Digital
Behind the scenes: Crafting memorable characters in ad films for maximum impact
Mumbai: “Welcome to Apple, welcome to Apple. Hi, I’m Tim.” — If these words don’t ring a bell, you’re probably living under a rock.
Apple’s incredibly self-aware campaign featuring the aptly cast Octavia Spencer and Tim Cook, made everyone sit up and take note (and how!). It served as a wake-up call (a gentle nudge, perhaps?) even for the tech giants themselves.
The ad wasn’t without its detractors (though I stand firmly on the other side of the fence). But what truly shines is the ingenious use of Mother Nature as a character delivering a stern message, proving that even the pioneers of technology can’t escape her watchful eye.
The art of captivating in 30 seconds
The advertising world thrives on crafting powerful visual narratives that reel audiences in within a limited timeframe – think 30-40 seconds, tops. Every beat counts. From catchy slogans to imaginative scripts, from celebrity endorsements to impactful social statements, the ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impression.
One well-worn advertising tactic is the “Fluent Device”. This strategy involves creating mascots with an overwhelmingly positive or humorous vibe that become synonymous with the brand. Think Ronald McDonald, the iconic clown mascot of McDonald’s, or the Pillsbury Doughboy and Energizer Bunny. These instantly recognisable mascots can become a brand’s cornerstone, especially in a crowded marketplace vying for consumer attention and loyalty.
Another popular trope is the star-studded commercial. In India, for example, celebrity endorsements have proven incredibly successful. However, character development can be a significant hurdle. Only a rare few brand-celebrity-agency collaborations truly succeed in hammering home a message by portraying a well-known face in an unexpected light. Often, they opt for a full-on glam approach, hoping to grab viewers’ attention. And hey, it works in India!
The power of emotion and originality
Adorable children and pets are another favorite advertising trope, perfect for conveying heartwarming messages. When executed thoughtfully, it’s a recipe for success. Some of the most iconic ads fall into this category, featuring endearing characters and storylines that instantly captivate audiences.
A personal favourite is Hutchison’s “boy and the dog” ad, masterfully crafted by Ogilvy. This ad doesn’t miss a beat, delivering a near-perfect message with an unforgettable tagline: “Wherever you go, our network follows.” You might forget the brand, but not the tagline. It was 10/10. Period.
The art of the “alternative message”
Now on to my favourite advertising category: the “alternative message”. This is a notoriously challenging approach but immensely satisfying when executed right. Imagine taking a brand’s core message and weaving a narrative that initially seems to sidestep it entirely. Viewers are left puzzled, wondering where the ad is headed. Here’s the magic: the storyline builds such a unique premise that it reels viewers in with the question, “What’s next?” The climax explodes with a connection so unexpected (oftentimes bizarre) that it leaves audiences in awe, amusement, and surprise all at once.
The sheer oddity of the connection fuels the audience desire to see the ad again, simply for another 30-second rollercoaster ride. This is why we call it “alternative messaging.” Think of the Happydent “Sparkling Smile Palace” ad – a triumph of exceptional craftsmanship and originality. The iconic Fevicol ads tread a similar path, both prime examples of what we can call delightful hyperbole, captivating narratives, and a true creator’s delight.
The winning formula
Beyond all the technical jargons, there’s a crucial element to crafting a knockout campaign: a brand willing to embrace creative freedom and a team of visionary mavericks ready to push the boundaries of storytelling. By wielding impactful creative tropes, punctuated by captivating narratives and well-developed characters, the brand-agency alliance can forge messages that resonate with audiences for generations to come. And if all else fails, well, there’s always the CEO option – just ask Tim!
The article has been authored by WeInvert founder & CEO Anjan Purandare.
Digital
Adani Enterprises plans $100 billion AI data centre push by 2035
Renewable-powered facilities plus $150 billion ripple effect to build $250 billion ecosystem.
MUMBAI: Adani Enterprises is plugging straight into the AI power grid and it’s bringing enough juice to light up a continent. On Tuesday, the ports-to-power conglomerate announced a staggering $100 billion investment to build renewable-energy-backed, AI-ready data centres across India by 2035, aiming to catapult the country from the sidelines into a serious contender in the global AI arena.
The plan doesn’t stop at bricks and servers. Adani estimates the move will spark an additional $150 billion in related industries, think server manufacturing, sovereign cloud platforms and more creating a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem over the next decade. Shares of Adani Enterprises (ADEL.NS) responded with enthusiasm, closing 2.7 per cent higher and topping the Nifty 50 gainers list.
Adani Enterprises chairman Gautam Adani captured the ambition in a post on X, “For decades, we imported technology. Now we are building the backbone. India will not follow the AI century. India will shape it.”
The strategy hinges on a tightly integrated model: renewable power generation, grid resilience and massive computing capacity. Adani will scale its existing 2 GW data centre footprint to 5 GW, targeting what it calls the world’s largest integrated platform (timeline not specified). Alongside, $55 billion goes into expanding renewables, including one of the planet’s biggest battery energy storage systems.
The company already has skin in the game, a partnership with Google, which committed $15 billion over five years for AI data centres, its largest-ever India investment. Adani also plans to deepen ties with Walmart-backed Flipkart for a second AI facility and is in talks with other major players for large-scale campuses nationwide.
India’s sudden AI infrastructure gold rush isn’t happening in isolation. Global giants Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft are pouring money in, while home-grown heavyweights Reliance and TCS race to grab their slice. Data centres, the report notes, offer India its clearest shot at relevance in a chip-making world it has largely missed.
In a landscape where AI is the new electricity, Adani’s mega-bet is less about keeping the lights on and more about powering tomorrow’s digital empire, one renewable watt at a time. Whether the grid (and the stock market) can handle the load remains the real test.
