
Lucasfilm and Disney have begun the countdown to the 50th anniversary of the Star Wars franchise, with celebrations planned throughout 2027. The milestone year will feature a range of licensed merchandise, collaborations with global brands, immersive fan experiences, theatrical releases, and new streaming content.
As part of the anniversary preparations, Hasbro opened preorders on November 13 for a new collection of Star Wars merchandise inspired by the original 1977 film. The range spans its Black Series, Vintage Collection, and Retro Collection product lines. Consumers can place orders through Hasbro's official website and select retail partners.
The LEGO Group is also preparing a special collection to mark 30 years of its association with the Star Wars franchise. The company has unveiled seven new sets featuring artwork, spacecraft, character helmets, and display models based on key moments from the film series. The collection will include minifigures drawing inspiration from Ralph McQuarrie's original concept artwork, along with redesigned collectible poster tiles. The products will be available from January 1, 2027, through LEGO's website and stores worldwide.
Fashion, footwear and confectionery brands are also joining the anniversary celebrations. Adidas plans to introduce character-inspired streetwear and footwear collections that draw on the visual style of the original 1977 film. Meanwhile, Mars will roll out exclusive Star Wars-themed products across its portfolio, including M&M'S, during 2027.
Other licensing partners announced for the anniversary include Aston Martin, Steinway, and Hajime Sorayama, in a collaboration presented by Complex. Further brand partnerships and product collaborations are expected to be revealed during the anniversary year.
Developed by the Franklin Institute in partnership with MDSX, Lucasfilm and Disney Consumer Products, the exhibition is being positioned as the largest and most comprehensive behind-the-scenes showcase dedicated to the franchise. Visitors will be able to explore the history and creative development of the Star Wars universe. Tickets will be available for specific dates and time slots, with advance bookings recommended.
Another attraction is planned by Cosm, which will introduce a Shared Reality presentation of the 2019 version of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ from March 2027. The experience will be available at its venues in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit and Los Angeles. Alongside the screening, visitors can expect themed environments, food and beverage options, and an exclusive poster created by Shepard Fairey's Studio Number One for Cosm.
The anniversary calendar will also feature several developments across cinema and streaming platforms. The original 1977 Star Wars film is scheduled for a theatrical re-release on February 19, 2027. Meanwhile, the second season of ‘Ahsoka’ will premiere on Disney+ on January 20, 2027, followed by the documentary ‘The Hero Awakens’ on May 4, 2027.
Additionally, ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’, directed by Shawn Levy and featuring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled for a global theatrical release on May 28, 2027.
Lynwen Brennan, Co-President, Lucasfilm said, "It is incredibly special to mark the 50th anniversary by returning the original version of 'Star Wars' to theaters so audiences can experience this part of film history on the big screen. We look forward to celebrating with our fans all year long–from the releases of 'Ahsoka' and 'Star Wars: Starfighter' to exclusive merchandise, new publishing stories, unforgettable experiences and interactive games. We are so thankful for our amazing community and hope these experiences bring joy to 'Star Wars' fans everywhere."
The 50th anniversary programme reflects the franchise's continued licensing and merchandising presence across multiple consumer categories, including toys, collectibles, fashion, footwear, entertainment and experiential retail. Through partnerships with established global brands and new fan-focused attractions, Lucasfilm and Disney are extending the celebration beyond film and streaming releases.

Music streaming platform Spotify has expanded its services in India by introducing audiobooks, adding more than 3.5 lakh English titles and nearly 7,000 audiobooks in Indian languages to its catalogue. The move brings books alongside music and podcasts on the platform, giving users access to content across multiple genres and languages.
The audiobook collection includes international bestsellers, popular fiction and Indian literary works. Users can explore titles in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. The catalogue features works such as Premchand's Godaan, Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan, Rabindranath Tagore's Kabuliwala, Dharamvir Bharati's Gunahon Ka Devta and Ami Ganatra's Mahabharata Unravelled.
To provide access to the new offering, Spotify has introduced Audiobooks+, a subscription priced at Rs 199 per month. The plan provides 15 hours of audiobook listening every month and is available to both free and Premium users. Subscribers can purchase additional listening hours or buy individual audiobook titles separately.
The platform has also introduced features to improve audiobook discovery and accessibility. Personalised recommendations and audiobook charts will help listeners discover titles based on their preferences. Users can also download books for offline listening and access a sleep timer to manage playback.
The launch also brings Spotify's Page Match feature to Indian users. The tool allows listeners to scan the ISBN barcode of a physical book and resume the corresponding audiobook from the same page, making it easier to switch between reading and listening. Other features include offline downloads, personalised recommendations, audiobook charts, and a sleep timer.
Amarjit Singh Batra, GM South Asia, Middle East, Africa and MD India at Spotify said, “Storytelling in India has always been as much about listening as reading. By bringing audiobooks to Spotify, we are making books as accessible as the music and podcasts our listeners already enjoy. Our focus is on helping listeners in India discover their next book, and helping Indian authors, including independent and self-published voices through Spotify for Authors, reach new audiences in India and around the world.”
Alongside the consumer offering, Spotify has also introduced its Spotify for Authors programme in India. The initiative will enable independent and self-published writers to distribute their audiobooks through the platform. Authors will also be able to access listener data and use promotional tools, including redemption codes, to reach a wider audience.
The programme follows a non-exclusive distribution model, allowing authors to make their audiobooks available on other platforms while distributing them through Spotify.
Globally, Spotify's audiobook library features more than 8 lakh titles from nearly 300 publishers and over 50,000 authors. The company reported a year-on-year increase of approximately 40 percent in its monthly audiobook listeners, while total listening hours grew by more than 30 percent.

