Airbnb has rolled out a new campaign featuring actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, using a narrative-led film to spotlight changing travel preferences among Indian consumers.
Set in Koh Samui, the film follows the couple during a post-wedding getaway, framed around a private villa stay booked through Airbnb. Rather than focusing on destination-led storytelling, the campaign centres on personal, everyday moments shared between the couple and their close circle.
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The narrative unfolds through a series of informal scenes — from quiet mornings and time spent by the pool to music and conversations within the villa. A voiceover based on the couple’s wedding notes to each other runs through the film, adding a personal layer to the storytelling. Lines such as “My husband… still getting used to saying that”, “My best friend. That part hasn’t changed”, and “she’ll always dance like no one’s watching” are used to anchor these moments.
Speaking about their experience, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna said, “For us, travel has always been about making new memories with our friends and family and staying in an Airbnb always makes it that really easy, we could all be together in one space, hang out, play games, be in the pool and watch the sunset, enjoy good food, and experience the local culture in a more real, unfiltered way. It felt less like visiting, and more like living the place".
The villa itself — designed with large shared spaces and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living — plays a central role in the film, reflecting a shift towards accommodation that supports group experiences.
The campaign also aligns with broader travel trends. According to Airbnb, nearly 40% of summer searches by Indian travellers are for group stays, pointing to a growing preference for shared experiences. This includes the rise of ‘buddymoons’, where couples travel with friends and family to extend wedding celebrations.
