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MAK Lubricants

An exercise in storytelling that gave a technical product a human angle through Mr. Dependable, Rahul Dravid
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MAK Lubricants introduced a creative, three-TVC campaign centering on Rahul Dravid as "Mr. Dependable", aiming to shift brand perception from mere technical specifications to human reliability. The campaign featured relatable scenarios tailored to car, bike, and truck owners, using everyday humour to highlight the importance of dependability—whether choosing engine oil or making life decisions.

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The campaign’s creative excellence and mass resonance earned Expression 360 the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognizing it as a benchmark in brand storytelling and impactful advertising.

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The Brief

The challenge was to weave TVCs around human situations that people could relate to. Especially since the product is a technical and functional one. It had to begin with strong insights and slice-of-life storytelling.

Our Approach

  • Consumer insight–driven strategy – The campaign emerged from key consumer insights: lubricants are often overlooked until breakdowns occur, with most people uninterested in technical oil details, and lubricant brands considered trivial during oil change decisions.
  • Humanizing a Technical Product – To counter the technical focus dominating the category (especially via the market leader), MAK Lubricants opted to humanize the brand by associating it with values of reliability and everyday wisdom.
  • Choice of Brand Ambassador Rahul Dravid – Widely regarded in India as a symbol of consistency, integrity, and calm under pressure, Rahul Dravid was selected to lend emotional credibility and reassure customers.
  • Situational Storytelling Across Segments
    • Car Owners: Showcased overblown everyday debates (e.g., school selection) where Dravid’s calm intervention underlined wise decision-making.
    • Bike/Scooter Owners: Used humour via relationship dilemmas to stress thoughtful choices—including engine oil.
    • Truck Owners: Illustrated how a breakdown could lead to closure of a dhaba, emphasizing the ripple effects of reliability.
  • Omni-Channel Media Execution – The campaign leveraged a strategic mix of ATL (e.g., Star Sports with cricket reach), digital, sponsorships, direct marketing, and influencer engagements to maximize both reach and engagement

Inclusive Production Approach – Overcame internal challenges like management resistance, undervaluation of lubricant products, and skepticism about a mature brand ambassador—through collaborative script workshops, inclusive stakeholder sessions, and a balanced narrative that didn't let Dravid overshadow the MAK brand.

Impact

  • Emotional and Relatable Brand Messaging
    By integrating Dravid into everyday “slice of life” conversations, the campaign made MAK Lubricants emotionally resonant and memorable.
  • Differentiation in a Technical Category 

The campaign stood out among technical oil ads by weaving humor, lifestyle, and reliability—creating a unique recall.

  • Organic Social & Influencer Traction 

The tagline, such as "Kabhi engine oil ke baare mein itna socha hai", organically appeared in influencer content, memes, and stand-up routines, further boosting visibility.

  • Media & Industry Recognition 

The campaign received acclaim in publications for creative distinction and high engagement relative to contemporaneous World Cup ads

Project at-a-glance

Authority: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) — MAK Lubricants

Location: India (National Campaign)

Project Execution Year: 2023–24 (Campaign aired October 2023)