McDonald’s India – North and East has announced actor Sara Arjun as its Brand Ambassador, bringing back a familiar face many viewers remember from one of the brand’s popular television commercials. Years after appearing in the ad as a child, Sara now returns in a new role, marking a nostalgic moment for both the brand and its audience.

The collaboration coincides with the launch of McDonald’s new Buddy Meal, a value offering created for friends who enjoy sharing food and spending time together. The campaign is introduced through a fresh television commercial that also revisits the playful tone of the earlier advertisement.

The Buddy Meal includes two burgers,  customers can choose between the McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise, along with two Coke and one medium fries. The meal brings together some of McDonald’s familiar favourites in a simple combo designed for two people.

The new film recreates the well-known “girlfriend–boyfriend” banter from the earlier campaign, adding a humorous and relatable twist. In the ad, Sara jokingly talks about how relationships today can feel “too demanding,” with her buddy expecting big gestures and even a bit of “princess treatment.” The moment takes a lighter turn when he admits that all he really wants is a McAloo Tikki, reminding viewers that sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy.

The playful exchange ends with the voiceover saying, “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just ₹119.” The film concludes with the two sharing the meal together, reinforcing the campaign message “Khao Meal, Baat Ke,” which celebrates sharing food, laughter, and easy moments with friends.

Commenting on the announcement, Anant Agarwal, Vice Chairman, MMG Group and CPRL, said,

“At McDonald’s India – North and East, we have always believed in creating moments that bring people together. Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”

Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, Actor Sara Arjun said,

“McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends, and it’s wonderful to be part of a story that brings back such fond memories while creating new ones.”

By bringing back a familiar face from one of its memorable campaigns, McDonald’s India – North and East taps into the nostalgia many customers associate with the brand, while also inviting a new generation to create their own moments at McDonald’s.

The Buddy Meal is available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, and can be ordered through dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App, and leading food delivery platforms.