special guests, the program seeks to dispel preconceptions, promote empathy, and encourage viewers to consider the hidden truths in their own families.The press conference was intended to be an immersive experience in order to reflect the delicate nature of the event. Media representatives listened to an audio version of a story from the show while wearing headphones. The story, which had no images and was only told, followed both sides of a real-life dispute and ended in a tense, unresolved moment. As interest reached its pinnacle, Juhi Parmar joined the platform to discuss the importance of these underrepresented female voices being heard and recognized in the modern era.
Ravi Luthria is appointed chief revenue officer of KathaVersse Media Network.
Ravi Luthria has been named Chief Revenue Officer of KathaVersse, a content intellectual property company that is working to create a "Marvel for Bharat." Ravi, a graduate of IIM Lucknow and a former Head of Videos at Pocket FM-US, is an accomplished strategic and entrepreneurial leader with more than 20 years of experience in a variety of industries, including marketing, FMCG, content, and content technology. In India, the US, and other countries, he has developed high-performing teams, scaled content businesses, and effectively led multi-crore P&L mandates.Ravi has extensive knowledge in branded content intellectual property, IP monetization and scaling, and cutting-edge technologies like generative artificial intelligence. He is renowned for fusing strategic planning with methodical execution. Ravi will oversee KathaVersse's services segment, KVGYAPAAN, and drive the company's revenue engine. He will also monetize Digital Commentary, the company's flagship non-fiction platform with over 120 million monthly views and 1.1 million members. Known as a Video-as-a-Service (VaaS) company, KVGYAPAAN offers brands social media content production and strategy, high-impact, platform-optimized video campaigns, and premium Micro Dramas for Micro Drama OTTs, among other services.With the goal of becoming one of the biggest intellectual property firms in India, Ravi will concentrate on creatively and profitably combining IPs with advertiser partnerships, catering to a market where young Indians currently watch between three and four hours of video material every day. "The clarity and scope of KathaVersse's IP ambition are what most impressed me. "The founding team is already making great progress toward realizing this vision," Ravi stated."Ravi is one of the most important additions to our core team — a game-changer for IP monetization and scaling," said KathaVersse CEO Aakash Kumar. He is the ideal candidate for our upcoming expansion stage, as we prepare to introduce over ten universe- and format-driven long-form IPs in the next 15 months, thanks to his experience in content business.
‘Only Scoops, No Oops’: Amul’s Clever Spin on Kiss Cam Moment
Dairy giant Amul once again grabs public attention with its latest topical doodle, this time commenting on the viral “kiss cam scandal” that caused a stir on social media earlier this week. Using its trademark wit and creativity, Amul’s new artwork shows the iconic Amul girl holding a tub of ice cream, with the clever caption: “Only Scoops, No Oops!” The doodle was released on Amul’s official social media handles shortly after a controversial moment during a live sports broadcast became the talk of the internet. The incident, involving an awkward on-screen kiss between two spectators, quickly drew widespread reactions ranging from humor to outrage. True to form, Amul weighed in with a light-hearted take. The illustration shows a stadium backdrop, with the Amul girl cheekily peeking from behind a scoop of ice cream while a heart-shaped kiss cam icon looms in the background. The caption subtly comments on the situation without naming individuals, in line with the brand’s long-standing tradition of blending social commentary with visual satire. Social media users praised the creative for its timely and tasteful response. Many lauded Amul for continuing to reflect pop culture moments with sensitivity and humor. Amul’s topical ads, a staple since the 1960s in Indian advertising, respond swiftly to news, politics, and viral moments with clever wordplay. The “Only Scoops, No Oops” doodle adds to its iconic collection. As the conversation around public conduct at live events continues, Amul’s take offers a moment of levity—reminding audiences that sometimes, the best response is a scoop of humor.
