Turning back to a few bookmarked pages of 2016

The year 2016 has been a roller coaster for most of us. From witnessing some of the best movies, including ‘La La Land’ and ‘Dangal’, to unbelievable political events (Donald Trump being the President elect of America), to losing some of the best artistes like George Micheal, the year was surprisingly unusual.

Likewise, even the advertising industry churned out some of the best masterpieces and witnessed controversies. Let us take you on a journey to some of these advertisements.

Keeper of the Gates of Heaven
Strengthening Paper Boat’s brand proposition of drinks and memories, the short film titled ‘Paper Boat Presents Rizwan’ is our favourite from the year 2016. Though the film did not gain much traction, with just a couple hundred likes and over 22 lakh views on YouTube, it is one of the best branded content of 2016.

The film chronicles the heartwarming story of Rizwan, as he sits with dog and recollects his innocent childhood, relives his relationship with mom.The traditional beverages brand by Hector Beverages teleports all adults to their childhood.

Throughout the three-and-a-half minute film, the brand is seen celebrating the fragrant journey of innocence. A mix of animation and real-life shots, the film shows how Rizwan remembers the little home he used to live in with his mother, and of course the stormy nights with heavy rains that felt like lions howling.

Rizwan remembers the story his mother used to narrate to him, where she asked him to rescue the queen from jungle. And even today, Rizwan recollects the rescue story with the same innocence. The narration in Hindi made every moment of the ad worthwhile. We strongly feel that the brand’s decision to have a Hindi voiceover was the best bid in the film. If you have not heard and watched the nostalgic story of Rizwan yet, go and do it now.

The Confused Bond
Pierce Brosnan-starrer Pan Bahar’s advertisement did not only make it to the cover page advertisements of leading Indian dailies, but also made news. Former James Bond accused the brand Pan Bahar for manipulating the contract and wrongly portraying him in its product advertisements.

However, amusing it was of Pierce Brosnan to have endorsed a product line such as Pan Bahar, it is even peculiar that Pierce Brosnan denies to knowing the nature of the product. The ad was hilariously trolled on social media; so much so that we believe that it was probably the most trolled Indian ad of 2016.

#RealHeroes
India’s surgical strike on Pak was one of the biggest events of 2016, with much energy. And while many brands churned out ultra-patriotic ads, boasting country’s bold decision and the successful completion of the operation by the India Army, Indian two-wheeler brand Hero Motocorp took to Twitter and soon beamed the ad on television sets, waking up every Indian to a proud morning, saluting the real heroes.

#HeroSalutes stood out among other ads not only because of its unique and non-exploitive nature, but also because of its timing. The splendid ad was churned out overnight by L&K Saatchi & Saatchi. The agency and brand deserves a special mention for producing such a powerful advert in just 24 hours.