Coca-Cola India, in collaboration with Ogilvy India, has launched a refreshingly original campaign for Coke Zero. Titled ‘Coke Zero Auditions’, the campaign swaps traditional branding for a minimalist, imaginative approach. It shows the product’s essence without ever showing the product itself.
Turning Auditions into Advertising
The campaign plays on a well-known acting technique. Aspiring actors were asked to pretend they were drinking Coke Zero—without holding a can. What started as an audition became the campaign itself.
Each clip captured the idea behind Coke Zero: full Coca-Cola taste, zero calories, and zero visual clutter. The invisible sip says it all.
Less Really Is More
By removing the expected elements—product shots, taglines, and branding—the campaign leans fully into the meaning of “zero.”
Greishma Singh, Vice President – Marketing, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, said, “We embraced a clever, simple idea. Instead of telling people about Coke Zero, we invited them to feel it. There’s no product in sight, but the message comes through loud and clear.”
The minimalist approach delivers impact. It shows that sometimes, less can say more—especially when the message is sharp.
A Creative Idea Rooted in the Name
Ogilvy India, part of WPP Open X, led the creative development. Their team used the product’s name as the foundation for the campaign concept.
“The word Zero gave us everything,” explained Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy India. “No props. No packaging. No tagline. Yet it works. Simplicity, when done right, is powerful.”
The idea flips expectations. Rather than shouting, it whispers—and people lean in.
A Targeted Digital Rollout
The campaign launched first on YouTube, followed by social media platforms. It focuses on a younger audience that prefers subtlety and originality over direct selling.
The execution also aligns with digital behaviours. It’s quick to grasp, easy to share, and emotionally sticky—without relying on loud branding.
Creative Team Behind the Magic
The campaign came to life through collaboration between Coca-Cola and Ogilvy’s top creative minds. These include Reed Collins, Sukesh Nayak, Harshad Rajadhyaksha, and Kainaz Karmakar. Production was handled by Good Morning Films, with post-production from Boxcutter.
From Coca-Cola’s side, Greishma Singh, Aabir Chatterjee, Pavan Nagpal, and Shrey Vig led the charge.
