MAM
Google gets festive with smarter searches through new AI Mode
MUMBAI: Move over Khans and Kapoors, there’s a new star making its big-screen debut this festive season, and it answers to Hey Google. As India dives head-first into Diwali chaos and cinematic emotions, Google’s AI Mode on Search arrives like a filmy hero with perfect timing armed not with dance moves, but with data.
Picture this: instead of scrolling through a dozen links, you toss Google a question that’s as layered as a family drama and out comes a full-blown, conversational answer that ties it all together. That’s AI Mode for you: your all-knowing, never-judging, eternally patient sidekick who remembers everything you say. Think of it as the Jeeves to your Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham moments.
And because no Indian launch is complete without a dose of filmi flair, Google has rolled out a two-part digital film campaign conceptualised by the clever minds at Bare Bones Collective, the same team behind the viral GenZ Chudail and Gangoogly campaigns. This time, they’ve turned everyday dilemmas into high drama with a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Bollywood tropes we love (and love to laugh at).
The first film, released just as the country entered festive overdrive, follows a young man on a mission to win over his girlfriend’s father, every rom-com’s biggest villain-turned-softie. When his attempts at decorating the house flop harder than a box-office dud, he turns to AI Mode for step-by-step guidance. With its clever prompts, he transforms the chaos into a picture-perfect home, earning both the father’s nod and a new nickname: Festihul Tyohari.
The second film flips the script with a “heroine ki entry” moment worthy of a Karan Johar production. Enter Riya, who lights up a festive party with a dazzling look all curated with help from AI Mode. From outfit inspo to accessory suggestions, Google plays stylist, ensuring her grand entrance is nothing short of a blockbuster reveal.
Then comes the delightful cameo nobody saw coming: Farah Khan. In a hilariously meta moment, the choreographer-filmmaker trades banter with veteran actor Dilipji, only to have AI Mode jump in and “manage” the kitchen chaos better than any sous-chef. If only all family gatherings came with that feature.
Launched right as India plunges into the most chaotic, colourful, and emotionally charged time of year, the campaign cleverly reimagines Google Search as the go-to problem-solver for the season helping users plan smarter, shop faster, decorate better, and celebrate calmer. From “how to impress an angry father” to “best last-minute Diwali gifts,” AI Mode doesn’t just give you answers, it gives you peace of mind (and a cinematic sense of timing).
Bare Bones Collective nails the tone playful, self-aware, and oh-so-desi while giving Search the spotlight it deserves. The films blend humour with heart, showing how technology can keep up with India’s most dramatic, high-stakes, and glitter-coated time of year.
Because when it comes to over-the-top emotions and even more over-the-top solutions, let’s be honest no one does drama quite like us. And this Diwali, Google’s AI Mode is ready for its hero shot.
MAM
India’s experience economy grows as live events market hits Rs 17,000 crore
EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow report finds 78 per cent Indians prefer experiences over products
MUMBAI: India’s live entertainment scene is no longer just about music, comedy or festivals. It is increasingly becoming a powerful stage for brands seeking deeper connections with consumers.
A new report titled Beyond Attention, Into Immersion by EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow suggests that India’s experience economy is entering a strong growth phase, driven by consumers who are choosing memorable moments over material purchases.
According to the study, the country’s live events ecosystem, which includes concerts, comedy tours, festivals and immersive exhibitions, is estimated to reach around Rs 17,000 crore in 2025. The growth reflects a broader cultural shift in how Indians spend their time and money.
The report finds that 78 per cent of Indian consumers now prefer spending on experiences rather than physical products. From attending concerts and festivals to participating in interactive brand installations, audiences are increasingly seeking engagement, community and shareable moments.
This change in consumer behaviour is particularly evident among younger audiences who want to participate rather than simply watch. Instead of passively consuming entertainment, many now look for experiences that allow them to interact, express themselves and connect with like minded communities.
For marketers, this shift has turned experiential marketing into a strategic priority rather than a promotional add on. Brands are moving away from interruption driven advertising and towards immersive formats that allow consumers to discover, test and emotionally connect with products.
The report suggests that experiential marketing now plays a role across the entire consumer journey. It can spark brand discovery, strengthen storytelling, encourage product trials and ultimately influence purchase decisions and loyalty.
The impact is already visible. Post event surveys conducted among 7,450 attendees at major events including Lollapalooza India and concerts by Ed Sheeran and Guns N’ Roses highlight the effectiveness of these experiences.
Around 59 per cent of attendees recalled brands they interacted with during the events, while 55 per cent said those interactions increased their likelihood of purchasing from the brand. A further 63 per cent reported that brand activations actually enhanced their event experience rather than distracting from it. Nearly 29 per cent also said the interaction improved their perception of the brand.
Brands are also changing the way they approach events. Instead of simply putting logos on stages or banners, companies are building experiences into the fabric of the event itself.
Financial services brands, for example, are offering early ticket access, exclusive lounges and curated event experiences for cardholders. Fashion and beauty companies are using festivals to showcase products through pop ups, interactive installations and social media friendly spaces that encourage visitors to share their experiences online.
The scope of experiential marketing now stretches far beyond live entertainment. Retailers are designing experiential stores where customers can explore products in lifelike environments. Entertainment platforms are extending popular intellectual properties into immersive exhibitions and fan events. Technology is also playing a growing role through augmented reality and virtual try on tools that blend digital discovery with physical interaction.
Cultural festivals remain one of the most powerful platforms for such engagement in India. Celebrations such as Navratri and Holi bring together large communities, emotional participation and heightened consumer spending. For brands, these moments offer an opportunity to become part of the celebration rather than simply advertise around it.
Despite the momentum, the report notes that some companies still hesitate to adopt experiential marketing at scale. Budget constraints, limited expertise and uncertainty around measuring return on investment remain common concerns.
However, the growing body of data around consumer engagement and brand impact is gradually addressing these challenges. More marketers are expected to allocate a larger share of their budgets to experiential formats over the coming years.
Taken together, the findings point to a clear trend. As consumers seek meaning, memories and moments worth sharing, live experiences are emerging as one of the most powerful ways for brands to stay relevant in a crowded media landscape.
