What Can Marketers Learn from Aamir Khan’s Movie Promotions?
What Can Marketers Learn from Aamir Khan’s Movie Promotions?
What if I told you that one of Bollywood’s biggest stars also happens to be one of its greatest marketers? Just like tech companies build hype before launching products, actor Aamir Khan has consistently used creative marketing strategies to turn his movies into nationwide events. Let’s decode some of the most innovative techniques he has used.
- Collaborative Marketing
This involves using the existing audience of other brands to promote your product.
For his movie Talaash, he collaborated with the hit TV show CID, portraying his onscreen character as an inspector. For Thugs of Hindostan, he collaborated with Google Maps, where users were guided to their destination accompanied by Aamir Khan’s character. In Laal Singh Chaddha, he teamed up with Radio FM for a song podcast, and with Star Sports to release the trailer during the IPL final.
2. Below-the-Line Promotions
This strategy involves using unconventional or alternate marketing approaches.
For his debut film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, posters were placed on rickshaws across Mumbai. For Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, he used extensive digital marketing, especially pop-up ads. During 3 Idiots, he used ads on rickshaws with stickers that read “Capacity: 3 Idiots.”
For Ghajini, 1,500 multiplex staff members were given the ‘Ghajini haircut,’ ensuring that even audiences coming for other movies were made aware of the film.
3. Creating Conversations
This technique focuses on surprising the audience or sparking debates to get people talking.
For Taare Zameen Par, he hosted live chats with parents and children. During 3 Idiots, he traveled across the country in disguise and challenged people to find him. For Dangal, he released the now-famous “Fat to Fit” transformation video. For PK, the radio-covering poster created significant intrigue and sparked widespread conversations.
In all these instances, he successfully encouraged people to talk about his movies.
Conclusion
Aamir Khan’s marketing techniques prove that marketing is the lifeblood of any venture, and we must never stop learning from wherever we can. His innovations in film promotion serve as powerful examples for marketers across all industries.