Add to Cart, Add to Cast: Flipkart’s Big Billion Ad Is a Blockbuster Ensemble

Image Source: Hindustan Times

In a dazzling display of star power and nostalgia, Flipkart’s Big Billion Days 2025 campaign has delivered what fans are calling a modern-day Om Shanti Om moment. The e-commerce giant has assembled a jaw-dropping cast of 11 celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Sreeleela, Farah Khan, and Mahesh Bhatt, for a high-energy advertisement that’s already gone viral across platforms. The ad blends glamour, humor, and a touch of cinematic nostalgia, evoking memories of the iconic Deewangi Deewangi sequence from Farah Khan’s 2007 blockbuster.

Here’s a full breakdown of the campaign’s concept, execution, and fan reaction.

1. The Concept: Shopping as Spectacle

- Flipkart’s campaign, created by Leo Burnett, is built around the theme of “shopping magic”
- Rather than focusing solely on discounts, the ad explores the emotional thrill of buying something new and being noticed for it
- The storyline follows child influencer Arista Mehta, who flaunts her Big Billion Days purchases before attending a glitzy event
- The ad unfolds like a mini-movie, with surprise celebrity appearances and playful interactions that mirror Bollywood’s grand ensemble scenes

2. The Cast: A Red Carpet in Motion

- Amitabh Bachchan enters the scene with his trademark charisma, sharing screen space with Alia Bhatt in a lift sequence that sparks laughter
- Arista’s phone cover matches Alia’s, and moments later, Big B walks in with the same accessory, prompting Arista to quip “AB, AB – 2AB”
- Mahesh Bhatt welcomes the trio into a lavish party hall, while Jannat Zubair and Sakshi Shivdasani speculate about Arista’s star kid status
- Comedian Bassi serves food, and viral music creator Yashraj Mukhate spins beats as Sreeleela dances with infectious energy
- Farah Khan delivers a cheeky line, asking whether it’s a party or a dance competition, while celebrity chef Dilip adds flavor to the festivities

3. Nostalgia Meets New-Age Glam

- The ad’s choreography, ensemble cast, and party setting draw direct comparisons to Om Shanti Om’s Deewangi Deewangi song
- Fans have dubbed it “Om Shanti Om 2” and praised Flipkart for going all out with production and casting
- The campaign taps into Bollywood nostalgia while showcasing contemporary influencers and digital stars, bridging generations of fandom

4. Fan Reactions: Pure Madness and Heartfelt Delight

- Social media erupted with praise, calling the ad “pure madness,” “too good,” and “a heart-stealer”
- Viewers were especially amused by the AB joke and the seamless blend of celebrities from different domains
- Some fans speculated about the ad’s budget, joking that Flipkart must have “forgotten about budgets” to pull off such a spectacle
- The campaign has sparked conversations about brand storytelling, with many applauding Flipkart’s shift from transactional messaging to emotional engagement

5. Marketing Strategy and Rollout

- The ad was first released on digital and connected TV platforms, with shorter edits planned for television
- Flipkart will also push the campaign across print, digital radio, and social media, ensuring maximum reach during the festive season
- The brand’s decision to use celebrities not just as endorsers but as characters in a narrative marks a shift in advertising strategy

6. What’s Next?

- With the ad already trending, Flipkart is expected to release behind-the-scenes content and interactive social media challenges
- The campaign sets a high bar for festive advertising, and other brands may follow suit with ensemble-driven storytelling
- Fans are hoping for a sequel or extended cut, especially given the chemistry and energy on display

Sources: Hindustan Times, Mathrubhumi, MSN India