Tough year for India at Cannes Lions 2019, feel ad honchos

India has been steadily winning Bronzes and that occasional Silver at Cannes Lions 2019. However, Gold has been elusive so far. Grand Prix seems to be a distant dream as the festival wraps up today (June 21, 2019). 

We at Adgully asked some of the Lion winners this year on what they thought about India’s performance at Cannes Lions this year. 

Govind Pandey, CEO, TBWA/India:

“India has featured in some new interesting categories, thanks to Dentsu Webchutney. From 2 Grand Prix last year, we are still waiting for a Gold so far. Qualitatively looking difficult to beat, we may probably end up doing the same number of metals as last year.” 

Rohit Ohri, Chairman & CEO, FCB India:

“The India tally is not looking great right now. We have still not won a Gold. Possible opportunities exist for us in Film, Creative Effectiveness and Glass.” 

Yashaswini Samat, Chairman and Managing Director, GREY Group India:
“This looks like a tough year for India at Cannes Lions. I think the big wins combine use of interesting innovative technology with storytelling to create a larger-than-life impact. We in India probably need to get better with that. What wins is a combination of great human insight with use of tech/ collaborations leading to scaled impact. Insightful storytelling alone is not enough.” 

Azazul Haque, CCO, Mullen Lintas:
“I don’t see India’s tally exceed last year’s. However, it’s heartening to see winners in new categories and in new age mediums. It’s great to see new names from India at Cannes Lions, Especially to see agencies performing well across various mediums, shining at the festival. Categories related to the digital are doing exceedingly well. Direct, Film Craft and Mobile are the future categories that India should focus on for the future.”