Visual communication giant Canva, boasting over 190 million monthly active users worldwide, has made a bold move to deepen its connection with the Indian market.
As part of its ongoing ‘Dil Se, Design Tak’ campaign, Canva has released a series of 12 captivating ad films that ingeniously merge historical charm with modern design challenges. These films, collectively known as ‘Hysterical Historical Café,’ offer a humorous yet insightful exploration of Canva’s versatile tools.
Set in a quirky café that transcends time and space, the ‘Hysterical Historical Café’ brings together iconic figures from different historical periods, placing them in scenarios where they tackle contemporary tasks using Canva’s innovative features. Whether it’s Christopher Columbus utilizing the Magic Eraser to perfect his photos,
the Wright Brothers crafting a compelling presentation with Magic Design,
a medieval knight executing his entrepreneurial vision through Magic Media, each film is a testament to Canva’s user-friendly and powerful tools,
This imaginative setting, where past and present collide, serves as the perfect backdrop to demonstrate how Canva empowers users of all kinds—be it solopreneurs, content creators, or large enterprises—to bring their ideas to life effortlessly. The campaign is designed to resonate with a diverse audience, from students and professionals to small businesses and large corporations, underscoring Canva’s commitment to making design accessible to everyone.
The campaign, developed in partnership with OML Entertainment, showcases Canva’s brand ethos through a playful yet effective narrative. By blending humor with practicality, the ad films highlight Canva’s capability to simplify the design process, making it an indispensable tool for creative expression in today’s fast-paced digital world. According to Chandrika Deb, Canva India’s growth and marketing lead, the campaign aims to connect with over 100 million active internet users in India, further solidifying Canva’s position in one of its fastest-growing markets.
Deb expressed her excitement about the launch, noting, “The ‘Hysterical Historical Café’ series is a reflection of Canva’s mission to democratize visual communication. By incorporating humor and relatable scenarios, we want to showcase the endless possibilities that Canva offers, empowering everyone to unleash their creativity with ease.”
For OML Entertainment, this collaboration with Canva has been a thrilling creative journey. The agency’s ‘Brands As Creators’ approach, which emphasizes turning brands into engaging storytellers, is on full display in this campaign. Manav Parekh, senior VP and executive creative director at OML, shared that working on the project allowed the team to push creative boundaries, thanks to the trust and encouragement from Canva’s team.
“We wanted to show how Canva makes design accessible to everyone, so why not extend that idea beyond everyday humans? We envisioned a world where even dinosaurs, queens, and Nobel laureates could benefit from Canva’s tools. The result is a series of ad films that are as entertaining as they are insightful,” Parekh explained.
As Canva continues to expand its footprint in India, the ‘Dil Se, Design Tak’ campaign plays a crucial role in reinforcing the brand’s localization strategy. With India emerging as Canva’s fifth-largest market, the campaign is not just about promoting a product—it’s about connecting with a vast and diverse audience on a deeper level. By showcasing how Canva can transform creative ideas into reality, the campaign encourages users across all sectors to explore the platform’s full potential.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Canva’s latest campaign is a reminder of the power of creativity, accessibility, and innovation. Through the lens of humor and historical whimsy, ‘Hysterical Historical Café’ delivers a powerful message: no matter who you are or where you come from, Canva is the tool that can bring your vision to life.