Accessories brand Cosa Nostraa has been appointed the official merchandise partner for the upcoming film Ramayana: Part 1, introducing a dedicated collection inspired by the epic's characters, stories, and symbolism. The range features contemporary accessories and curated gift sets based on key figures and episodes from the Ramayana.
The brand's public relations and marketing agency, X-FactorPro, is handling communications and media outreach for the partnership and the collection's launch.
Titled Ramayana An Epic, Now Yours to Wear, the collection is divided into three ranges: Maryada, inspired by Shri Ram; Bhakti, drawing from Hanuman ji; and Maya, based on Ravan. Each range interprets the characters' personalities, values, and stories through accessories designed for personal styling and gifting.
Tanuj Vijay, Co-Founder, Cosa Nostraa said, “The Ramayana is an epic that has been part of our cultural consciousness for generations. Its characters, stories, and values continue to hold meaning in different ways for different people. Through this collection, we wanted to translate that connection into thoughtfully designed accessories that people can incorporate into their personal style or share as meaningful gifts. Each of the three collections explores a different dimension of the epic, while staying connected to the stories that inspired them."
The collection includes brooches, lapel pins, button covers, bracelets, bookmarks, framed keepsakes, and other accessories. The designs draw inspiration from elements and episodes associated with the epic, including Shri Ram's Dhanush, Hanuman ji's Gada, the Ram-Hanuman Milap and Jatayu.
The Maryada range reflects Shri Ram's principles and determination, while Bhakti focuses on Hanuman ji's devotion, courage, and strength. Maya explores Ravan's different identities, including his ten faces, warrior persona, devotion to Lord Shiva, and knowledge.
Alongside individual products, Cosa Nostraa has introduced curated gift sets across all three collections in two-, three-, and five-piece combinations. The packaging follows distinct colour themes, with white and gold for Maryada, orange and gold for Bhakti, and black for Maya.
The gift sets include combinations of accessories such as Dhanush brooches, Hanuman-inspired lapel pins, Dashanan brooches, bracelets, bookmarks and button covers.
Priced at Rs 2,500, Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,100, the gift sets are positioned for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and housewarming celebrations. The assortment combines wearable accessories with keepsakes inspired by the characters and narratives of the Ramayana.
Through this association, Cosa Nostraa is extending the film's merchandise offering into the accessories and gifting segment. The Ramayana: Part 1 collection is available as official merchandise through the brand's website.

WildBrain, a global family entertainment company, has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with animation and visual effects studio EightyEight Pictures (88 Pictures) to expand its production capabilities and strengthen the development of premium computer-generated (CG) animated content.
The collaboration will combine WildBrain and House of Cool's creative direction, filmmaking capabilities, franchise management and client network with EightyEight Pictures' production infrastructure, technical expertise and experienced workforce. The companies will work through integrated production pipelines and shared workflows to increase their capacity to deliver high-quality CG animation across a larger slate of projects.
Under the arrangement, WildBrain and House of Cool will continue to manage creative leadership and key production responsibilities from Canada, while EightyEight Pictures will provide additional CG production support. The shared production model is intended to give WildBrain greater flexibility as it expands its portfolio of premium and digital-first animated content.
As part of its production expansion plans, WildBrain's Vancouver studio is scheduled to relocate to a new 47,000-square-foot facility in the city's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood in January 2027. The company will continue to retain its complete in-house capabilities, covering pre-production through post-production, for both CG and 2D animation projects across its studios.
Stephanie Betts, Chief Content Officer, WildBrain said, “Our teams at WildBrain and House of Cool will continue to lead the creative vision, filmmaking and production oversight of our projects. By continuing to work with a partner that shares our respect for artistry and quality, we have greater capacity, more flexibility and the support to bring increasingly ambitious stories to the screen. We also believe this partnership will create new opportunities across our collective ecosystem at WildBrain, House of Cool and EightyEight Pictures. As demand grows for premium animation delivered with both creative excellence and production efficiency, this model allows us to expand what’s possible for our clients and the stories we bring to audiences around the world.”
Founded by Milind D. Shinde, EightyEight Pictures has established its presence in the animation industry through operations in Toronto and London, along with production facilities in Mumbai and Bengaluru. The studio has contributed to several projects associated with entertainment franchises, including Trollhunters, Gremlins, Kung Fu Panda, and Star Wars: Visions.
The company is currently developing a feature film slate that includes High in the Clouds and Bahubali: The Eternal War. Before establishing EightyEight Pictures, Shinde was involved in setting up DreamWorks Animation's production operations in India. He subsequently played an important role in developing production activities at Oriental DreamWorks in Shanghai.
Milind D. Shinde, Founder and CEO, EightyEight Pictures said, “We are proud to partner with WildBrain and House of Cool, whose creative teams have an exceptional reputation for artistry, storytelling and franchise filmmaking. Our ambition is to build a deeply collaborative relationship between our teams, combining creative excellence with the production scale and technical expertise required for premium CG animation. We look forward to growing together across a broad slate of projects.”
WildBrain's decision to formalise its association with EightyEight Pictures follows the established practice of working with external production studios across the animation industry. The company expects a long-term association with a single production partner to improve workflow consistency, operational efficiency and creative coordination.
Through the arrangement, WildBrain aims to strengthen its ability to meet growing demand for premium animated content and address client requirements across its Vancouver and Toronto studios. The partnership will also provide additional production capacity while allowing the company to maintain its existing creative and technical capabilities.

