McDonald's India has announced actor Sara Arjun as its new brand ambassador, marking a nostalgic return for the young star who had earlier appeared in a popular McDonald’s television commercial as a child.
The collaboration coincides with the launch of a new campaign introducing the Buddy Meal, a value-led offering designed for friends who enjoy sharing meals together.
Priced at ₹119, the Buddy Meal includes two burgers, with customers able to choose between the McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise, along with two Coca-Cola beverages and one medium fries.
The campaign film recreates the playful “girlfriend–boyfriend” banter from the brand’s earlier advertisement featuring Arjun, blending nostalgia with humour. In the ad, Arjun jokes about how relationships today have become “too demanding”, with her friend expecting grand gestures and “princess treatment”.
The moment turns light-hearted when her companion admits he simply wants a McAloo Tikki, highlighting the campaign’s core message that simple joys often matter the most.
The film ends with the voiceover line, “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just ₹119,” and closes with the duo sharing the meal together.
Commenting on the association, Anant Agarwal, Vice Chairman, MMG Group and CPRL, “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.”
Sharing her thoughts, Actor Sara Arjun said, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends, and it’s wonderful to be part of a story that brings back such fond memories while creating new ones.”
By bringing back a familiar face from one of its memorable campaigns, McDonald’s India – North and East taps into the nostalgia many customers feel for the brand while inviting a new generation to create their own moments at McDonald’s.
Available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India for a limited period, the Buddy Meal can be enjoyed via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading food delivery platforms.
