India and Pakistan, two nations equally passionate about cricket, share an unmatched mania for the sport. Their spirit and dedication to the game are mirror images, reflecting equal madness and enthusiasm. Despite being geographical neighbours, their rivalry is unparalleled. Fans sit glued to their TVs every ICC tournament, awaiting the India vs Pakistan match that is watched by more people than any other sporting contest.
India-Pakistan cricketing rivalry aside, the fans engage in banter, and TV watchers enjoy the advertisements. Star Sports, the host broadcasters of the 2015 World Cup, came up with the most comical and genius advertisement to promote the India-Pakistan match. The ‘Mauka Mauka’ series started off with the imagery of a young Pakistani fan in Karachi saving firecrackers in hope of celebrating Pakistan’s first victory over India in World Cups. As time passes, the young boy’s disappointment heightens, and his dream of bursting crackers grows distant. The boy becomes a man, and through each World Cup, he continues his ritual, saving firecrackers and holding on to the hope that Pakistan will finally triumph over their rivals. This continues even till the time the young man has a boy of his own, exclaiming “kab phodenge yaar (when will we ever burst the firecrackers)?”
Ever since 2015, the ‘Mauka Mauka’ advertisement has followed a clever plot every World Cup, along with a catchy tune that Indian fans can’t help but sing out loud. Following the initial advertisement and the surreal love from the audience for the concept, more followed.
Following India's victory over Pakistan, India were set to play South Africa, a team they had not defeated in previous World Cup encounters. In this ad, the Indian fans were now on the receiving end, as two South Africans exclaimed that now it was their “Mauka”.
In the next ad, the Pakistani fans hopped onto South Africa’s wagon, wanting to see India defeated. They cheered alongside the SA fans only to be disappointed once again. Frustrated again, the protagonist threw the South African jersey.
In the next segment of the series, right after abandoning the South African cause, the Pakistani fan was greeted at the door by a UAE fan, bringing forth new hope that India might be on the losing end. Despite their limited experience in international cricket, the Pakistani fan clung to the slim chance of a UAE victory. When UAE lost their “mauka” to defeat India and faced the brunt of the Pakistan fan’s anger, the doorbell rang. It was a deliveryman adding salt to the Pakistani fan’s wound as he sang the tune of the “mauka mauka” jingle.
In the next few advertisements, The Pakistani supporter, now wearing an Indian jersey and carrying his firecrackers, wandered the streets of Mumbai. Subsequent ads took in the India-Bangladesh quarterfinal, where a musical duel between a lively bunch of Indian fans and a motley crew of supporters from every other team, including our ever-hopeful Pakistani fan, took centre stage. The theme? "World vs India."
Over the years, the 'Mauka Mauka' series has turned into a cultural phenomenon. Despite the rivalry, both audiences have embraced it with open arms. The clever plotlines, catchy tunes and witty banter have added an extra dimension to the viewing experience of Pakistan and India fans alike. Ultimately, the advertisements have united both audiences in the joy of friendly competition and playful camaraderie off the field.
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