Nov 03, 2026 4:33pm IST
From Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans to Tom Cruise: Why Hollywood Stars Are Sending Indian Audiences Special Messages
Hollywood stars sending special messages to Indian fans is hardly a new phenomenon. However, the practice has evolved beyond the customary promotional shoutout, with studios increasingly finding ways to make their campaigns relevant to audiences in the country. The latest example comes from Marvel Studios, which enlisted Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans to deliver a Diwali greeting ahead of "Avengers: Doomsday".
The video shows Downey Jr., who plays Doctor Doom, and Evans, who returns as Steve Rogers, addressing fans with a "Namaste India" before extending their festive wishes. The actors also draw a playful parallel between Diwali's symbolism of moving from darkness to light and the darker direction their upcoming Marvel adventure might take.
But Marvel is not alone in adopting this approach. Over the past few years, Hollywood studios have increasingly used localized video messages, cultural references and direct acknowledgments of Indian fandom to build excitement around major releases.
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Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman brought their humor to India
Ahead of the July 2024 release of "Deadpool & Wolverine," Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman sent Indian fans a special video message through Marvel India's social media channels.
The actors opened with a "Namaste India" before delivering a typically irreverent pitch for their superhero team-up. The duo wrapped up with the Hindi phrase "Phaad denge sabki," giving the promotional video a distinctly local flavor.
The message suited the film's irreverent marketing style. Rather than relying on a conventional announcement, Reynolds and Jackman used their familiar chemistry to create a clip consistent with the film's personality. It demonstrated how acknowledging a local audience while retaining a star's signature persona can make a promotional message more memorable.
Tom Cruise spoke Hindi to connect with Indian audiences
In May 2025, Tom Cruise offered another example of Hollywood's efforts to engage Indian fans while promoting "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning."
Ahead of the film's Indian release, Cruise appeared in a promotional interaction with actor Avneet Kaur, where he attempted to speak Hindi and expressed his affection for the country. His line, "Main aap sabse bahut pyaar karta hoon," meaning "I love you all very much," caught the attention of fans on social media.
Cruise also spoke about his admiration for Indian culture and Indian cinema, expressing an interest in making a Bollywood-style film. The interaction went beyond asking audiences to watch his latest action spectacle, allowing fans to see a more personal side of the Hollywood star.
James Gunn and the new Superman acknowledged India's fandom
When "Superman" arrived in Indian cinemas on July 11, 2025, director James Gunn and stars David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan had a special message for audiences in the country.
In a video shared by Warner Bros India, Gunn expressed his appreciation for Indian fans, while Corenswet encouraged viewers to watch the film, signing off with the superhero's familiar call to action: "Look up."
The video also included a distinctly Indian pop-culture reference. Gunn was asked about the viral clip of Govinda dressed as Superman in the 1988 film "Dariya Dil". The director had previously shared the meme online and responded enthusiastically when it was brought up again.
Diwali greetings have long been part of Hollywood promotions
Hollywood stars have also used India's festive calendar to connect with audiences. In October 2016, Vin Diesel and Deepika Padukone came together to wish fans a happy and safe Diwali while promoting "xXx: Return of Xander Cage," which marked Padukone's Hollywood debut.
Diesel delivered his festive greeting in Hindi, with Padukone helping him along, before the pair reminded viewers about their upcoming film. The timing allowed the campaign to tap into the festive mood while drawing attention to a release that was particularly significant for Indian audiences because of Padukone's involvement.
Why these messages matter
These videos may last only a few seconds, but they serve a clear purpose. They allow studios to acknowledge audiences in individual markets without necessarily bringing their stars to every country during a promotional tour. They also provide shareable content that can circulate across social media, helping films remain part of online conversations in the run-up to release.
India's substantial audience for Hollywood franchises, particularly superhero films, makes such engagement relevant. A message delivered directly by a familiar star can make fans feel acknowledged, while references to local languages, festivals and pop culture give international campaigns a more personal dimension.
An early theatrical release can add another incentive. By allowing Indian audiences to watch a film before its US release, studios can position the market as an important part of a film's global launch rather than simply another stop on its international release calendar.
For Marvel, the "Avengers: Doomsday" campaign brings these elements together. Downey Jr. and Evans are among the franchise's most recognizable stars, Diwali offers a timely cultural connection, and the December 17 release date gives Indian audiences a chance to watch the film ahead of the US.
Whether these messages translate into ticket sales is another question. But as Hollywood studios look for ways to make global blockbusters resonate with audiences across markets, one thing is clear: a little local flavor can go a long way.
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