A series of print ads appeared on trade publications, but these weren’t ordinary ads. The ads are in phonetic Malayalam. Readers were prompted to know what the gibberish looking questions meant via QR codes or to key in a link. Each QR code or link throws up a unique tongue-in-cheek film of Malayalees and their Onam purchase decisions and ends with a call to action to explore Mathrubhumi Groups custom integrated offerings. A simple interactive contest follows, giving an opportunity for participants to win an all-expenses paid trip to Kerala and truly experience God’s Own Country.
Kamal Krishnan PS, national head, Integrated Media solutions, Mathrubhumi Group, said “Media planners are bombarded with exaggerated claims of market coverage during festive season by all major media houses. We, as a group, wanted to bring attention to what we can deliver through integrated efforts to help our clients achieve their festive goals in Kerala. Integration is the need of the hour to deliver desired responses to advertising by optimising the strengths from within the group.”
Francis Thomas, creative director, Maitri Advertising Works, said “The challenging brief to disrupt the traditional approach and to extend the experience of integration was exciting. The narratives, based on the idea Malayalees will be buying what they see in various Mathrubhumi brands, is conveyed through subtle insightful humour about Malayalees but with strong conviction.”
The campaign, in addition to print and digital, will also be extended through direct mailers to advertising partners in media across the country.
The mailer – Brand Brew Kit, demonstrates the flexibility of mixing relevant media vehicles from the wide range of strong brands within the group, integrated with some special tea from Kerala.
Mathrubhumi is a strong and leading media house in Kerala with over 18 strong and vibrant brands spanning across mediums including print, TV, radio, digital and activations. The group has recently appointed Vizeum as their media AOR to improve and strengthen partnerships with the advertising fraternity in India.