MAM
Richard Gere to star in Visa’s commercial filmed in India
MUMBAI: Visa International has roped in Richard Gere to star in its new commercial that have been shot in Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The commercial will be aired across Asia Pacific and appropriately, India will be the first market that the ads will be aired in starting 9 June.
The commercial reflects the beauty, scenery and the imagery of India and brings together a cast and crew that is a blend of the best of East and West. The central theme of ‘Birds’ is based on the spirit of generosity and the giving spirit demonstrated through the ritual of letting birds go free to bring good luck to a relative or friend embarking on a journey, a ritual that runs across several different cultures in the Asia Pacific region including India.
Speaking at the launch of the commercial, Visa International country manager – South Asia Santanu Mukherjee said, “We are extremely excited that India was chosen as the setting of this commercial, starring one of the most well-known Hollywood actors and an admirer of India. ‘Birds’ will act as a platform to present the tradition, colours and imagery of India to the rest of the world.”
“India is one of the top performing and fastest growing countries for Visa in the Asia Pacific region. The launch of this commercial further reinforces the increasing importance of India in Visa’s brand and marketing strategy, as for the first time a distinctly local Indian flavour has been used for one of our regional Asia Pacific commercials. We believe that ‘Birds’ is a true testimony and symbol of incredible India,” he added.
Commenting on his experiences during the making of the commercial, Gere said, “India is like a second home to me. The warmth and friendliness of its people has always been a great attraction that brings me here over and over again. It was great fun to be working on Visa’s commercial in the beautiful city of Jodhpur. Jodhpur, reflects the vibrancy, colour, beauty and history of India. Hopefully, it’s an interesting fusion of east and west and of the ancient and modern. It brings together the beauty, simplicity and thoughtfulness of India filmed against the vibrant and warm backdrop of the markets of Jodhpur. It was wonderful working with the cast and crew who themselves are a blend of east and west – with the creative team from Australia, the production team from India and my Indian counterparts in the cast.”
Mukherjee added, “When we began working on our new Asia Pacific commercial – as part of the ‘All it Takes’ brand campaign – we sought out the ‘perfect celebrity’ and theme that would reflect our brand promise and commitment of empowerment. Based on our consumer research conducted across the region, Richard Gere emerged as one of the most highly rated screen personalities. He is perceived as sophisticated, gentlemanly, charming and universally respected – qualities that we want the Visa brand to reflect. The commercial depicts a true blend of Hollywood and Bollywood – featuring India’s film production and expertise, as well as local talents among the cast and crew.”
Mumbai-based Ranjit Barot composed the earthy and rhythmic music for the commercial, which was produced and developed by Visa’s advertising agency BBDO Clemenger, Australia with support and collaboration from Stratum Films of Mumbai.
The commercial was filmed at the Meherengarh Fort in Jodhpur, where the production team recreated Jodhpur’s famous bustling market streets highlighting its rustic and vibrant nature.
Brands
Funskool enters vehicle toy segment with Blazetrix range
Three construction themed toys priced at Rs 549 mark Made in India push.
MUMBAI: Playtime is shifting gears and it’s revving up with a distinctly desi engine. Funskool India Ltd. has rolled into the vehicle toy segment with Blazetrix, a new Made-in-India range aimed at turning passive play into hands-on action. The debut line-up under Blazetrix leans into a construction theme, introducing three models Buzz Claw, Core Crush and Iron Hook. Built around movement and interaction, the toys are designed to encourage children to build, race and experiment, blending play with motor skill development and social engagement.
But this isn’t just about toy cars with a twist. The range comes wrapped in a narrative layer, complete with storylines and visually engaging packaging, pushing the experience beyond the toy itself into a more immersive play ecosystem.
Manufactured locally, the collection reflects Funskool’s ongoing push towards domestic production while maintaining global benchmarks in safety, durability and quality. The move also aligns with a broader shift in consumer demand, where parents are increasingly looking for toys that combine entertainment with developmental value.
At a price point of Rs 549, the range is positioned as an accessible entry into a category typically dominated by international brands. The affordability, coupled with its interactive features, signals a strategy aimed at scaling quickly across urban households.
With Blazetrix, Funskool isn’t just adding a new product line, it’s stepping into a high-engagement category with a clear pitch: less screen time, more hands-on play. And if the bet pays off, the brand could well find itself driving a new lane in India’s evolving toy market.
