Bold Stunts That Made Brands Unforgettable

Sometimes, a simple promise isn’t enough. You have to make a statement—one so bold that it leaves a lasting impression. Some brands went above and beyond to prove a point, doing something crazy to show they meant business.

Let’s look at how Indian and international brands made unforgettable promises and delivered with jaw-dropping stunts.

Volvo, Red Bull, and Tata: Risky Moves That Paid Off

Volvo: The Epic Split

Volvo claims to build the safest trucks in the world. But how do they convince the world? They put two trucks side by side, moving at 15 mph down a highway. Jean-Claude Van Damme stands with one foot on each truck and performs his iconic split. The message? If it’s stable enough for that stunt, it’s stable enough for your cargo. The video goes viral, with over 100 million views, cementing Volvo’s safety claim.

Red Bull: Stratos Jump

Red Bull promised to give you wings, and they proved it by sending Felix Baumgartner to the edge of space. The daredevil skydived from 128,000 feet, breaking the sound barrier. The stunt was not only about extreme sports but also about pushing boundaries, a concept closely aligned with the brand’s core values. It became one of the most-watched live streams ever, making Red Bull synonymous with adventure.

Tata Motors: The Hexa Stunt

When Tata Motors launched the Hexa SUV, they wanted to prove its ruggedness. So, they organised a thrilling stunt where the Hexa towed a Boeing 737 aircraft, showcasing its immense power. The stunt went viral, and the Hexa earned a reputation as a rugged, durable SUV, perfect for Indian terrains.

Making Waves: Rolex, Amul, and Domino’s

Rolex: The Swim That Made History

In 1926, Rolex created the first waterproof watch. To prove its reliability, they partnered with Mercedes Gleitze, a British swimmer, who wore it while crossing the English Channel. The watch emerged unscathed, and the stunt became a legendary ad. Today, Rolex is synonymous with durability and prestige, selling over 1.2 million watches annually.

Amul: Butter on the Billboard

Amul’s iconic butter girl is not just a mascot but a storyteller. In 1996, during a heated political controversy, Amul displayed a giant billboard in Mumbai with the message “Utterly Butterly Political.” The cheeky wordplay and bold stance grabbed attention and proved that Amul was fearless regarding social commentary. The brand’s witty advertising became a cultural phenomenon.

Domino’s Pizza: 30 Minutes or Free

In the 1970s, Domino’s wanted to make a statement about speed. They introduced the “30 minutes or free” delivery promise. They aired commercials with delivery drivers dodging traffic and rushing to the customer’s door to emphasise how fast they were. The stunt was risky, but it worked—Domino’s became the go-to for quick, reliable pizza.

Vacuuming the Impossible: Dyson, Fevicol, and Nike

Dyson: The Bowling Ball Trick

In the 1990s, Dyson wanted to showcase the power of its vacuum. James Dyson did something unexpected—he used the vacuum to lift a bowling ball. The demonstration was so absurdly practical that it caught everyone’s attention at trade shows and on TV. The stunt cemented Dyson’s reputation for powerful suction.

Fevicol: The Elephant Challenge

Fevicol, India’s leading adhesive brand, pulled off a memorable stunt in the early 2000s. They glued a bench to the ground and invited people to lift it—unsuccessfully. Then, they showed an elephant trying to move it, still in vain. The message was clear: Fevicol’s bond is unbreakable. The ad became an instant hit, and the brand remains a household name.

Nike: Breaking Records with Kipchoge

When Nike launched its Zoom Vaporfly shoes, it wanted to prove its performance claim. So, it partnered with Eliud Kipchoge to break the two-hour marathon barrier. The event was staged with scientific precision, but the achievement was monumental. Kipchoge finished in 1:59:40, and the shoes became an icon of human potential and innovation.

The Subtle Science: Why Bold Stunts Work

Without uttering a single word, a perfect visual can convey your entire brand story. These stunts worked because they didn’t just make claims; they backed them up in a way that left no room for doubt.

Whether it’s Volvo’s precision, Tata’s power, or Dyson’s strength, these brands have shown their promise rather than just talking about it.

The Takeaway: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Making a claim is one thing; proving it is another. Whether a global giant or a local legend, your brand’s story needs a visual punch to stay memorable. Take a leap, be bold, and your story will resonate long after the stunt ends.