PETRONAS brings to life the spirit of Deepavali with latest film

PETRONAS has collaborated with Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS), the media-fuelled creative content practice within the IPG Mediabrands network, to launch a festive film in the spirit of Deepavali, following the year’s celebrations.

Don’t miss: PETRONAS taps on the nostalgia of Sudirman Arshad in National Day film

Also known as Sikat Nasihat (Vett’il Oru Velicham in Tamil), the festive film spans over five minutes, illustrating the value of community in the barbershop of Manosh, which has become a place for comfort and familiarity.

Within the film, Manosh is seen giving a free haircut to a poor man who needs help getting ready for a job interview. The man then leaves the barbershop satisfied, with Manosh saying that his job as a barber does not stop at taking care of the customers’ hair, but their hearts as well.

The film was disseminated on all of PETRONAS’ social media channels and has garnered positive response from audiences.

“The team uncovered that no matter the race or creed, everyone, especially boys and men, have moments that they remember fondly with their barber. The barber shop – a service predominantly served by the Indian community – is more than just a place to have a haircut, it is a place of togetherness, shared experiences and a time to bond and build memories especially with parents and children,” said Yan Ghazaly, creative director at MBCS.

“We wanted to show this sense of it being generational, timeless, and cutting across cultures, and that’s what Manosh's Superstar Cuts is, a place that provides cherished moments to all who patron it and brings about immense joy,” Yan added.

According to the agency, the film also anchors on the PETRONAS festive theme of the year, otherwise known as ‘Roots of Our Future’. It aims to reemphasise and embed heritage, culture and customs into the festive films over the year.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information.

In conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day and Malaysia Day, PETRONAS has also released a nostalgic brand film titled “Rai”, featuring the late Sudirman Haji Arshad’s song Warisan and depicting the spirit of friendship and unity, bound by the nostalgic power of music.

Set in 1986, the film begins with a former PETRONAS employee named Amri, who picks up a cassette and reminisces about the time he and his friend, Maniam, moved to Kuala Lumpur as newly employed PETRONAS employees.

The biggest conference is back! Experience the future of marketing with 500+ brilliant minds at Digital Marketing Asia on 28 - 30 November in Singapore. Uncover groundbreaking strategies that connect leading brands with their target audiences effectively.

Related articles: 
PETRONAS releases two films in celebration of Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak
8 Malaysian brand films that shone bright this Deepavali
Parking lot safety not a Touch 'n Go matter in new brand film