Burger King India has introduced a limited-edition menu inspired by Marvel Studios' upcoming film ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, scheduled to release in theatres on December 17, 2026. As the film's official restaurant partner in India, the quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain has unveiled the Avengers: Doomsday Collection, featuring themed burgers, sides, beverages and merchandise.
Available across Burger King restaurants nationwide, the special menu gives several of the brand's existing offerings a Marvel-inspired makeover. Prices for the burgers start at Rs 199, with the collection drawing inspiration from popular characters and superheroes featured in the franchise.
The highlight of the collection is the Doomsday Whopper, which combines the brand's signature Whopper with a spicy garlic flavour. The offering is available in two variants, Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken. The burger also introduces black glazed buns, inspired by the film's antagonist, Doctor Doom. According to the company, the buns use plant-derived natural food colours, in line with its commitment to avoiding synthetic colours and artificial flavours in its menu.
The spicy garlic flavour profile extends across the collection, with the brand incorporating its signature sauce-dunking approach into several menu items.
Apart from the Doomsday Whopper variants, the collection includes the Loki Molten Cheese Burger, Cyclops Soft Paneer Burger and Magneto Crunchy Chicken Burger. The sides menu features Shuri Vibranium Fries, Falcon Fearless Chicken Wings, Magneto Boneless Chicken and Thor Thunder Nuggets. The collection also includes a beverage called Fantastic Fizz.
Beyond the food offerings, Burger King India has introduced special-edition packaging inspired by the film. Orders from the collection will come in themed burger boxes, along with a Doctor Doom-inspired crown. The packaging incorporates visual elements and colours associated with the Marvel franchise, adding a collectible element to the campaign.
The QSR chain is also offering Marvel-themed merchandise with select Avengers: Doomsday Collection meals. The merchandise programme begins with a limited-edition tumbler, with additional collectibles expected to be introduced in phases during the campaign.
Ahead of the nationwide rollout, Burger King opened a pre-booking window through its mobile application. The offering includes a limited-edition Doomsday Meal bundled with a collectible Avengers: Doomsday tumbler at a special price.
Kapil Grover, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King India shared, “The iconic Marvel Avengers franchise has brought generations of fans together through its unforgettable characters and stories. With the film release just around the corner, we saw an opportunity to bring one of the world's biggest fandom universes and the Cult of Whopper through a special experience and offer our guests a chance to experience the excitement beyond the big screen. From striking Doomsday Whoppers to themed packaging and collectable merchandise, we have created an experience that goes well beyond the meal. We can't wait to welcome our guests to Burger King, indulge and experience this epic fandom moment with us.”
The company will support the collection with a 360-degree marketing campaign spanning digital promotions, in-restaurant activities, out-of-home (OOH) advertising, and influencer partnerships. Its influencer outreach will target both food enthusiasts and Marvel followers to increase awareness and engagement around the collaboration.

VI-JOHN has renewed its association with I-POPSTAR Season 2 as the show's official grooming partner for the second consecutive year. Produced by Rusk Media, the music reality show is streaming on Netflix and Alright! TV.
The second season brings together music mentors Neha Kakkar, KING and Aditya Rikhari, while providing a platform for emerging singers to showcase their original musical styles. The partnership aligns with VI-JOHN's brand proposition, ‘Photocopy Nahi, Original Dikho’, which focuses on individuality and self-expression.
As part of the association, VI-JOHN will feature through product integrations, host mentions, social media content, and a dedicated song developed around the brand's originality proposition.
Ashutosh Chaudharie, General Manager – Marketing, VI-JOHN said, “At VI-JOHN, we believe that grooming is not just about how you look, but also about the confidence to express who you are. Our proposition, ‘Photocopy Nahi, Original Dikho’, celebrates individuality, and I-POPSTAR provides a natural platform to bring this belief to life through music and emerging talent. Returning for the second consecutive year reflects our belief in the platform's ability to connect with young India. We see this as an opportunity to move beyond traditional brand presence and make our proposition part of the conversations, culture and content that resonate with today's youth.”
Rahul Arora, Head - Rusk ADs, Rusk Media shared, “When a brand comes back for a second season, it tells us the first one worked. VI-JOHN’s ‘Photocopy Nahi, Original Dikho’ fits I-POPSTAR naturally, because the show is about young artists finding a sound that is completely their own. This season we’ve gone further than visibility: the brand is woven into the show through product integrations, host moments, social content and a song created around its proposition. That’s how we believe brands should show up for young India, as part of the culture they actually watch, share and sing along to, and we’re glad to have VI-JOHN with us again.”