Social Panga to Handle Social Media for Neo by Nippon Paint
Neo by Nippon Paint has appointed Social Panga as its official social media agency. The collaboration aims to strengthen Neo’s presence across digital platforms and connect more directly with its target audience. Social Panga will be responsible for creating and managing content, developing social media strategies, and enhancing engagement across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The agency brings experience in handling campaigns for brands in the lifestyle and home improvement sectors. Neo, a brand under Nippon Paint, focuses on products for the modern consumer, offering a range of solutions tailored to today’s design and functional needs. This move is part of its broader push to build a stronger identity and stay relevant in a competitive market. Speaking about the partnership, both teams expressed confidence in their shared vision and strategy. Social Panga aims to translate Neo’s brand values into digital conversations that reflect the brand’s tone and connect meaningfully with its followers.
The Revanth government awarded Allu Arjun the Gaddar award months after he was arrested in the Pushpa 2 stampede case.
In relation to a case involving the death of a lady in a stampede at Hyderabad's Sandhya theater during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2, Arjun was taken into custody last December.Arjun will formally receive the first "Best Leading Actor" award at a later time for his role in the highly successful sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule, which brought in an estimated Rs 1,800 crore at the box office worldwide.Arjun's prize comes months after he was temporarily detained and arrested by Telangana police, who blamed him and others for the stampede that occurred on December 4 at the film's premiere at the Sandhya theater in this city. In the midst of controversy surrounding the death of 39-year-old M. Revathi in the stampede and the severe injuries sustained by her 9-year-old son, the arrest was announced on December 13. On the eve of the release, Arjun went to the renowned Sandhya theater to support his admirers, and Revathi's family of four attended to see the Pushpa-2 premiere event. As the opposition BRS and BJP denounced "the arrest of a national award winner," particularly the way it was executed, the police action took a political turn. In an X post at the time, Telangana BJP politician and Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay wrote, "...lifting national award-winning actor Allu Arjun straight out of his bedroom without even giving him time to change is a disgraceful act of mismanagement and disrespect."The police action took a political turn when the opposition BRS and BJP condemned "the arrest of a national award winner," especially the manner in which it was carried out. Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs and Telangana BJP politician Bandi Sanjay remarked in an X post at the time, "...lifting national award-winning actor Allu Arjun straight out of his bedroom without even giving him time to change is a disgraceful act of mismanagement and disrespect."
In a High Court case, Adman Sandeep Goyal wants the government to control surrogate advertisements.
In order to stop surrogate advertising, Sandeep Goyal has petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court for a government-led oversight agency. He contends that deceptive advertising of things that are prohibited, such as alcohol and tobacco, cannot be addressed by the self-regulation that is in place at the moment. By acknowledging the issue and sending letters to the appropriate authorities, the court has signaled the start of an important legal discussion over advertising control.The nation is experiencing a health catastrophe as a result of young people developing early alcohol and tobacco addictions. According to the petition, "it is argued that the commercials, which feature well-known celebrities to promote their product, not only encourage the use of alcohol and tobacco but also validate their use through the glamorous representation of these products. "The petition highlights how ineffectual the present self-regulatory frameworks—such as the Advertising Standards Council of India's (ASCI)—are at preventing deceptive advertising. Goyal demands a stronger regulatory framework run by the government to monitor advertising material.Goyal argues that current redressal procedures are not quick to offset the immediate effects of these advertisements, which continue to reach sizable audiences before any kind of regulation is implemented. Additionally, he cites Supreme Court and high court rulings advocating for more stringent regulatory monitoring in the advertising industry.
Neelam Kothari Soni, Masaba Gupta, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rohan Joshi are also featured in the movie.
