Who will you cast your vote for?

While movie trailers are supposed to give one an idea of what to expect, it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to selling a film today. Film marketing has gone way beyond the usual and has come to appreciate and acknowledge the theme of the film to a large extent. The film is about a rockstar- let’s have a rock concert, the film is about an item girl- let’s get her jiggy on stage. The latest being- the Gangs of Wasseypur franchise that plans to promote an electoral campaign through the streets of Mumbai and Delhi to promote the second installment of the political thriller. This initiative would be conducted by plastering the city with political posters where the two opposing contestants from the movie would be vying for your vote. While the first part of the film garnered rave reviews, it left audiences curious and excited about the sequel. And this political campaign would surely connect with those who can't wait to know what happens in Part 2.

Here are a few other innovative film promotions in recent times:

Exclusive scene from Dangerous Ishhq

While most filmmakers rigidly guard the plot of their films, Vikram Bhatt actually chose to release a part of his film ‘Dangerous Ishhq’ before the release to create hype about it. Whether this one of kind idea managed to excite or thrill is up for you to decide. Watch the above video and take a call on whether it makes or breaks your multiplex plan for the weekend.

While most filmmakers rigidly guard the plot of their films, Vikram Bhatt actually chose to release a part of his film ‘Dangerous Ishhq’ before the release to create hype about it. Whether this one of kind idea managed to excite or thrill is up for you to decide. Watch the above video and take a call on whether it makes or breaks your multiplex plan for the weekend.

Don ko khelna mumkin hain

SRK promoting the Don 2 board game

Apart from endorsing a couple of dozen brands that were associated with Don2, SRK even retailed his virtual reality fantasy through a board game based on the film. While the response to the film was fairly critical, SRK’s many antics to market it surely paid off as it created a bit more than the anticipated hype for the film.

TV number one!

Stars appearing on popular TV shows to promote their films

When stars make a special appearance on TV shows, everyone is happy. The TV actors are delighted to rub shoulders with their idols, the stars are happy to casually talk about their upcoming blockbuster and the audience is happy to note that their favourite on the idiot box is considered important enough to be used as a marketing platform. Here you see Aamir and Vidya making guest appearances on popular TV soaps to promote their films.

Aam aadmi in Shanghai

Director Dibakar Banerjee and Emraan Hashmi at the music launch of 'Shanghai

What better way to connect with the mango man than by showing up at promotional events in an autorickshaw? Recently at a promotional event for Shanghai- a film based on India’s dream to convert several cities and small towns into Shanghai. While India may or may not achieve this dream, director Dibakar Banerjee seems determined to leave no stone unturned in promoting his film.

Promotional picnic

The ZNMD team heading for a road trip to promote their film

Since ZNMD was being marketed a road trip film, just having press conferences or showing up on TV shows and radio channels wasn’t going to cut it. So the lead cast decided to embark on a road trip (just like they do in the film) to promote the film. Snippets of their adventures and misadventures were shared as video blogs and the overall activity ensured the soul of the film was endorsed before the film released. Some promotional picnic this.

For the love of promotion

Prateik proposed to Amy Jackson at a suburban college in Mumbai to promote their film

Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson declared their love for each other at a suburban college in Mumbai to promote their film ‘Ek Deewana Tha’. While this wild and carefree style of introducing the audience to their characters in the film was refreshing, it failed to do much for the film itself which was fiercely criticized.

Cast and crew for sale

The 'Love Breakups Zindagi' team selling tickets at PVR in Mumbai

When you’re really desperate and uncertain of whether people will show up to watch your film, what do you do? You show up at a multiplex and start selling tickets yourself. That is just what the cast and crew of ‘Love Breakups Zindagi’ did by selling tickets at PVR Juhu.

Rock like a marketer

Ranbir Kapoor was sure that if he didn’t perform live at several events his film ‘Rockstar’ would never manage to generate the kind of hype needed to deliver a hit. So teaming up the music maestro A R Rahman and singer Mohit Chauhan, Ranbir performed on several songs from his film at several concerts that led up to the release of the film.

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