MAM
Sprite unveils ‘Thand Rakh’ brand films during ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup
Mumbai: Sprite, the lemon and lime-flavored beverage from the Coca-Cola Company encourages cricket fans to keep their cool during intense moments of matches through a series of brand films on ‘Thand Rakh.’ With the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the natural impulse to become caught up in the intensity of the game’s heated moments is inevitable. However, Sprite comes to the rescue as the ultimate refreshment to help fans stay cool and composed when the pressure is high.
In a series of captivating TV commercials, a group of friends are shown engrossed in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. While one of them is fixing the house premises, others are glued to the TV without wanting to miss a single ball. As the match’s intensity rises, chaos ensues in the household at the same time. It’s during this pivotal moment that one of them extends an offer of Sprite to the group.
In another exciting and forward-thinking move, Sprite is embracing innovation and encouraging ‘Thand Rakh’ by launching the shoppable Out-Of-Home (OOH) advertising campaign during the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match on 14 October. As the game’s intensity surges, a rise in temperature is seen on the digital billboard representing Ahmedabad city and Narendra Modi Stadium. The temperature on OOH will change on a real-time basis the excitement levels of the match. In this unique and first-of-its-kind innovation, the intensity of excitement within the stadium is directly tied to the decibel levels, leading to the dynamic adjustment of the temperature displayed on the board.
Coca-Cola India senior category director Sparkling Flavors (India and Southwest Asia) Tish Condeno expressed her enthusiasm for the campaign, senior category director Sparkling Flavors (India and Southwest Asia) Tish Condeno, saying, “The new ‘Thand Rakh’ campaign revolves around embracing the unforgettable intensity that defines sports. Sprite, truly takes ownership of these heated moments, offering a refreshing solution during ICC Men’s Cricket World cup. We are thrilled to provide a cool respite for those impulsive, high-pressure moments that define the essence of the tournament.”
Ogilvy India CCO Sukesh Nayak said, “Sprite is established itself as the go-to brand when life throws situations at you that end up causing heat. The cricket world cup is one such situation. The campaign shows cricket through the lens of life in an interesting way that ends in a comedy of errors. It’s quick, snackable content that drives home the point of when heat strikes, Sprite comes to the rescue.”
Ogilvy India (North) CCO Ritu Sharda said, “The cricket World Cup is the biggest clash of the best teams from around the world. Obviously there will be intense moments and things will heat up. The films show how heated moments from a match get transferred to real life. We took words from the world of cricket and gave it a spin with real life situations where the meaning of the word is completely different. Resulting in heat. Making it the perfect ground for Sprite to come in as the official cooler of heat and to tell people to enjoy the world cup in full, minus the heat.”
The TVCs will go live during matches on Hotstar and Star Sports.
Link to the TVCs:
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
