McDonald’s India – North and East has announced actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, marking a nostalgic homecoming as she was featured in the brand's 2011 ad film to spotlight its McAloo Tikki.

Now, Arjun has once again partnered with the brand, this time to highlight its Buddy Meal for two.

The film returns to the same park bench setting from the original ad. This time, however, the man asks Arjun whether they are boyfriend and girlfriend. Arjun responds that in today’s day and age, boyfriends have become far more demanding and expect princess treatment. The man then hints that all he really wants is a McAloo Tikki, just like she did in the earlier film. Arjun playfully replies, asking if she is supposed to watch him eat it simply. The film then transitions to a voiceover introducing the Buddy Meal offer. It closes with the two happily sharing the Buddy Meal, reinforcing the campaign’s message: Khao Meal, Baat Ke (eat a meal and share). 

What we think about it: The film smartly taps into nostalgia by recreating Sara Arjun’s memorable childhood McDonald’s moment, turning a familiar pop culture reference into a simple hook for the Buddy Meal. However, the emotional payoff largely works only for those who remember the original ad, making the narrative feel predictable and less impactful for newer audiences.

Anant Agarwal, vice chairman, MMG Group and CPRL, said, “At McDonald’s India – North and East, we have always believed in creating moments that bring people together. Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”