Product Placements in Bollywood

James Bond made the Omega a watch to covet. Tom Cruise in Top Gun put Ray Ban’s aviators on the map. And let’s be honest, even the macho-est of men wanted a Mini Cooper after watching The Italian Job.

Hollywood has a long history of both tasteful and ludicrous product placements! And if Hollywood is doing it, then it must be cool.Queue the good, the bad and the ugly side of product placements in Hindi films!

Bodyguard went in full Hollywood mode. It featured Sony’s Vaio notebooks, Blackberry smart phones, Tupperware (yes, Tupperware), the Audi Q7 and Salman’s own bodyguard, Shera’s security company name tag!

Source: brandchannel.com

Yuvvraaj not-so-subtly slipped on some Nike socks on Anil Kapoor’s feet!

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Mere Dad Ki Maruti was a fresh and hilarious comedy film but more than that, it was an ingenious 2 hour advertisement for Maruti’s Ertiga. Tell you what, we’re eagerly looking forward to the Maruti car that will be highlighted in the sequel!

Before that, Break Ke Baad heavily campaigned for Volkswagen’s Beetle. Wouldn't you want to drive the same car as Deepika?

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Bollywood is obsessed with bikes.

Bobby may have just kick-started this whole trend by featuring the Rajdoot GTS 175. Rajdoot even went on to name that model the Bobby Rajdoot!

Followed by the trendiest desi motorbike of them all – the Royal Enfield! Farhan Akhtar and Katrina Kaif just elevated its coolness in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara!

Source: media2.intoday.in

When we say bike, Bollywood says Dhoom.

From the comparatively modest nitrous oxide powered Suzuki, Dhoom went onto give its villains a touch of luxury by introduction the BMW! Whattey leap!

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Ranbir seems to be fond of his two wheelers – the TVS scooty and classic Avon cycle!

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Speaking of Avon cycles, Hrithik Roshan and Daddy Roshan changed the game when Koi Mil Gaya hit theatres. From Avon cycles to the liberal branding of Bournvita, Roshans became the baap of product placements.

Source: fridaybrands.com

And Krrish 3 was the jewel in their crown. They built an entire city for this very purpose! See it for yourself!Hoardings hoardings everywhere!

How can the advertising ki pyaasi soft drink industry not make good use of this!

Here’s Coke! Remember Aishwarya’s sneaking a bottle of cola in Taal? Well Coke has changed its game and become more subtle. You barely noticed Vaani Kapoor with it in Shuddh Desi Romance!

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.comindicine.com

Kareen Kapoor on her part loves to endorse ghareloo products like ACC cement (Gori Tere Pyaar Mein) and Tupperware (We Are Family)!

Source:thinkrasta.comindianexpress.com

Never underestimate the power of a Bollywood film! It can single handedly improve the tourism of cities and countries alike! Switzerland still thanks DDLJ for the hoard of Indians who are crazy about Raj and Simran! Similarly, 3 Idiots did wonders of Leh-Ladhak and YJHD for Manali!

You’d have to be blind to not notice the placement of Volvo’s new SUV and Mahindra’s new scooter in 3 Idiots. But we think they kept it classy. Because Raju Hirani can do no wrong.

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In Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Anushka Sharma carried Discovery Channel and Canon cameras ki izzat on her shoulders! Akira, you did good!

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If Baghban made you cry because of its shoddy showcase of product like ICICI, TATA Tea and Archies instead of the Amitabh-Hema tragic drama, then join the club!

Source:thehindubusinessline.in

A modern day main character in a film has to work somewhere, right? Bring in Yes Bank, Sunsilk and Verve magazine (Bewakoofian, 2 States and Dostana, respectively) problem solved!

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.comverveonline.com

King Khan is one person who can get away with anything. He literally incorporated a mini advertisement on Nokia Lumia in Chennai Express and we didn’t bat an eyelash. He coolly held a packet of Lay’s magic masala in Main Hoon Na and all we said was “No One Can Eat Just One”. And well, he pulled off that Tag Heuer watch on Don 2’s poster!

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Let’s climb onto the cosmetic bandwagon. Om Shanti Om’s Deepika swore by Maybelline beauty products just like Aisha’s Sonam couldn’t get enough of L’Oreal! Maybe this is how their rivalry started!

Blatantly displaying the name your company/product in films is one thing. But, if you want the country to sing praises of your brand, Munni Badnaam ka Zandu balm and Fevicol Se is the way to go!

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