The best Television Commercials of India 2023 - Part 1

Let us examine five television advertisements that made an impact. Even though the action has moved onto Instagram and Facebook reels, video/TV commercials still carry an irresistible charm. They tell a one-minute story.

1) Megh Santoor, Wah Taj: Touted as the world's largest interactive billboard, Taj Mahal Tea pulled off an unbelievable stunt. They created a billboard at a bus stand in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, that caught the world’s attention. The billboard played the Raag Malhar whenever rain hit it. Such a beautiful concept. The billboard got a Guinness world record mention and drove the message in strongly. When it rains, it is time for a soothing, strong tea. Wah Taj!

2) India’s favourite social media network - Brooke Bond red label tea: at a time when ties between people are breaking down and towers of babel are being created where everyone talks but no one listens, this advertisement came across as a breath of fresh air. Brooke Bond cleverly talks about its tea being the social media network of the country. It innovatively uses the languages of Gen Z. 

It creatively demonstrates how through Brooke Bond tea friendship requests can be sent, received, and accepted, discusses how the tea vendor is receiving 1000 to 2000 likes, highlights the trending and sharing of tea, and emphasizes how tea can generate stories in real world. Tea is the ultimate socializer, and this message comes across to all age groups, including Gen Z.  Bond over Brooke Bond tea.

3) Reliance Digital Technology Se Rishta Joda: The three-minute ad plays out like a movie. It shows a senior citizen not being able to fit into and enjoy her golden years due to the incompatibility she feels towards modern technology, especially the smartphone.

Everyone looks down upon her, including her own family. She goes to a Reliance digital showroom and learns the nuances of digital technology. In the end, she dramatically tells her own son to learn new technologies! Way to go, Reliance - the best way to connect to the crores of Indians who still use a feature phone. Get them on the digital bandwagon.

4) Toothless Granny Ad: Colgate Strong Teeth: Colgate went ahead and did the unthinkable. Its ad featured a person who won’t or can’t use its product—a toothless granny. But the ad makes a great point. The granny is assisted by helpers who have extremely strong teeth. It is not news when a dog bites a man; it is news when a man bites a dog.

5) Chaos in the Museum - Dinesh Karthik ad for Rupay Credit Cards: 2023 was the year of the World Cup, and India was buzzing with excitement. Rupay cashed in with its innovative campaign. The ad shows a curious visitor who sets off a domino effect. Things are about to break, and he needs an extra pair of hands or wants a good catcher.

The best choice is none other than star cricketer Dinesh Karthik. The problem is that he charges for the catch and accepts only UPI payments. The watchers realise the power of Rupay for UPI payments. Rupay has thrown down the gauntlet to VISA and Master card, and the ploy seems to be working. When you need a fast payment, bank on a Rupay credit or debit card.