Neelam Kothari Soni, Masaba Gupta, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rohan Joshi are also featured in the movie. For the impending End of Reason Sale (EORS), Myntra has released their newest ad, which features a gorgeous cast and a humorous twist.The story, which is set in a stylized living room, centers on a fictitious intervention that Johar's friends conduct, during which they first chastise him for using coupons to purchase. As each of them is ultimately influenced by the sale's offerings, the scenario swiftly becomes comical. With EORS scheduled to begin on May 31, the movie centers on Myntra's claims of the "Lowest Price Guaranteed" and cashback incentives."With each edition of EORS, our goal is not just to deliver unmatched value but to redefine how India experiences fashion," stated Kejal Parekh, Associate Director, Marketing, Myntra, while describing the intentions of the campaign. By bringing together well-known individuals in an entertaining and unusual atmosphere that reflects how our customers interact with fashion today, we wanted to achieve something genuinely novel for the 22nd edition.
Day 3 of Goafest 2025 ignites discussions on bravery, inventiveness, and the storytelling potential of AI.
As the curtains opened on Day 3 of Goafest 2025, the atmosphere was electric, promising another day of creativity, innovation, inspiration, and information exchange. Under the theme IGNITE HUNGAMA, Mahindra Auto & Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs, in collaboration with Bingo!, kicked off the day with an incredible performance by Indian playback artist Javed Ali.Youri Guerassimov, Chief Creative Officer and CEO of Marcel France, gave a keynote talk on "Creativity That Dares to Disrupt" to the audience following the riveting performance. YouTube used the theme IGNITE BRAVERY to deliver the keynote.Using daring initiatives such as Volvo's safety innovation and Nike's Colin Kaepernick ad, he demonstrated how businesses stand out when they exhibit boldness, whether it be strategic, activist, or designers. Real effect frequently comes from simplicity and intent, as demonstrated by Marcel's "Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables," which turned an in-store concept into a movement, and McDonald's simple billboard. Guerassimov came to the conclusion that bravery is an attitude rather than a financial plan. "Being a little uncomfortable" in advertising is frequently a sign that you are headed in the correct direction. He asserted that remorse endures much longer than fear.
It’s a winning habit: Ajay Gupte on Wavemaker’s Abby victory, TV’s resilience, embracing evolution
Adgully had an open discussion with Ajay Gupte, CEO – South Asia at Wavemaker, at the center of Goafest 2024, where celebration, creativity, and innovation come together. Gupte was cheerful and thoughtful after the agency's significant victory at the Media ABBYs. He discussed the changing media landscape, the function of forums like Goafest, and why ChatGPT and other technologies foster creativity rather than stifle it.Gupte was clearly overjoyed when Wavemaker won its second Media ABBY this year. "We can't wait for our second Media ABBY. He said, "I'm really proud of all my Wavemakers who have worked so hard to make this happen. I'm very, very happy for them." This is simply amazing; it's a winning habit, and I'm honored to be a part of it.Gupte highlighted the value of Goafest as a platform for fostering up-and-coming talent and stimulating innovative ideas. "Goafest is all about inspiring creativity, critical thinking, and the will to accomplish excellent work. "This place has a lot of inspiring work that encourages people to start thinking differently and innovating," he said. "Creativity is truly ignited by forums such as this. I'm very happy that this is taking place. Gupte's perspective is surprisingly upbeat given how AI and programs like ChatGPT are becoming essential to discussions in a variety of industries. "To be honest, I don't think ChatGPT is stifling creativity. With each new technical development, our creativity grows. It improves our ability to think," he stated. "Today's youth are aided by technology and tools that enable them to perform even greater tasks. I hope that will be evident the following year.Gupte provided a pragmatic viewpoint on the seeming gap between conventional and non-traditional media. "Neither traditional media nor non-traditional media exist. He clarified, "It's about traditional or non-traditional planners." "Every medium has a function, particularly in a nation like ours. Understanding each medium's strengths and how they complement one another to produce outcomes is key. Although the medium itself is never traditional, its users occasionally are.
