Chairperson of the RPG Group Harsh Goenka on Wednesday shared a video that had an innovative way of marketing their flagship brand CEAT. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Goenka wrote, "Strange scene seen next to our office in Mumbai….." [sic]
Goenka shared a video showcasing how a CEAT strategic timeout board appears mid-air, featuring a countdown from 5 to 0 seconds. After the countdown, a giant cricket bat appears in an adjacent building. The video was filmed near his office in Worli.
In the video, people can be seen recording the event while a man on a scooter slows down to watch it.
Watch the video here:
Here's How Netizens Reacted
However, netizens were quick to express their concern and displeasure after watching the video. They said that this can cause accidents due to its distracting nature. "This is a highly unsafe way of putting an advertisement. Such on-road distractions will turn into fatal accidents, said one user." Another user said, "This is pure distraction."
Is this video real or fake?
The video shared by Goenka was originally shared by CEAT in March 2024 during the Women's Premier League (WPL) with the caption, "Stage is set for tonight's finals! Strategic Timeout will define turning moments - Get ready for an unforgettable showdown!"
But this video is not real and has been created using CGI effects. The video involves using computer software to generate and animate images in a virtual environment.
Watch the CGI-enabled video shared by CEAT for the promotion of the WPL 2024 Finals.
CEAT Tyres Sponsors IPL Strategic Timeout
CEAT tyres secured a prominent spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by sponsoring the strategic timeout. This deal allows CEAT to leverage the high viewership of the cricket tournament. The strategic timeout board displays CEAT branding during crucial breaks in the game, keeping the brand at the forefront of viewers' minds.
In 2023, CEAT also secured a three-year contract with Indian women's cricket which includes a strategic timeout partner for women's IPL, the Women’s T20 challenge, bat sponsorships and association with leading cricketers.