The Backstreet Boys have ventured into competitive gaming with the announcement of Backstreet Gamers (BSG), a new team set to compete in the Global Gaming League (GGL).
Band members Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson have joined GGL as celebrity team owners. Their team will compete against other celebrity-led teams featuring personalities such as T-Pain, Ne-Yo, Howie Mandel, Flavor Flav, and GilliedaKing & Wallo26, among others. The group has also revealed the official Backstreet Gamers logo and mascot.
Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys said, "We've spent our careers performing together. Now we're building a team to compete together. We love gaming, we love a little trash talk, and we're coming into this to win. We want to find players who are ready to put Backstreet Gamers on the map and have another way to connect with our fans."
The Global Gaming League brings together teams that compete across multiple video game titles. Its live events combine competitive gaming with music, celebrity appearances, and entertainment, creating a format that connects gaming competitions with popular culture.
Clinton Sparks, founder and chief executive officer of Global Gaming League, said, "The Backstreet Boys know how to turn fans into a community that lasts for decades. Now imagine giving that community a team to root for, rivals to beat, and a real opportunity to earn a spot on the roster. That's what we're building with GGL. Someone playing in their bedroom today could end up competing for Backstreet Gamers team on a global stage."
Founded by Sparks alongside T-Pain and Priceline co-founder Jeff Hoffman, GGL operates a model that brings together celebrity team ownership, live gaming competitions and global media distribution. The league also aims to create opportunities for emerging gamers to progress into professional competition.
The announcement coincides with GGL's introduction of DRFT SZN on GGL PRIMES, its online gaming competition platform. The platform allows players to participate in tournaments and compete for opportunities to join teams owned by celebrities.
As part of its team-building efforts, the Backstreet Boys are scouting players for the inaugural Backstreet Gamers roster, with a particular focus on recruiting women gamers.
AJ McLean, Backstreet Boys shared, "There are incredible women in gaming, and we want them to know we're looking for them. If you have the skill, the drive, and the confidence to compete, we want you to show us what you've got. You could be one of the players helping us build this team from day one."
Through GGL PRIMES, participants can access online tournaments, compete for prizes, attend masterclasses, and pursue opportunities to advance to the Global Gaming League's professional competition.

Spotify has unveiled its Diwali campaign featuring the cast of TVF's Gullak, encouraging consumers to bring music into their festive preparations. Built around the tagline ‘Diwali ki taiyaari fun banao, Spotify chalao’, the campaign comprises three films centred on the Mishra family's preparations for the festival.
The films capture familiar household activities associated with Diwali, including preparing laddoos, making rangoli and sorting out tangled decorative lights. Through these everyday situations, the campaign highlights how music can make routine festive tasks more enjoyable.
In the first film, the Mishra family prepares laddoos while listening to ‘Taambdi Chaamdi’. Another film features the family creating a rangoli to the track ‘Chaiya Chaiya’, while the third follows their attempts to untangle Diwali lights accompanied by ‘Badan Pe Sitare’.
Each film begins with the family members disagreeing and getting into arguments while handling their festive responsibilities. The mood changes when one of them plays music on Spotify, turning the household chores into moments of shared enjoyment. The campaign films are available on Spotify's Instagram and YouTube channels.
The latest campaign builds on Spotify's earlier communication, ‘Roz ke Kaam Fun Banao, Spotify Chalao’, extending the same approach to seasonal celebrations and festive household activities.
According to Spotify, streams of party playlists on the platform increase by 34 percent during the festive season, while devotional music listening registers a 13 percent rise. Music consumption through shared devices and spaces, including televisions, cars and speakers, also grows by 13 percent compared with the August baseline, reaching 5.24 million weekly content hours.
Through the Diwali campaign, Spotify aims to strengthen the association between music and everyday festive activities. By featuring the Mishra family and their familiar household interactions, the brand uses relatable family moments to demonstrate how music can become part of Diwali celebrations and preparations.

Noise and Gaana have introduced the Noise Buds R1 (Gaana Edition), a co-branded wireless earbuds offering that includes a one-year Gaana Plus subscription. The collaboration brings together personal audio hardware and digital music streaming.
Priced at Rs 1,399, the earbuds come with a Gaana Plus subscription valued at Rs 799. The subscription provides users with ad-free music streaming, offline downloads, HD audio, and access to podcasts.
The Noise Buds R1 feature 11mm dynamic drivers and quad microphones with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC). The earbuds offer up to 40 hours of combined playback with the charging case. Their InstaCharge technology delivers up to 120 minutes of playback after 10 minutes of charging.
Yatish Mehrishi, CEO, Entertainment Network (India) said, “This co-branded launch with Noise brings together great sound and premium music in one seamless experience. It is also an important step in our deeper partnership with Noise, as we work together to make high-quality music experiences more accessible and affordable to millions of consumers across India.”
As part of the wider partnership, Gaana subscriptions will also be made available across Noise's broader product portfolio. The companies expect the collaboration to reach 2.5 million consumers by the end of 2026.
Utsav Malhotra, COO, Noise shared, “At Noise, we have always believed that premium technology should be accessible to everyone. With this collaboration with Gaana, we’re extending that philosophy beyond sound to the music experience itself. We are proud to be bringing together quality audio and premium music, making a richer listening experience more accessible to our consumers. It’s another step towards democratising the way India experiences sound and music.”
The Noise Buds R1 (Gaana Edition) is available for purchase through Noise's official website and the Gaana website and app.

Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy, from the house of Kinder, has partnered with Marvel for its first licensed campaign in India, coinciding with the upcoming release of Avengers: Doomsday. The limited-edition collaboration combines the confectionery brand's products with characters from Marvel's superhero universe through specially designed promotional packs.
The campaign features some of Marvel's popular superheroes alongside the villain Doctor Doom. It aims to connect the brand's shareable chocolate format with family and friends' movie-viewing experiences, encouraging consumers to enjoy Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy together during the Avengers: Doomsday movie season.
Built around the theme "Pop a Bon Together", the campaign focuses on shared experiences and family bonding, using the film's action and adventure narrative to engage Marvel fans and consumers.
As part of the association, Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy has introduced three limited-edition promotional packs inspired by Marvel's iconic superhero teams: the Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic Four. Doctor Doom appears across all three designs. The packs will be available in multiple sizes, featuring character-led designs intended to build anticipation for the film's release.
The campaign also includes an on-pack contest, which is now live. Consumers can purchase a limited-edition pack and scan the QR code printed on it to participate for a chance to win Marvel-themed prizes every week. The activation directs participants to a dedicated microsite, where they can engage with the campaign while enjoying the product with family and friends.
The contest is available at Kinder India's official campaign microsite.
Zoher Kapuswala, Marketing Head, Ferrero India said, "We are delighted to introduce Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy's first ever licensed campaign in India with Marvel. Superhero stories have a unique ability to bring friends and families bond together through shared moments of excitement, imagination and adventure. With Avengers: Doomsday capturing the attention of Marvel fans around the world, we wanted to create a campaign that gives consumers another reason to celebrate and engage with these iconic characters. We are confident that the limited-edition packs and exciting rewards will make this a memorable experience for Marvel fans across the country."
The collaboration marks a new step in Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy's marketing efforts in India, bringing together confectionery, entertainment and licensed character merchandise through a campaign centred on one of Marvel's major film releases.
The limited-edition Marvel promotional packs will be available for a limited period at leading retail outlets and e-commerce platforms across India.

JioHotstar has introduced StreamToCart Ads, a shoppable advertising format powered by Instamart that enables viewers to explore products and add items to their shopping carts without leaving the streaming platform.
The new format uses an interactive overlay that appears during video advertising breaks. Viewers can browse available products and add them to their carts while continuing to watch content, eliminating the need to pause playback or switch to another application.
StreamToCart Ads integrates product discovery and shopping within a single viewing environment, connecting video advertising with commerce. The format also allows brands to measure shopping-related actions, including add-to-cart events, alongside conventional advertising metrics.
Bhaskar Ramesh, Head- Entertainment Sales, Digital at JioStar said, “JioHotstar continues to push the boundaries of what premium video advertising can deliver, innovating at the intersection of content, technology and commerce. With StreamToCart Ads, we are transforming the ad break into an opportunity for viewers to discover and purchase products seamlessly within their viewing experience. This brings brand storytelling and measurable business outcomes closer than ever, enabling marketers to combine the scale and impact of premium content with the immediacy of commerce, all within a single screen.”
The launch comes as brands increasingly seek ways to connect video-led brand awareness campaigns with direct purchase opportunities. According to JioHotstar, the format enables advertisers to track consumer activity from an ad impression to a real-time add-to-cart action.
The company said StreamToCart Ads can be deployed across categories such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), packaged foods, beauty and consumer electronics.
The initiative also reflects the growing role of quick commerce in India's online shopping market. A study by Datum Intelligence, cited by JioHotstar, found that half of online shoppers place at least five orders a month through quick-commerce platforms. These purchases include both planned replenishment and spontaneous shopping.
JioHotstar's internal data indicates that 83 percent of its viewers identify as active shopping enthusiasts, while 60 percent of platform-driven conversions come from new and dormant shoppers.
By integrating Instamart's commerce infrastructure with its streaming advertising offering, JioHotstar aims to make product discovery and shopping more accessible during content consumption. The format adds a direct commerce component to video advertising, giving brands another way to connect audience engagement with measurable consumer actions.

McDonald’s India North and East has introduced its ‘Asia Chicken Campaign’, featuring global music and fashion personality G-DRAGON as part of a regional collaboration spanning 13 Asian markets. The limited-period campaign is currently available across North and East India, combining Korean-inspired flavours with a celebrity-led marketing initiative.
The campaign brings together McDonald’s and G-DRAGON under an ‘ICON × ICON’ partnership, reflecting the growing influence of Korean culture across music, fashion, art and food. As part of the initiative, the quick-service restaurant chain is introducing menu items featuring Gochujang Butter Sauce, developed by McDonald’s Korea.
The sauce draws inspiration from Korea’s traditional jang, or fermented sauce, heritage. It combines the savoury flavour of gochujang with the richness of butter, creating a blend of mild spice, subtle sweetness and savoury notes. The ingredient serves as the central element of the campaign, bringing Korean-inspired flavours to McDonald’s menus across participating Asian markets.
While the campaign follows a common K-flavour theme, individual markets have adapted their menu offerings to local consumer preferences. In North and East India, customers can try the Korean Gochujang Butter Sauce with four menu options: McSpicy Paneer, McSpicy Chicken, Veg Surprise and Chicken Delite.
The campaign is part of McDonald’s broader efforts to connect food offerings with popular culture through regional collaborations and limited-period menu innovations. Its rollout across 13 Asian markets includes digital content and customer experiences designed around the campaign.
In India, McDonald’s is releasing a campaign film featuring G-DRAGON across the social media channels of its North and East operations. The initiative also includes limited-period G-DRAGON Cards, available with McSpicy Chicken and McSpicy Paneer Meals.
Through the campaign, McDonald’s India North and East is combining Korean-inspired menu innovation with celebrity-led engagement to introduce new flavour options and connect with consumers interested in Korean popular culture. The limited-time offering also extends the regional campaign’s reach through locally adapted products and digital activations.

