A kaleidoscope of patriotism: Unveiling our favourite Independence Day ads of 2023

As the 77th Independence Day of India draws near, we're diving headfirst into a vibrant whirlwind of emotions, pride, and unity. And guess what's adding an extra layer of national pride? The world of advertising. Yep, it's that creative space that manages to capture our collective feelings in the most exciting ways.

Get ready to buckle up for a ride through some of the top Independence Day ads of 2023. We're talking about those ads that make you feel like you're part of something grand, something uniquely Indian. From stories that tug at your heartstrings to visuals that warm your soul, these ads have truly bottled up the essence of patriotism and the whole 'I'm proud to be an Indian' vibe.

So move over, regular ads, because Independence Day ads are here to steal the show. They're like the Bollywood blockbusters of the advertising world – packed with drama, emotion, and a whole lot of patriotism. These ads don't just sell products; they sell goosebumps, a lump in the throat, and that unmistakable feeling of being part of something bigger. Trust us, watching them is like getting a dose of national pride in a mini-movie form. Who needs a multiplex when you've got these ads on your screen?

Join us as we relish these stirring tributes to our nation's progress, diversity, and unwavering spirit. Here are some of our favourite picks from the Independence Day ads of 2023.

Nisha Qureshi, Mumbai

Nation > Brand Promise, Zomato

To mark this Independence Day, popular food delivery app Zomato tweaked its brand promise and showcased it through a captivating short film. The film follows the story of a Zomato delivery partner who seems to have been late to deliver a food order. Despite the constant phone calls from the concerned customer, the partner is seen paying his respect to the national flag being hoisted in the customer’s housing society.

The film then showcases a message from the brand, “There are days we might be a little late, on other days Zomato delivers on time.”

The film encapsulates the essence of reliability and respect, encapsulating the brand's commitment to its customers' expectations while underscoring its recognition of India's Independence Day. This juxtaposition of service promise and national reverence forms a compelling narrative that not only tugs at heartstrings but also resonates with the dual values of efficiency and patriotism.

Ubaid Zargar, Delhi

Find Your India, Axis Bank

Find your India. Axis Bank’s Independence Day celebration stems from the ability of our country to evoke a profound sense of identity for people from all walks of existence. Between finding your adventures, or relishing your tranquillity, this country has its way of instilling a sense of belonging in each and every one of us.

The ad film, in a fairly cinematic mise-en-scene, elegantly presents the journey of an individual in finding their tribe. Accompanied by an apt voiceover, the visuals transcend the ordinary, weaving a tapestry of identities intricately intertwined through the pursuit of their individual versions of India.

This creative amalgamation of cultural elements showcases that the spirit of India is present in every cultural facet one immerses themselves in. It's a portrayal that effectively captures the varied yet unifying essence of the nation, creating a resonating tribute to Independence Day.

Pooja Yadav, Delhi

#RevolutioNaaris, Shaadi.org x Udayan Care

Shaadi.com, along with Udayan Care, has unveiled a campaign titled 'RevolutioNaaris'. This initiative focuses on the challenges that stop women from being financially independent. It also shines a spotlight on the idea of more equality between genders by stressing the need for education and job opportunities.

The film captures an engaging dialogue between a teacher and her teenage students, shedding light on a concerning reality: despite 76 years of independence, 76% of Indian women remain ensnared in a state of "in-dependence". Additionally, the film delves into the influence of traditional societal norms, often causing women to abandon their careers, particularly post-marriage or childbirth. The film aims to inspire young girls and women to influence a social transformation and change these dynamics for the better.

The campaign stands as a poignant testament to the unyielding spirit of Indian women, encouraging them to rise above the limitations imposed by society and script a narrative of empowerment and autonomy. Through this initiative, Shaadi.com and Udayan Care are proactively fostering a dialogue that seeks to dismantle barriers and fuel positive change, fostering a brighter, more equitable future for women across the nation.

