McDonald’s India – North and East has announced actor Sara Arjun as its new Brand Ambassador, marking a nostalgic return for the young star who once appeared in a memorable McDonald’s television commercial as a child.
Years later, Sara reunites with the brand in a new campaign introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering designed for friends who enjoy sharing food and moments together. The campaign taps into nostalgia by recreating the classic “girlfriend–boyfriend” banter from the original advertisement while adding a modern, humorous twist.
The Buddy Meal, priced at ₹119, includes two burgers either McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise along with two Cokes and one medium fries, bringing together some of McDonald’s most popular items in a meal meant for two.
The newly released film captures a playful conversation between Sara and her buddy, where she jokes about how relationships today have become “too demanding,” with expectations of grand gestures and “princess treatment.” The humour unfolds when her buddy admits that all he really wants is a McAloo Tikki, highlighting the idea that simple joys often matter the most.
The banter concludes with the voiceover: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just ₹119.” The film ends with the duo happily sharing the meal, reinforcing the campaign message “Khao Meal, Baat Ke,” which celebrates sharing, simplicity and value.
Link to the campaign:
Anant Agarwal, Vice Chairman, MMG Group and CPRL, said, “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.”
For Sara Arjun, the campaign marks a personal milestone as she reconnects with a brand she has been associated with since childhood.
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.”
The Buddy Meal is available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, and can be ordered via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s app and leading food delivery platforms.