PVR INOX Limited will release Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass in Indian cinemas on October 23, 2026, alongside a range of officially licensed Tuffy character collectibles. The animated action-adventure comedy, directed by Gang Zhang and presented by Zee Studios, brings the iconic cat-and-mouse duo back to the big screen in a story inspired by Eastern mythology.
Moving beyond their familiar chase sequences, the film follows Tom and Jerry into an ancient mythical realm after a magical star-compass transports them into a world inhabited by mythical guardians. The English-language film marks the franchise's first fully 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI) feature film. It is produced by China Film Co., Ltd., Warner Bros. Pictures, Origin Animation and Turner Entertainment Co., with animation by ReDefine Animation.
To coincide with the film's theatrical release, PVR INOX is introducing premium-quality, officially licensed Tuffy keychains for moviegoers. The merchandise will be available in two designs, Tuffy Angel and Tuffy Devil, representing contrasting sides of the popular character. Each PVC keychain is priced at Rs 899 and will be sold at select PVR INOX cinemas.
The collectibles will be available across more than 50 selected PVR INOX locations in 13 cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Gurugram, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, Greater Noida and Chandigarh. Availability will be limited to existing stocks.
The initiative combines the theatrical experience with film-related merchandise, offering audiences an opportunity to purchase character collectibles during their cinema visits. The move also extends the engagement surrounding the film beyond screenings, catering to longtime fans of the franchise as well as younger audiences discovering the characters.
Gautam Dutta, CEO, Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Limited said, “Tom & Jerry has a rare ability to bring generations together through humour that needs little introduction. We look forward to welcoming families and fans to experience their latest adventure on the big screen. We have seen a strong response to film inspired collectibles in the past, highlighting the potential of merchandise to drive additional sales and extend fan engagement beyond the film. The Tuffy keychains build on this enthusiasm, offering fans an accessible collectible featuring a much loved character while creating an additional retail opportunity around the film’s release.”
The introduction of Tuffy Angel and Tuffy Devil keychains forms part of PVR INOX's efforts to combine cinema releases with merchandise sales. The company will offer the collectibles while stocks last at participating cinemas, providing an additional retail option for audiences attending Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass.

Clovia, an Indian lingerie and personal care brand, has collaborated with Cinepolis at V3S Mall in Delhi to launch an on-ground brand activation coinciding with the release of the movie Drishyam: The Conclusion.
The campaign centres on a series of specially designed hangings installed inside the women’s washroom cubicles at the cinema. Featuring Clovia’s “Caught You” messaging alongside a bra-inspired visual, the creatives draw attention to a common experience of checking or adjusting lingerie fit in front of a mirror.
Through this placement, the brand encourages visitors to explore their fit options at the Clovia store located within the same mall. The activation uses humour and a relatable everyday situation to initiate conversations around lingerie fit, comfort and the importance of choosing the right size.
Sshruti Khaneja, VP - Offline Sales, Clovia said, “At Clovia, we have always believed that conversations around lingerie should be simple, relatable and comfortable. Through our partnership with Cinepolis, we are bringing our goal of finding the right fit messaging into an everyday setting and inviting women to think about their fit while giving them an easy opportunity to explore the right options at our store.”
The activation reflects Clovia’s approach to incorporating everyday consumer experiences into its brand communication. By placing the campaign in a cinema setting, the company aims to connect with consumers outside conventional retail spaces and make lingerie-related conversations more approachable.
The initiative also links the brand's messaging with an existing consumer touchpoint, directing visitors from the cinema experience to its nearby retail store. The use of a playful visual and a familiar situation positions fit and comfort as central themes while encouraging shoppers to consider their personal lingerie needs.
Through the Cinepolis partnership, Clovia brings attention to the role of fit in everyday comfort, using an unconventional setting to engage consumers and connect its campaign messaging with an accessible shopping experience.

Mattel has introduced UNO Canvas Spice Girls, a themed edition of its popular card game inspired by the British pop group and its five members: Baby, Ginger, Posh, Scary, and Sporty.
Released on October 13, the new edition features card graphics inspired by the group's members and style. The packaging also includes a glitter-effect finish, adding a distinctive visual element to the collectible deck.
The game retains the standard rules of UNO, incorporating Spice Girls-themed artwork into its cards. The edition combines the familiar gameplay format with visual references to the music group, appealing to both card game enthusiasts and fans of the band.
Mattel is positioning UNO Canvas Spice Girls as a collectible product for different occasions, including game nights, parties, and travel. The deck is also intended to serve as a gifting option for Spice Girls fans and collectors of themed merchandise.
The release adds to Mattel's use of entertainment-inspired designs to extend the appeal of its established games. By bringing a globally recognised music group into the UNO product range, the company is combining its existing gaming portfolio with pop culture licensing.
The Spice Girls, known for their influence on 1990s pop music and fashion, continue to hold a place in popular culture. Their individual personas, represented by Baby, Ginger, Posh, Scary and Sporty, provide the visual identity for the new edition.
With UNO Canvas Spice Girls, Mattel is extending its themed card game offerings through a collaboration that connects traditional gameplay with music nostalgia and collectible merchandise. The edition caters to fans looking for products that reflect their interest in the group while retaining the familiar mechanics of the original card game.