Programmatic, intelligent, and real-time: How DOOH is changing the outdoor advertising market in India
Outdoor advertising is moving into the dynamic, lively world of Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH), which is different from static billboards. It's more than just a fancy term; it's revolutionizing the way that marketers interact with us in the real world. Imagine gigantic screens that change their content according to who is looking at them, bus shelters that display real-time news, or billboards that react to the time of day. In the future, outdoor advertising will be as intelligent and engaging as the digital world we carry around in our pockets, which is the alluring promise of DOOH.Adgully explores in this paper why this dynamic movement is changing the game for brands, improving the efficacy of campaigns, and yielding a measurable return on investment (ROI). Additionally, we'll look at the state of DOOH adoption in India right now, pinpoint the major industry participants propelling its expansion, and discuss the fascinating but dynamic development of programmatic DOOH in the Indian market. The versatility and dynamic content possibilities of DOOH are by far its strongest advantages over conventional static OOH. "Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising offers significant advantages over traditional static OOH formats," says Vaishal Dalal, co-founder and director of Excellent Publicity. The versatility of DOOH is among its strongest arguments; advertisers can run many campaigns on a single screen, alter creatives in real-time, and schedule content according to audience demographics or the time of day.Hyper-targeted communications is made possible by this dynamic feature, which raises relevance and engagement. Better measurement and analytics are also made possible by DOOH, which tracks impressions, brand lift, and even offline-to-online transactions utilizing audience insights and smartphone data. Because of improved targeting, lower production costs (no printing or physical installations), and the capacity to adjust campaigns in real time based on performance data, brands end up with a higher return on investment.This real-time benefit is highlighted by Sumit Taneja, Business Head, HyperGlocal (OOH) at Interspace Communications: "In this fast-paced world, DOOH allows for real-time updates and dynamic content along with programmatic capabilities." Additionally, it has a stronger visual impact that complements an electronic advertisement, and audience-based buying increases the campaign's efficacy.
Mohit Joshi, Jaideep Gandhi, and Prasanth Kumar discuss why Goafest 2025 will be a high-ROX event.
The greatest creative festival in South Asia, Goafest 2025, is poised to excite minds with new formats, revitalized energy, and a redesigned experience for the media, marketing, and advertising sectors. The ambitious theme of Goafest 2025, which takes place from May 21 to 23, is "Ignite__," which serves as both a call to action and a creative spark. The event this year is expected to stimulate thought, start discussions, and bring together established professionals and up-and-coming talent. With more than 60 speakers, 20+ seminars, a bigger location, and new IPs, Goafest is still a vibrant platform that captures the spirit of the business.The event is intended to have a high Return on Experience, or ROX. This evolution aims to establish relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape, not only generate hype. Joshi continued, "The idea was to innovate and make it more appealing to the new generation."Each Goafest edition starts with the core question, "What kind of value do I give a delegate who's giving us two and a half days of their time?" according to Jaideep Gandhi, who is speaking about the 18th edition.Gandhi claims that inspiration and motivation are the foundation of that value. "A delegate should return with a sense of inspiration, motivation, and something special. We continue to raise that standard each year," he said.The problem, according to Gandhi, is to consistently provide new experiences, even though the Goa site remains constant. This year, between 60 and 70 percent of the audience will be new, while 40 to 50 percent will be returning. Therefore, we challenge ourselves to bring something fresh even when the location is the same.
In Pedigree's latest commercial, Kriti Sanon raises awareness about wet food.
To promote their Pedigree Gravy line, Pedigree India has unveiled a new ad starring Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon. The collaboration intends to bolster the brand's market dominance and draw attention to the nutritional advantages of wet food for pets. Sanon highlights the trust connected to the Pedigree brand and the emotional connection during feeding time.Bollywood star Kriti Sanon is the face of a new commercial for the pet food company Pedigree in India. This most recent strategic alliance demonstrates the brand's dominance in the pet food market and its strong dedication to educating Indian pet owners about their Pedigree Gravy line. This new ad, with Sanon’s emphasizes the benefits of the wet food category. According to Ayesha Huda, chief marketing officer at Mars Petcare India, "pet parenting in India is changing, and as market leaders we are confident about the readiness of pet parents to dive deeper into their pet's nutritional needs, and our gravy range promises to fulfill that deepening demand."
