Tag Archives: controversial advertising

Controversy in Indian Advertising

The world of advertising is far from being a smooth sailing one. It’s one thats riddled with controversies and drama. One such advertisement that received a whole lot of controversy was the One Plus 3T’s ‘Best Smartphone Campaign’ where one lucky winner would win Rs 1 crore . The campaign features a TVC based on the Kaun Banega Crorepati model, with Amitabh Bachhan and AIB’s Rohan Joshi. Amitabh is the one on the opposite seat this time being questioned. He’s asked to pick the best smartphone in India. Among the options along with the OnePlus 3T are Google Pixel, Apple I phone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Amitabh, questions Rohan for a Rs 1 crore answer– Which is the best-rated smartphone in India? Rohan claims to know the answer and in turn questions Amitabh. Amitabh switches seats with Rohan and chooses to go for the audience poll. The audience poll shows a unanimous lean towards the OnePlus 3T, as the best-rated smartphone in India. Option A is locked and Joshi is announced the winner. Towards the end of the ad an announcement is made where Amitabh asks for a missed call on a number to pick a lucky winner to win Rs 1 Crore in the same format at Sony’s. This is where the controversy settles. Sony sues for using their shows model. Another blogger, Bhawani complains to the ASCI that he ad is misleading. The ad made by BBDO India was taken down two months later.