April Fool’s Day has evolved into a golden opportunity for brands to engage with consumers through humor and creativity. This year, several brands in India executed pranks that were not only entertaining but also left a lasting impact. Here’s a roundup of some of the most talked-about campaigns:
Manforce Condoms teases ‘Dot AI’ innovation
Manforce Condoms took the artificial intelligence craze to another level with its announcement of ‘Dot AI,’ a fictional AI-powered condom featuring nano sensors, automatic adjustments, and a performance-tracking app. While some viewers quickly caught on to the joke, the campaign sparked widespread discussions on social media, garnering millions of views.
Ixigo’s ‘April Full Refund Sale’ – A prank that was real
Travel platform Ixigo played on the skepticism surrounding April Fool’s Day by launching an offer that seemed too good to be true—but wasn’t. The ‘April Full Refund Sale’ promised full refunds on select flight bookings, with 10 winners announced every hour. What initially appeared to be a marketing stunt turned out to be a genuine reward for lucky travelers.
Axar Patel’s ‘retirement’ for Pickleball
Indian cricketer Axar Patel shocked fans by announcing his retirement from cricket to pursue a professional career in pickleball. The video, released in collaboration with Pocket FM’s ‘India Kuch Acha Suno!’ campaign, initially left followers stunned before the humorous twist was revealed. The campaign successfully combined sports, entertainment, and social media engagement.
mPokket’s ‘Nazar Lag Gayi’ finance campaign
Digital lending platform mPokket introduced a satirical ‘Nazar Protection’ service, claiming to shield users from financial misfortune through symbolic remedies like black threads and chili-lemon charms. The fictional campaign cleverly highlighted financial struggles faced by young professionals while subtly promoting responsible money management.
Medusa Beverages’ ‘Beer-Flavoured Syrup’
Beer enthusiasts were left bewildered when Medusa Beverages introduced a ‘Beer-Flavoured Syrup’—a supposed alternative that could be mixed with soda. The lighthearted prank reinforced the brand’s message: nothing beats the taste of real beer. The video campaign was well-received, generating significant online traction.
Ambuja Neotia’s ‘Underwater Mall’ announcement
The Ambuja Neotia Group captivated audiences with a grand announcement: the launch of the world’s first underwater shopping mall. The elaborate concept, featuring food courts and multiplexes beneath the ocean, sparked curiosity and excitement before being revealed as an April Fool’s prank.
Blusteak Media’s AI hoax – ‘Blu AI’
Kerala-based digital agency Blusteak Media tapped into the artificial intelligence trend with ‘Blu AI,’ a supposed groundbreaking tool for creating branded social media content. The prank led users through an interactive simulation before unveiling the hoax, amusing audiences and poking fun at the industry’s AI obsession.
April Fool’s Day 2025 proved to be an opportunity for brands to connect with consumers in unique ways. From AI-powered products to surprise giveaways, these campaigns showcased the power of humor in marketing, leaving audiences entertained and engaged.