Airtel Phones It In
Saw some of the Airtel ads and they’re OK, if generic. The only thing that gets me is the Photoshop. They’ve taken Shah Rukh Khan and photoshopped him into various locations, but they never actually brought SRK here. Understandably, cause last time we threw grenades at his musical show. But still, it’s kinda transparently fake. Word is bond, I know how fake marketing is, but one would think Airtel might actually bring their brand ambassador here for a secure press con or something. That would be cool. I really like Shah Rukh Khan, but it’s just like 30 minutes of him on a sound stage in Delhi. Plus all the kids in the ads look fair and North Indian. Whatever, maybe it works.
I work for a competitor, so I’m obviously biased, FYI.
This is highly dubious. Miss Travel is a travel/social networking site that connects ‘Generous’ and ‘Attractive’ travelers. To, like, travel together, I guess. It all seems a bit like arranged prostitution and trafficking. This is part of a broader online trend to connect rich men to younger, attractive women. Sites like 
Sri Lankan domestics never say anything, they just stop coming. My maid just stopped coming and when I finally pressed her she said I needed to get a washing machine. I was hoping to ride this one out, but I’ve run out of underwear and I have no choice. I finally caved and bought a washing machine, from 
There’s nothing wrong with pornography, but there’s a lot wrong with porn. Nothing wrong with watching people have sex, but too often that sex is brutal, senseless and coerced. I mean how many couples are coming on each others faces every day? Hence, philosopher king Alain de Botton – after calling for a 
Sri Lanka is going to start offer 
it may be photoshopping. but i love this advertisement. another thing, if airtel really wants a big customer base why dont they tell us about their tarrifs?? its idiotic to hide them
If you look closely most of them are Indians.. May be all of them. Not just the kids.. Also the ‘Hello’ accent says it all..
indiii! hehe…you are being biased. :)
Well, the thing is, all people I’ve met so far love the ad. It’s nothing much, but I suppose its the music and the whole shiny appeal it has to it. Being a competitor I suppose what matters is what the majority think, and they do think it’s absofuckinglutely brilliant… Does that say something about Sri Lankan advertising? hm…
well i wish all the rumors about airtel is true… because we are in need of some good competitor to dialog… atleast then they will have to do something for the customers… hope that they will bring down their rates to meet the competition because im really worried about my bills… specially broadband….
Hey why would you need a competitor to Dialog? Call charges are already very low (almost free on the Blaster) and if you want a different service, Tigo or Mobitel are alternatives (dunno how good they are but Dialog’s service is horrid, anything would be better than that)
“why would you need a competitor to Dialog?”
“Dialog’s service is horrid, anything would be better than that”
Haven’t you just answered your own question?
hee hee, you’ve got me David.
Dialog’s service is indeed horrid. But as someone working in that industry, I am secretly wishing for less price competition, things are looking pretty bad from this side of the fence.
Doesn’t it kind of imply he’s phoning in from India? like you know “hello from India, glad to be here ” kind of thing.
True. In the video I understand.
But in the hoardings and images it’s got him standing in front of Sigiriya and stuff, which just pisses me off. Mainly cause it’s lazy Photoshop. The perspective is all off, there’s no angle at which Sigiriya would be so huge and lower than you in the background.
Dee,
you liked the ad, it made you aware that the product was available. Will you buy the product?
This is a debate that I have been having with marketing/advertising. I see no point in an ad, however artistic or appealing it may be unless someones buys something.
Indi,
It will be interesting to watch Airtel’s strategy. as far as the rest of the industry is concerned I see no strategy, only panic rather like SL’s response to the Tiger Air raids, played out in the corporate world.
JP,
I can’t comment on whether I’d buy into Airtel, until I see the tarrifs, connectivity and customer service I get. Looking at the ad, it does create an exitement. hm…let’s see whether they deliver. :) tomorrow!
im also bit reluctant as to say whether i will be with AIRTEL or not. they have still not released their tariffs in the official website. on the other hand i wonder why AirTel still have not said anything about their tariffs
Well actually, I don’t think the TVC’s particularly good, and I don’t think the public likes the TVC ‘cos it’s good — just ‘cos it’s catchy and thematic and the product’s been eagerly anticipated. The other cellualar operators haven’t really been doing any brand-building thematic stuff — just product-driven nickle & dime shit. Remember when that SLT Broadband TVC came out with Pooja Umashankar in it? Wasn’t a great ad, but it stood out ‘cos it was thematic. The Airtel print’s not even as good as the TV, and the whole purpose of the print is to remind you of the TVC.
Indi, I don’t think they mean SRK is actually AT Sigiriya. Why the fuck would he be phoning then? It’s sorta symbolic — like you show what he’s thinking of in the background.