SRK, supercharged engines and summer showdowns: Castrol India’s latest ad packs a punch

Actor Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) is back in action, and this time, it’s not just his wit but Castrol Activ’s 3x protection that helps him outsmart the bad guys. In Castrol India’s latest campaign ‘#GarmiMeinBhi3xProtection’, he steps into the shoes of a tough cop chasing down criminals through Rajasthan’s unforgiving heat. While their bike overheats and stalls mid-chase, his bike—powered by Castrol Activ’s 3X Protection—keeps going, preventing overheating across start-up, running, and shutdown.

“The heat can be relentless, whether you are chasing criminals on screen or navigating real-life traffic,” said Shah Rukh Khan. “Castrol Activ’s 3X protection ensures that engines stay cool and bike keeps moving. It’s been great to collaborate with Castrol on this campaign, bringing this excellent product to life in a way that connects with every rider in India.”

Rohit Talwar, vice president and head of marketing, Castrol India, said, “This campaign not only reinforces Castrol Activ’s promise of 3X protection but also deepens our connection with bikers across the country by singularly addressing one of their biggest pain points.”

The film was conceptualised by Ogilvy India and the campaign is live across digital, print, and outdoor platforms in 10 languages. The TVC was debuted during the broadcast of the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.

“We wanted to create a campaign that felt as thrilling as an action film, while staying true to the product’s core benefit—superior engine protection,” said Sukesh Nayak, chief creative officer, Ogilvy India. “Shah Rukh Khan brings a magnetic presence to the screen, making this ad not just informative, but also incredibly entertaining.”

Castrol India has also lined up social media activations and influencer collaborations to amplify reach. The new Castrol Activ is now available at retail outlets and e-commerce platforms across India.

Campaign’s take: Shah Rukh Khan chasing criminals on a bike? That’s already a blockbuster setup. But in Castrol India’s latest campaign, #GarmiMeinBhi3xProtection, it’s not just SRK’s charm doing the heavy lifting—it’s Castrol Activ’s promise of keeping engines cool in the searing Indian heat.

The ad plays out like a full-throttle action sequence set against Rajasthan’s scorching landscape. As the villains’ bike overheats and sputters to a stop, SRK’s ride, backed by Castrol Activ’s 3X Protection, powers through. It’s a clever metaphor for bikers battling India’s brutal summers, where stalled engines are the real villains.

With high-octane drama, a cinematic chase, and a sprinkle of SRK’s signature swagger, the film is engineered for impact. It’s also well-timed—aired during the Champions Trophy final, just as cricket season gears up for a fever pitch. Smart move, considering cricket and bikes are near-religious obsessions in India.

While the cool engine, unstoppable ride message is clear, the campaign’s real horsepower comes from its mass appeal—10 languages, multi-platform presence, and a star who still commands attention. The only question: will bikers remember the oil, or just SRK outpacing the bad guys?