Kartik Aaryan Brings Back the Spirit of ‘Yaari’ in McDowell’s Latest Campaign

House of McDowell Soda, in collaboration with Publicis Groupe India’s Team Spirit, has launched its new campaign, ‘Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0’, rekindling the timeless joy of friendship. The film, titled ‘Karo Kuch Pehli Baar Jab Saath Hon Yaar’, celebrates how friendship gives people the courage to try something new and turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.

Celebrating Friendship and Firsts

The latest McDowell’s Soda campaign dives deep into the essence of ‘yaari’ — the spirit of friendship that defines countless shared experiences. Starring brand ambassador Kartik Aaryan, the film captures the emotional yet humorous moments that come with first-time adventures, made special because of friends.

The narrative follows Kartik motivating a hesitant friend to take a leap of faith, symbolising how true friends inspire courage and confidence. With its playful reimagining of iconic “firsts” — from landing on the moon to creating social media — the campaign showcases how every milestone feels easier when shared with friends.

A Fun, Fresh Take on McDowell’s ‘Yaari’ Legacy

For decades, McDowell’s Soda has stood for friendship and camaraderie. With ‘Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0’, the brand reinvents this legacy for a new generation. The film uses humour, nostalgia, and high energy to connect with youth who value friendship.

Varun Koorichh, Vice President & Portfolio Head – Marketing, Diageo India, shared the brand’s vision:

“Friendship has always been at the heart of House of McDowell’s Soda, and with Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0, we’re taking that legacy forward for a new generation. The firsts we share with friends often shape us the most. Through this campaign, we want to inspire young people to create those unforgettable stories together.”

The statement perfectly encapsulates the campaign’s essence — celebrating the power of shared firsts that build lifelong bonds.

The Creative Vision Behind the Campaign

Saatchi & Saatchi India reimagined McDowell’s ‘yaari’ promise for today’s youth.

Kartik Smetacek, Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi India, explained:

“The brief was to reinterpret McDowell’s ‘yaari’ promise for the next generation. We began with a simple truth — that many of our first-time experiences happen with friends. The idea gave ‘yaari’ a grand stage in history while keeping it witty and light-hearted.”

The campaign weaves humour into nostalgic storytelling, blending emotion and modern relatability to keep McDowell’s spirit alive across generations.

Kartik Aaryan: The Face of Friendship

As the face of McDowell Soda, Kartik Aaryan embodies the brand’s energy, warmth, and authenticity. Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, he said:

“My journey with House of McDowell Soda has always been about celebrating the magic of yaari.

Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0 shows how moments with your yaars give you courage, bring out your best, and create unforgettable stories.

His presence adds star power while keeping the campaign rooted in everyday relatability.

Extending the Celebration Across Platforms

The ‘Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0’ campaign extends across digital, social media, and OOH platforms, ensuring widespread engagement. McDowell’s Soda uses emotional storytelling and a playful tone to celebrate timeless, heartfelt friendship.

With Kartik Aaryan at the forefront, McDowell’s Soda delivers a campaign that rekindles the joy of friendship for today’s generation. ‘Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0’ turns every first with friends into a story worth telling through humour, nostalgia, and creativity.