FIFA Heroes has partnered with Universal to bring characters from DreamWorks Animation's Kung Fu Panda franchise into its mobile game. The collaboration is part of a new Season Pass that will remain available to players until November 8.
The latest update introduces several characters from the animated franchise, including Po, Zhen, Grand Master Oogway, Tigress, and Tai Lung. Their addition expands the game's character lineup, combining football gameplay with popular entertainment properties.
Players can access a range of Kung Fu Panda-themed rewards through the Season Pass. These include characters, avatars, emojis, goal celebrations and player titles. The update also features six new avatars, including Master Shifu, along with themed lockers and additional customisation options.
FIFA Heroes brings together football, entertainment and popular culture through short, arcade-style matches. Its character roster features football personalities, FIFA World Cup mascots, content creators, mythical figures and characters from crossover entertainment franchises.
The inclusion of Kung Fu Panda adds another entertainment property to the game, allowing players to engage with familiar animated characters within its football-focused format.
FIFA Heroes is available on iOS and Android devices.

Mattel Game Studios, in collaboration with Twin Atlas, has released Masters of the Universe: Battle for Grayskull worldwide on Roblox. The faction-based action role-playing game (RPG) allows players to join either He-Man and the Heroic Warriors or Skeletor and the Evil Warriors in a battle to gain control of Castle Grayskull.
Drawing inspiration from the latest Masters of the Universe film and the franchise's established storyline, the game brings characters, locations, and adventures from Eternia to the Roblox platform. Players can explore the fictional world, complete missions, strengthen their characters and influence the outcome of the fight for Castle Grayskull.
The gameplay includes exploring locations such as Snake Mountain and Subternia, defeating bosses, collecting loot and discovering equipment. Players can also wield different weapons, unlock abilities and customise their gameplay through a skill tree. Additional features include character progression, achievements and opportunities to develop skills as they advance through the game.
The experience is designed around player choices, with adventures and progression varying according to the decisions made during gameplay. By combining faction-based combat, exploration and character development, the game brings the Masters of the Universe franchise to a new digital gaming environment.
"The best experiences on Roblox are built with the platform, its community and its players in mind. With Masters of the Universe: Battle for Grayskull, our goal wasn't simply to bring Masters of the Universe to Roblox – it was to build an experience that belongs there while staying true to the characters, world and action that have made the franchise a fan favorite for generations," shared Sean Thompson, vice president, Mattel Game Studios.

Homegrown streetwear brand Bonkers Corner has partnered with JioStar Consumer Products as the official Drip Partner for the fifth season of hip-hop reality show Hustle, titled Apna Homeground. The collaboration brings an exclusive licensed merchandise collection inspired by the show, extending its association with Indian hip-hop culture into everyday fashion.
The Hustle x Bonkers collection features more than 40 styles, including oversized T-shirts, relaxed-fit bottoms and statement layering pieces. Drawing inspiration from the show's identity, language, and Apna Homeground theme, the range incorporates baggy silhouettes and bold graphics associated with streetwear and hip-hop culture.
The partnership aims to connect the show's audience with fashion through merchandise that reflects the self-expression and individuality associated with the genre. It also combines JioStar's entertainment property with Bonkers Corner's presence in India's streetwear market, which caters to Gen Z and millennial consumers.
Mahesh Shetty, Head - Entertainment Sales, TV, JioStar said, “Over the seasons, Hustle has given India's hip-hop community a stage, a voice and an identity. Style is central to that identity, and what our Hustlers wear is a natural extension of the music they make. In Bonkers Corner, we found a partner that speaks the same language as our audience and understands street culture from the inside, which allowed us to build a collection that lets fans carry the spirit of Hustle well beyond the screen. With Shop the Look on JioHotstar working alongside Bonkers Corner's strong online and retail presence, the journey from watching to wearing becomes seamless, and this is exactly the kind of authentic, culture-led collaboration we want to build our consumer products business on, one that deepens the bond between our IPs and the fans who love them."
Shubham Gupta, Founder, Bonkers Corner shared, “We’ve always built Bonkers around self-expression, and Hustle embodies that mindset. This collaboration lets us take streetwear beyond fashion and into the culture, energy and conversations shaping young India.”
The collection is available through the Bonkers Corner website and app, as well as across its 44 retail stores in India. Consumers can also purchase outfits featured on the show through JioHotstar's 'Shop the Look' feature while watching Hustle, connecting on-screen discovery with shopping.
For Bonkers Corner, the association builds on its focus on street culture, individuality, and self-expression. For JioStar Consumer Products, the partnership adds a merchandise offering linked to an established entertainment property, creating another way for audiences to engage with the show beyond the screen.

