McDonald’s India Recreates Iconic Ad with Sara Arjun for Buddy Meal

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 12, 2026

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.


Boston Pub Introduces a Five-Floor Nightlife Experience in Bengaluru's RR Nagar

Boston Pub Introduces a Five-Floor Nightlife Experience in Bengaluru's RR Nagar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 9, 2026

Bengaluru's dining and nightlife scene welcomes Boston Pub, a new destination in Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar). Spread across approximately 12,000 sq. ft. and five floors, the venue brings together vintage-inspired interiors, global cuisine, signature cocktails, music and entertainment.

Located on 80 Feet Road, Kempegowda, RR Nagar, Boston has been designed as more than a conventional pub. Its five-floor concept offers different settings for guests, whether they want to enjoy a meal, catch up with friends, celebrate an occasion or spend an evening on the dance floor.

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Designed by Vinay Agnelo F. D'Almeida, the interiors combine vintage aesthetics, warm textures and contemporary elements. The basement features a dance floor, while the indoor dining and pub spaces provide settings for relaxed gatherings. The rooftop seating adds another option for guests looking to unwind.

With a seating capacity of approximately 400 guests, Boston can accommodate casual outings, group gatherings, birthdays, corporate events and private celebrations. DJ performances, live music and specially curated events will also form part of its entertainment programme.

The food menu brings together contemporary global cuisine, comfort food and sharing plates suited to a pub setting. It features Asian and Chinese favourites, Korean-inspired dishes, Indian appetisers, Italian-style pizzas and Continental selections. Some of the dishes that have received positive customer feedback include Korean Chicken Bao, Classic Chicken Tikka, Chilli Garlic Chicken Noodles, Wild Mushroom Dumplings and Fish Fingers. The pizza selection offers familiar favourites, while Tres Leches Cake and New York Cheesecake provide dessert options. The menu also includes vegetarian dishes for guests with different preferences.

The beverage programme features signature cocktails and non-alcoholic creations. Signature cocktails include Mushroom & Oak, Titaura, Crimson Passion, Golden Orchard, The Tea Garden, Boston Bloom, Baklava Old Fashioned, Bitter Bloom, Spiked Milkshake, Midnight Malt and Berry & Brine. The non-alcoholic selection features Ruby Fizz, Baklava Brew, Tropical Herb Garden, Heatwave, Indigo Tropica, Paradise and Garden Mist.

Boston also recommends pairing its craft beer selection with dishes such as Classic Chicken Tikka, Nimboo Chicken Tikka and Nimbu Murgh Tikka. The smoky and tangy flavours of these preparations complement the beer selection.

Founded by Subbaiah, Preetham, Hem and Ashwin, Boston draws inspiration from vintage culture while embracing contemporary nightlife. The brand's vision focuses on character, experience, culture and lifestyle, aiming to create a destination that goes beyond food and beverages.

Sharing the idea behind the concept, the founding team said, "Boston was envisioned as more than just another place to eat, drink and party. We wanted to create a destination where every visit tells a different story. With five floors, each offering its own character and experience, Boston brings together the charm of a bygone era and the excitement of contemporary nightlife. Our vision is to build a space where people connect, celebrate and create memories. Ultimately, we want Boston to be remembered not just for the place it is, but for how it makes people feel."

With its five-floor layout, varied dining options and entertainment spaces, Boston aims to establish itself as a social and nightlife destination in Bengaluru's RR Nagar.


Om Sweets Brings Its Signature Mithai and Vegetarian Food Experience to Golf Course Road

Om Sweets Brings Its Signature Mithai and Vegetarian Food Experience to Golf Course Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 7, 2026

Om Sweets has introduced its premium retail concept on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, expanding its presence in one of the city's prominent commercial and residential destinations. The new outlet brings together the brand's traditional Indian mithai, savouries and vegetarian food offerings in a contemporary setting.

The outlet caters to customers looking for everyday dining, festive purchases and gifting options under one roof. Beyond its range of Indian sweets, Om Sweets offers savoury preparations and a wider selection of vegetarian food, making it a destination for different occasions and dining preferences.

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The new retail format reflects the changing expectations of urban consumers, who increasingly look for quality, variety and thoughtful presentation alongside familiar flavours. While the outlet offers a contemporary environment, it retains the traditional appeal that has shaped the brand's identity. Its Golf Course Road location also improves accessibility for residents and professionals in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Om Sweets' journey began in the early 1940s, when Shri Hari Chand Kathuria Ji started a family sweets business. Following Partition, the family rebuilt its business in India. In 1960, Shri Om Prakash Kathuria Ji established a shop in Arjun Nagar, Gurugram, laying the foundation for the brand's growth. Over the years, the business expanded its offerings and customer base, developing into an established food brand with a presence across Gurugram, Faridabad, Delhi, Sohna and Palwal.

Commenting on the launch, a spokesperson for Om Sweets said, “At Om Sweets, our focus has always been on serving food that people can associate with their everyday lives and special occasions. Mithai remains an important part of what we do, but our offering today extends to savouries and a wider range of vegetarian food. With our Golf Course Road outlet, we are bringing this variety to customers in a contemporary setting, making it convenient for them to explore our offerings for different occasions while continuing to enjoy the flavours they know and trust.”

With this launch, Om Sweets continues to expand its retail presence and introduce its broader food portfolio to a new customer base. The outlet brings together the brand's established culinary offerings and evolving retail format, catering to everyday meals, celebrations and gifting occasions.


Wendy's India Launches Five Global Burger Flavours Under 'The Great Burger Scam'

Wendy's India Launches Five Global Burger Flavours Under 'The Great Burger Scam'

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2026

Wendy's India has introduced five globally inspired burger flavours under its new campaign, 'The Great Burger Scam', with prices starting at ₹59. Launched in November 2026, the range brings international flavour profiles to the value burger segment, offering both vegetarian and chicken options priced between ₹59 and ₹99.

The new selection features five flavours: Chipotle, Chimichurri, Korean, Teriyaki and Makhani. The range combines smoky, herbaceous, sweet and savoury profiles with a familiar Indian-inspired option, giving customers a wider choice beyond conventional value burger offerings.

The campaign plays on the idea of a 'scam' by presenting a range of distinct flavour experiences at prices that may seem unexpectedly affordable. Wendy's positions the launch as an effort to challenge the perception that lower-priced burgers need to offer limited variety.

Commenting on the campaign, Mohit Mahajan, AVP – Marketing, Rebel Foods, said, "Consumers today are looking for more than just a good deal. They want variety, exciting flavours and experiences that feel worth trying. With 'The Great Burger Scam', we wanted to turn the usual value burger narrative on its head. Five distinct flavours, globally inspired choices and prices starting at ₹59, it almost sounds too good to be true! Through this campaign, we want to make flavour exploration accessible to everyone while bringing a little fun and surprise to the everyday burger experience."

The launch targets consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, who are interested in exploring new food options while keeping spending in check. By bringing flavours associated with different cuisines into an affordable format, Wendy's aims to make experimentation more accessible to everyday burger customers.

The campaign also adds to the brand's efforts to differentiate its offering in India's competitive quick-service restaurant market, where value pricing and menu variety remain important considerations for consumers.

The new burgers are available at Wendy's India dine-in restaurants and through online delivery platforms.

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