Fooling with flair: Brands indulge in playful tricks for the Fool's Day

Ixigo flips Fool’s Day with real refunds

Ixigo launched ‘April Full Refund Sale’ campaign, which initially appeared to be an April Fool’s prank but proved to be a genuine offer. The campaign, announced on 31 March 2025 through a creative video featuring ixigo’s co-founders, led to widespread speculation about whether the promotion was real. Running from 11 AM to 9 PM, the sale allowed ixigo users to receive a full refund on their domestic and international flight bookings.

Every hour during the sale, 10 winners were randomly selected from new flight bookings. The refunded amount, equivalent to the full booking value, was credited to the winners’ ixigo accounts as ixigo money. This credit can be used for future travel bookings on the ixigo app or website within 90 days.

The campaign combined an element of surprise with consumer engagement, as winners were announced via Instagram Reels throughout the day. Despite initial doubts and debates among users over the legitimacy of the offer, the initiative turned into a real reward for travel enthusiasts.

Axar Patel pranks fans with Pickleball retirement announcement

Indian cricketer Axar Patel has surprised fans by announcing his retirement from cricket to pursue pickleball, claiming he aimed to become a world champion in the sport. The playful announcement was revealed as part of Pocket FM’s April Fool’s Day campaign, adding a touch of humour to the day.

Axar Patel’s video, posted on social media, initially left fans in disbelief before the twist was revealed. The prank was part of Pocket FM’s ongoing ‘India Kuch Acha Suno!’ initiative, highlighting the brand’s unique audio experience offering. Fans reacted with amusement and appreciation for the light-hearted nature of the prank.

Kerala agency uses AI hype for Fool’s Day prank

Blusteak Media, a Kerala-based agency, has pulled off an April Fool’s prank by launching a fake AI tool named Blu AI. Marketed as an advanced platform capable of creating branded social media content, the tool was revealed to be a well-executed joke.

The Blu AI campaign, designed to spoof the rising AI trend, led users through a simulated process of generating branded creatives before revealing the prank. Social media reactions poured in, with users sharing screenshots of their interactions and laughing at their own gullibility.

Ambuja Neotia announces ‘Underwater Mall’ for the Fool’s Day

Ambuja Neotia Group has left social media buzzing with an April Fool’s Day announcement of the world’s first underwater shopping mall. The post promised a unique retail experience beneath the ocean, featuring everything from stores to a food court and multiplex.

However, as the day unfolded, it was revealed to be a playful April Fool’s prank, designed to bring some joy and creativity into the corporate world. The announcement encouraged a reflection on the importance of balancing hard work with moments of light-heartedness and imagination.

MPokket’s campaign focuses on personal finance

Digital lending platform mPokket marked April Fools’ Day with a campaign titled ‘Nazar Lag Gayi’ (Struck by bad luck due to the evil eye), playfully attributing financial struggles to the concept of the ‘evil eye’. The campaign introduced ‘Nazar Protection’ (Vision protection), a fictional service designed to safeguard users’ money through symbolic methods such as black threads around wallets, lemon and green chillies for bank accounts, and a UPI sticker warning against financial misfortune.

The initiative highlighted common financial challenges faced by young professionals, blending humour with financial awareness. It also included an ‘Anti-Nazar Loan’ (Evil Eye Protection Loan) as a fictional safety net for those who find their wallets empty soon after payday. While the campaign is a prank with its release timed with April 1, mPokket emphasises the importance of responsible financial habits and planning.

Hyphen unveils Mango lip balm innovation

In an interesting turn of events, a brand’s April Fool prank led to its introduction of a new product. Hyphen launched Mango Lip Balm with SPF 50 PA++++ on 5 March 2025 following consumer requests for a mango-flavoured lip balm with higher sun protection. The product originated from an April Fool’s campaign in 2024 that presented a mango-flavoured lip balm concept. The product contains Kojic Acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E and is designed to provide hydration, reduce lip pigmentation and protect lips from sun exposure.

The lip balm is part of Hyphen’s Lipscreen range and is available on the official website and major e-commerce platforms across India. Consumer demand prompted the brand to develop the product, with feedback leading to a higher SPF version. The launch was executed in collaboration with Mango Bite.

Hyphen detailed the product’s formulation and intended benefits, explaining that the new variant responds directly to consumer feedback. The Mango Lip Balm is included in a broader lip care portfolio that offers various solutions aimed at effective hydration and protection.

Clovia & Hilary Rhoda’s April Fools’ Day campaign sparks buzz

Clovia and Hilary Rhoda launched a playful April Fools’ Day campaign featuring a bra with a built-in pocket for lip balm and lipstick, designed as a humorous nod to multitasking. The fictional product quickly captured attention across social media, generating widespread conversation before the brands revealed the prank.

The campaign connected with women by addressing a relatable everyday issue in a lighthearted manner.

RiteBite promotes healthy snacking

RiteBite Max Protein has launched a disruptive April Fools’ campaign aimed at addressing unhealthy eating habits. In collaboration with Schbang, the campaign targets the common temptation to indulge in junk food, especially during late-night cravings. Instead of offering the usual cheat meal, users who clicked on a series of food ads were met with a message promoting self-awareness about their diet choices.

The campaign, which ran on social media platforms, mimicked food delivery ads and deals commonly seen by users. However, these were not from actual food brands but from a fake account named 'The Cheat Meal Club'. The strategy highlighted the ritualistic nature of diet cheating, particularly in moments of weakness when users are tempted by discounts and food advertisements.

Through this campaign, RiteBite Max Protein advocated for a no-cheating approach to healthy living.