OPPO India has joined Lollapalooza India 2027 as an associate partner, bringing its Reno smartphone series to the music festival through interactive on-ground activations and consumer engagement initiatives.
The collaboration aims to connect technology with music and youth culture, with OPPO looking to strengthen its engagement with Gen Z audiences through the festival. The brand plans to create interactive experiences that will allow attendees to explore different ways of capturing and sharing their moments at the event.
The association aligns with the Reno series' focus on photography, design, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered creative features. Through the partnership, OPPO intends to engage consumers by bringing together music, content creators, communities and cultural experiences.
Lollapalooza India 2027 is set to feature Indian and international artists across multiple music genres. OPPO's participation will focus on the convergence of technology, creativity and live music, positioning the Reno series within a festival environment that encourages audience interaction and content creation.
The partnership also reflects OPPO's broader experience-led marketing strategy, which focuses on connecting with younger consumers through cultural events and shared experiences. By participating in music festivals, the company aims to create opportunities for audiences to engage with its products beyond conventional marketing channels.

Crocs has launched its festive season campaign in India under its global Feel It All platform, featuring brand ambassador KL Rahul and a diverse lineup of personalities. The campaign highlights changing festive celebrations in modern India, where consumers are increasingly seeking styles that reflect individuality while maintaining comfort.
The campaign is anchored by a social-first film starring KL Rahul. Built around a playful ‘dhoom scroll’ concept, the film transforms Rahul’s social media feed into a series of festive experiences. As he scrolls through different posts, he is transported into various celebratory settings featuring actor Dalip Tahil, creators Rida Tharana and Prish, and internet personality Amin Khan.
Accompanied by an original soundtrack composed by Mikey McCleary, the film explores the intersection of digital and real-world celebrations. Through a sequence of festive moments and encounters, the narrative emphasizes that while social media captures the spirit of the season, meaningful celebrations are ultimately shared with people in real life.
The campaign also showcases Crocs’ festive capsule collection, including the Classic Ballet silhouette and Saturday Sandal, paired with embellished Jibbitz charms. The collection is positioned around the themes of comfort, personalization and festive styling, demonstrating how consumers can adapt the footwear to suit their individual celebrations.
Varun Sehgal, SVP & General Manager, APAC, Crocs said, "India's festive season is not only a key business moment but also a powerful expression of culture, identity and individuality. With Feel It All, we wanted to celebrate the different ways people show up during this time of year. By pairing our iconic silhouettes with festive styling and personalization, we're giving consumers fresh inspiration to make Crocs a part of their celebrations while staying true to their own unique style."
KL Rahul, Crocs’ Global Brand Ambassador added, “I am someone who usually enjoys being away from the spotlight, so being part of a film with so much energy and personality was fun for me. What made the experience even more interesting was discovering how I could style Crocs shoes and Jibbitz charms with festive looks and seeing how naturally they worked with even the most elevated outfits.”
Conceptualised by creative agency One Hand Clap, the campaign uses KL Rahul’s social media feed as a storytelling device to connect multiple festive narratives and personalities. According to the company, the film aims to celebrate self-expression and individuality during the festive season.
Nirzery Iswalkar, Group Creative Head, One Hand Clap, said, “The idea was to create a festive celebration that feels as varied and unpredictable as the people in it. KL Rahul’s social media feed gave us the perfect device to move between different worlds, personalities and moments while keeping the film playful and full of energy. Every swipe brings a new story, but Crocs is the thread that brings them all together.”
As part of its festive marketing strategy, Crocs will extend the Feel It All campaign through a 360-degree rollout across digital, social media, influencer partnerships and retail channels. The initiative will also include creator collaborations, festive gifting programs, in-store activations and seasonal product assortments aimed at strengthening the brand’s positioning around comfort, style and personalization during the festive season.

Mattel Game Studios has introduced Barbie DreamStyle on Roblox, expanding the Barbie brand’s presence in the gaming space through a new fashion-focused interactive experience. The project has been developed in collaboration with Roblox and game developer Exclusible, alongside Roblox designer Dioncella, who is widely recognized for her work on "Dress to Impress."
The new experience allows players to join up with as many as three friends and create themed fashion looks within a five-minute timeframe before entering a voting round. Designed around creativity and self-expression, Barbie DreamStyle offers access to more than 260 customizable outfit options, featuring tools for adjusting colors, patterns, sizing, and layered styling.
Players can personalize avatars using a variety of body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. At launch, the game includes six playable environments and more than 50 themed fashion challenges aimed at enhancing engagement and replayability.
The platform also incorporates a rewards system where participants can earn likes and stars that unlock in-game currency, exclusive items, and other incentives. Additional rewards are available for users who play alongside friends, encouraging social interaction within the experience.
To further enhance engagement, Barbie DreamStyle features a dedicated Photo Mode that enables players to capture and showcase their fashion creations. A built-in social hub also allows users to share designs and connect with other players across the platform.
As part of the ongoing content rollout, Roblox creator iBella has partnered with the Barbie team to develop an original digital fashion look. The exclusive design is expected to be introduced to players in a future update.
The launch highlights Mattel’s continued investment in digital gaming experiences and user-generated platforms, leveraging Roblox’s global audience to deepen engagement with the Barbie brand through interactive fashion and social gameplay.
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