Akshit Pushkarna, Delhi

Let Freedom find you, Croma

Croma, a prominent electronics retail company, has recently unveiled an Independence Day campaign featuring a trio of digital film advertisements. Titled 'Let Freedom find you', this campaign presents a fresh perspective on the seamless integration of technology into our everyday lives.

Each concise film, spanning 10 to 15 seconds, provides a distinctive insight into the symbiotic relationship between technology and our lifestyles. The campaign envisages the potential of innovative progress, illustrating how technology can usher in smart homes, healthcare advancements, and other transformative outcomes.

In these videos, Croma introduces a realm where technology expands horizons and augments convenience, adeptly showcasing how gadgets can seamlessly meld into daily routines. One scene depicts a man in corporate attire walking into an office, employing a microwave for a convenient meal.

Another vignette portrays a woman dressed as a homemaker engaging with a football that rolls towards her, playfully joining the game. The third film captures a man returning home to find his children dancing in front of a camera; he joyfully joins the spontaneous performance.

The underlying aim of the campaign is to stimulate discussions about innovation's pivotal role in shaping contemporary life. It underscores technology's capacity to enhance and enrich daily existence while simultaneously acknowledging the importance of fostering meaningful dialogue.

Functioning as a dynamic platform for this discourse, Croma's Independence Day campaign incites contemplation regarding how technology can propel us towards an elevated quality of life. Notably, the company has strategically extended the reach of these digital films by leveraging them for OOHs (Out-Of-Home) advertising near their retail outlets, further amplifying the campaign's impact.

Benita Chacko, Ahmedabad

Taiyaar Hokar Aaiye, Manyawar

As kids, we were immensely excited to celebrate Independence Day. Even if it meant waking up on a holiday to attend the Flag Hoisting ceremony. Strangely, we do not experience the same excitement as adults. And it's simply because kids enjoy festivals and occasions in their true spirit.

The burdens of adulthood have not dulled their innocent joys, and life's monotony has not hit them yet. We can see an event through a whole new perspective when we see it from a child's eye. And that's what Manyavar, the Indian wear brand, has achieved in its Independence Day campaign.

As part of the brand's ongoing 'Taiyaar Hokar Aaiye' campaign, it weaves together the threads of unity, sacrifice, and the spirit of the nation. The video portrays a journey undertaken by a father and his son, playfully navigating a path that pays homage to the pivotal landmarks of India's hard-fought freedom struggle. We may have felt the pain of our freedom fighters' when we first heard about their struggle in history classes. But over the years, the pain has numbed and we have forgotten their sacrifices. This child in the film reminds us of that pain once again.

The film shows the son guiding his father through an intricately designed trail, which unfolds in a playful setup of landmarks of India's freedom movement. The journey through the centuries makes us ponder the freedom struggle that brought our nation into being. It's a gentle nudge from the brand seeking that we honour the nation's history by donning traditional attire as a gesture of respect.

Yash Bhatia, Delhi 

#FreedomFestival, Paytm

Paytm has unveiled an advertisement commemorating the nation's iconic milestones, to mark its 77th Independence day. From the 1983 World Cup victory to the achievements of Chandrayaan, the fintech company is honouring these significant moments. The ad portrays the inception of dreams and highlights how digital payments are streamlining them with a single click.

Additionally, it showcases Paytm's journey since 2015 and how digital payments have facilitated seamless transactions. As part of this, the company organised the Freedom Festival and introduced collectible stamps for users to gather and receive rewards.

Paytm's Independence Day advertisement transcends a mere promotional message. It encapsulates the spirit of innovation and progress, illustrating how digital payment technologies have not only streamlined financial interactions but also symbolise the nation's journey towards embracing modernity and economic advancement.

The incorporation of the "Freedom Festival" adds a layer of engagement, transforming the campaign into a participatory celebration of India's growth and development.

So, dear readers, as the canvas of Independence Day unfurls once more, these ads stand as the brushstrokes of inspiration, the lyrical notes of unity, and the sparks that ignite our fervour.

Let's celebrate not just with tricolour flags and patriotic songs, but with the stories these campaigns tell—the stories of a nation's evolution, resilience, and the unwavering spirit that defines us.