8 Malaysian brand films that shone bright this Deepavali

Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. As Hindu families decorate their homes with lights, and prepare delicious meals and snacks, it is truly a time for family reunion and celebration.

In conjunction with the festivities, brands have also released festive ads aimed at tugging on your heartstrings, tickling your funny bone and bringing people together. From Taylor’s University to Mr D.I.Y., here are A+M’s favourite Deepavali campaigns this year.

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1. Air Selangor

What is Deepavali without eating one too many crunchy Murukku swirls? Air Selangor’s Deepavali ad starts off with a Murukku crisis at Ramaiah’s home when she injures herself right before she is about to start making Murukku for her family.

As her daughters-in-law enthusiastically volunteer to help Ramaiah, she remains skeptical and even says that while she trust these women with her sons, she would not do the same with her Murukku. The ad is filled with hilarious moments as the family’s expert Murukku maker attempts to teach them her ways.

2. Astro

Astro Malaysia has teamed up with dairy company Fernleaf for a Deepavali song that aims to light up the Deepavali celebrations.

The music video begins with a daughter looking back at the times she participated in talent shows when she was younger. 

At all these moments, she had her mother cheered her on. When delightful beat begins to play, the music video takes on a more cheerful tone as individuals dance and sing to encapsulate the vibrant spirit of the season.

3. Mr. D.I.Y.

Alongside festive deals, Malaysian home improvement retailer, MR D.I.Y. Group, released a short film in celebration of Deepavali. Titled “Maya’s Unspoken Wish”, the film revolves around a young girl named Maya as she musters up the courage to get her haircut at a barber.

The film then reveals that Maya wanted to cut her hair to donate it to charity. As Maya celebrates Deepavali with her family and her new short hairdo, the film puts forth the message that a little act of kindness will spread a light of hope to others.

4. Perodua

Titled “Time Well Spent”, automobile maker Perodua’s Deepavali ad highlights the time and effort that goes into making sure one’s home is ready to usher in the Festival of Lights. The ad shows a paatti (grandma) hard at work perfecting her aromatic mutton curry masala which has taken her eight hours.

The viewer is then brought to the front of the house where the family is busy decorating with the time taken for festive preparations shown to be six hours and seven hours for the Rangoli (coloured rice decoration) alone. By emphasising the long hours taken for each task, Perodua reminds Malaysians that each aspect of Deepavali preparation is not time wasted and how great preparation leads to greater happiness.

5. RHB Bank

This year, RHB Bank sat down with a group of children to figure out how much they knew about the Festival of Lights in an adorable video. They were asked questions such as the meaning of Deepavali, how many days Deepavali is celebrated and what is done on Deepavali morning. Viewers who may not be entirely familiar with Deepavali get to learn more about the festival along with the children.

"Shining a light on our diversity promotes appreciation and progress," the video's message reads. 

6. Sunway Group

Sunway Group Malaysia has released a heart-warming short film that follows Priya and her friends who come up with innovative ways to celebrate Deepavali through challenging times. Priya’s excitement to help her parents get their home in shape for Deepavali is dashed when she falls sick.

However, with the help of the Sunway Super App, Priya’s friends help order groceries for her parents and send her links for festive clothing to keep her spirits up. As digitalisation plays an important role in the film, the brand aims to show how a digital transformation journey can change the lives of communities for the better.

7. Taylor’s University

Taylor’s University recently released its Deepavali festive film, titled “Not For Rent”. In the spirit of Deepavali, the short film explores the real-life experiences of the Malaysian Indian community and carries a profound message about fostering understanding and respect.

The film follows the narrative of an Indian father looking for a home to rent with his family. He faces multiple rejections, with agents telling him that their clients prefer not to rent to Indians.

He finally reaches out to a property agent, persuading her to give his family a chance. The film is a powerful portrayal of how empathy and an open mind can transform stereotypes and cultivate deeper mutual understandings.

8. Toyota

This Deepavali, Toyota sheds light on the significance of the festival for Malaysians in its new short film. The film begins with the tradition of creating elaborate figures using coloured rice called Kolam or Rangoli in the shape of a peacock. This peacock then comes to life as it soars through a city with a Toyota car following it.

“This is a celebration of traditions, family, flavours, dance, music and arts. All weaved in to form the fabric of our country Malaysia,” said the narrator in the film.

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