iWorld
Pika-boom! Pokémon powers up Realme Hip Hop India Season 2
MUMBAI: What happens when street dance meets supercharged nostalgia? A thunderclap of a collab. Amazon MX Player’s Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 just got an electrifying upgrade thanks to a first-of-its-kind collaboration with none other than Pokémon. In a move that’s equal parts nostalgia, pop culture, and pure entertainment, the show brought Pikachu straight to the dance floor, and audiences can’t get enough.
Already clocking over 20.1 million viewers in just five weeks, the show’s fusion with the Pokémon universe marks a fresh cultural crossover where hip-hop meets pocket monsters. The collab kicked off with a high-voltage dance routine featuring a guest appearance by the iconic Pikachu, whose “moves” lit up the stage (and hearts) in true thunderbolt fashion.
But that’s not all. The fun went digital too, with a wildly imaginative video blending Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket with hip-hop choreography starring none other than judge Malaika Arora. The film cleverly reimagines unboxing Pokémon card packs as dance-offs, where every move channels a Pokémon’s unique power, making it a visual and metaphorical dance of discovery.
“Our collaboration with Pokémon perfectly reflects Amazon MX Player’s commitment to delivering bold, innovative experiences to our audience,” said Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani. “By bringing together the iconic charm of Pokémon with the raw energy of Realme Hip Hop India Season 2, we’re offering viewers a one-of-a-kind cultural mash-up that is unique and memorable. At Amazon MX Player, we constantly strive to break new ground—crafting immersive entertainment and forging meaningful brand partnerships that truly connect with fans and advertisers alike.”
Sharing her thoughts on being a part of the campaign, Judge Malaika Arora expressed, “There’s something truly magical about the world of Pokémon – the adventure, the action, the joy of discovery. Pair that with the energy of hip hop, and it just clicks. This was such a fun and imaginative concept to shoot, and it really captures how two different worlds can come together to create something unforgettable. I’ve always believed that dance is a powerful form of storytelling, and this one’s for every kid who loves the world of Pokémon and every dancer chasing that stage.”
“Our goal with this collaboration was to spark imagination and joy, just as Pokémon has done for fans around the world for decades. Partnering with Amazon MX Player on an impactful show like Realme Hip Hop India S2 gave us the perfect canvas to showcase Pokémon’s playful spirit in a new, movement-driven way. The energy, creativity, and passion seen in this campaign aligns perfectly with what our brand stands for. We are excited to take Pokémon as well as Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket to dance lovers and their loved ones,” shared The Pokémon Company corporate officer Susumu Fukunaga.
With judge Remo D’Souza also in the hot seat, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to be a battleground for India’s fiercest dancers, blending underground energy with mainstream swagger. And with brand integrations like Pokémon entering the arena, the show is levelling up in every possible way.
New episodes drop every Thursday on Amazon MX Player available via the app, Amazon shopping app, Fire TV, and Prime Video. Because when Pikachu meets popping and locking, you don’t want to blink.
iWorld
Crocs India ropes in Rakesh Bedi for quirky new digital campaign
Veteran actor brings humour and nostalgia to brand’s latest ‘Crocshake’ film.
MUMBAI: Crocs has decided to shake things up quite literally by teaming up with veteran actor Rakesh Bedi for its latest digital campaign. The campaign, conceptualised by One Hand Clap, cleverly taps into the current wave of nostalgia and character-led content. It features Rakesh Bedi, who is currently enjoying renewed popularity after Dhurandhar, in a series of increasingly chaotic yet humorous everyday situations.
At the centre of the film is a simple handshake that spirals into a chain of unexpected twists, culminating in the fun “Crocshake.” The light-hearted narrative highlights how ordinary social moments can turn into memorable ones, perfectly aligning with Crocs’ brand ethos of individuality, comfort, and self-expression.
Crocs India country manager Manoj Juneja said the campaign reflects the brand’s desire to stay culturally relevant. “This collaboration with Rakesh Bedi blends humour, nostalgia, and contemporary trends to create content that entertains and sparks conversations,” he noted.
Rakesh Bedi added, “What I loved about this campaign was how naturally the humour came through. It takes a simple, everyday situation and turns it into something completely unexpected. It’s always exciting to be part of something audiences can instantly connect with.”
The campaign builds on Crocs India’s ongoing strategy of creating relatable, digital-first storytelling that resonates with a wide audience while staying true to the brand’s playful personality.
In a crowded footwear market, Crocs continues to stand out by keeping things fun, comfortable, and conversation-worthy proving once again that sometimes all you need is a good shake (or Crocshake) to make your mark.
