Ad World Review: Star Power Dominates This Week's Campaigns – But Did It Work?

This Week in Ads: Big Stars, Bigger Expectations

In the fast-moving world of advertising, nothing grabs attention like a familiar face. This past week saw a surge in celebrity-led campaigns—from skincare and fashion to finance and tech. Brands put their marketing weight behind actors, athletes, and influencers, hoping to convert star appeal into consumer engagement.

But not all campaigns hit the mark. Some stood out for creativity and emotional resonance, while others relied too heavily on celebrity presence with little substance. Below, we break down the most talked-about ads, evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and explore how brands can make better use of their celebrity investments.

The Hits: When Star Power Meets Smart Storytelling

1. Kriti Sanon for a Homegrown Fashion Brand

Bollywood actress and National Award winner Kriti Sanon fronted a sleek campaign for an Indian fashion label promoting effortless festive wear. What worked? The visuals were minimal, the music classy, and Kriti’s styling aligned perfectly with the brand’s aesthetic. The message focused on confidence and comfort, rather than pushing products directly.

Verdict: Hit
The campaign struck a great balance between brand personality and celebrity presence, making it feel authentic and aspirational.

2. MS Dhoni for Fintech Startup

MS Dhoni brought his signature calm and credibility to a fintech startup ad promoting digital gold savings. Instead of loud gimmicks, the ad leaned into storytelling—featuring Dhoni as a reliable mentor guiding a younger customer toward smarter money habits.

Verdict: Hit
By keeping the tone informative and personal, the ad built trust and relatability, something that fits perfectly with Dhoni’s public image.

3. Rashmika Mandanna for Beauty & Wellness Brand

Rashmika starred in a vibrant campaign targeting young urban women for a wellness product. The visuals popped, the script was witty, and the overall vibe was cheerful and modern. What made this ad effective was how well it understood its core audience—young, energetic, socially active women.

Verdict: Hit
The alignment between product values and Rashmika’s personality made this a clear winner.

The Misses: When Star Power Isn’t Enough

1. Big-Budget Tech Ad with Multiple Celebrities

A large electronics brand launched a splashy campaign with four top celebrities from different fields—a cricketer, a singer, a movie star, and a chef—all in one 60-second ad. While the visuals were polished and the music catchy, the message felt cluttered and the product got lost in the chaos.

Verdict: Miss
Too many faces, not enough focus. Viewers remembered the celebrities, not the brand.

2. Bollywood Superstar in a Perfume Commercial

A leading male actor endorsed a new line of luxury perfumes in an ad that was high on drama but low on storytelling. While the visuals were sensual and expensive-looking, there was no real narrative or emotional hook.

Verdict: Miss
The campaign relied solely on the actor’s face value, offering no meaningful reason to care about the product.

3. Athlete-Endorsed Energy Drink Campaign

An Indian athlete, fresh off a tournament win, starred in a high-octane energy drink campaign. The visuals were fast, flashy, and full of action—but felt generic and disconnected from the athlete’s real journey or personality.

Verdict: Miss
Lacked authenticity and originality. The ad failed to connect the star’s story with the brand’s promise.

What This Week Taught Us About Celebrity Advertising

1. Match Personality with Product

The most effective celebrity endorsements are those where the celebrity genuinely embodies the product's values. A wellness brand with a fitness-conscious star works better than simply choosing a big name for recognition alone.

2. Let Storytelling Lead

Audiences remember stories, not just faces. The best campaigns use the celebrity to tell a compelling story that reflects the brand’s identity, mission, or impact.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Frame

More celebrities don’t always mean more engagement. In fact, overcrowding an ad with famous faces can dilute the brand message. Focus on clear, focused storytelling with one or two well-chosen endorsers.

4. Authenticity Wins

Modern consumers are sharp—they can tell when an endorsement is genuine versus paid. Campaigns that reflect a celebrity’s real interests or lifestyle tend to perform better in terms of credibility and consumer trust.

Conclusion: Star Power is Just the Beginning

This week’s roundup of ad campaigns shows that while celebrity endorsements continue to dominate Indian advertising, not all of them land successfully. Star power is a valuable tool, but only when paired with strong storytelling, brand alignment, and emotional connection.