MAM
Indian ads that can do it at Cannes 2005
MUMBAI: While none of the Indian ads made it to the Top 50 Leo Burnett Cannes Predictions 2005, the agency, however, did take opinions from all Indian creative heads to list their best ads that stand a chance of winning the coveted Lion at the Cannes ad festival.
The 52nd International Advertising Festival is scheduled to take place in Cannes, France from 19 – 25 June.
Some of the ads that the creative honchos felt would make it to Cannes were showcased at the Leo Burnett Cannes Predictions 2005 that was held in Mumbai on 10 June.
In the Print category, Ambience Publicis ads for Hit, Playwin, The Economic Times’ supplement Brand Equity, Sanctuary magazine, Vicks Inhaler and Kama Sutra condoms were the ones that ranked high to win at Cannes this year.
On the other hand, Enterprise Nexus’ print ad for Parle G and an ad for Reusing Paper figured as top contenders.
Leo Burnett’s print ads for Atlas, McDonalds, Tide, Prerana and Sanctuary Asia stood tall to win a Cannes this year. Lowe’s public service ad titled ‘Death of emotions’ and Friends of the Tree ad titled ‘Save Trees, Trees Save’ were among the shortlisted.
McCann Erickson’s print ads for Band-Aid washproof, Big Babol and Hanes and Mudra’s public service ads for Cehat, Sanctuary Asia and Reliance water pipes were the ones that the creative heads felt were good enough to win at Cannes.
On the other hand, O&M’s ads for Pidilite Industries’ Fevicol, Hot Wheels and Hutch were the chosen ones. Redifussion’s print ads for Anacin, Colgate Navigator Plus toothbrush, Indian Oil’s public service ads warning people not to drink and drive, Eveready batteries, BMC’s public service ads to Save Trees titled – No Trees, No Water. No Water, No Trees, Nycil, Taj Garden Retreat and Indian Oil XtraMile; RMG David’s print ads for Stronglas and Uniquely Singapore and Saatchi & Saatchi’s ads for IV9 wine were the other coveted ones.
In the outdoor category, Ambience Publicis ads for Hit, Vicks Inhaler and Kama Sutra condoms; Enterprise Nexus’ ads for Killer Jeans and Aim; Leo Burnett’s ads for Atlas, Complan, McDonalds, Tide, Prerana, Bajaj Fans, Sanctuary Asia; Lowe’s ad for Adopt a rare bird, Friends of the Tree; McCann Erickson’s ads for Big Babol, Diet Coke; O&M’s ads for HLL’s Whiteness Soap, Fevicol; Saatchi & Saatchi’s Chantilli, Head & Shoulders Menthol and Pampers.com were the ones that ranked high to win at Cannes this year in the outdoor category.
In the Radio category, Leo Burnett’s spots for Koshish and McCann’s spots for Tata Indicom and Hanes were the ones which were shortlisted by the creative heads.
In the television commercial (TVC) category, Contract Advertising has the following two commercials which are contenders: Listerine (park bench) and Mid Day (train).
On the other hand, Everest Brand Solutions’ three ads for Tortoise (Ear, Knitting, Phone) were the ones that the agency felt stood a chance of winning a Lion this year. Earlier this year, Everest Brand Solutions won a Silver in the TVC category and a Gold in the campaign category for Tortoise at the Abby Awards.
McCann Erickson’s ads for Hanes undergarments, which again were a hit at the Abby Awards this year, were among the strong ones from McCann that could win. Apart from this, ads for Chlormint Happydent and Prayas by McCann also figured.
Leo Burnett’s public service ad for Autocar magazine; Lowe’s ad for Basmati Rice, Greenply, Saint Gobain Mirrors and Samarat Tractors; O&M ads for Chocotella, Tata Safari, Star Care Heros Project and VIP Frenchie X were the ones that will be taken to Cannes.
MAM
McDonald’s India NE names Sara Arjun brand ambassador
Actor returns for nostalgic Buddy Meal campaign at Rs 119 for two.
MUMBAI: Sara Arjun just came home to McDonald’s because some love stories start with a childhood ad and end with sharing fries as grown-ups. McDonald’s India – North and East has appointed actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, bringing her back to the brand that first captured her on screen as a child. The collaboration launches with a playful TVC introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering priced at Rs 119 for two burgers (McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise), two Cokes and one medium fries.
The film recreates the classic “girlfriend-boyfriend” banter from her original McDonald’s ad, with Sara joking about today’s “demanding” relationships before her buddy admits he just wants a simple McAloo Tikki. The voiceover lands the punch: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just Rs 119,” closing on the tagline “Khao Meal, Baat Karo”, a celebration of uncomplicated joy and shared moments.
MMG Group and CPRL vice chairman Anant Agarwal said, “Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”
Sara Arjun added, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends.”
Available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading delivery platforms, the Buddy Meal taps into the brand’s legacy of creating relatable, feel-good moments.
In a fast-food world chasing trends, McDonald’s brings back a familiar face and a simple truth: sometimes the best dates don’t need grand gestures just good burgers, cold drinks and great company at a price that leaves everyone smiling.
