MAM
HoABL unveils mixed reality campaign for Codename S.E.Z. Vrindavan
QR code brings peacock to life in Times of India ad, reaching 15 million viewers in 24 hours on 17 February 2026.
MUMBAI: A peacock just strutted off the newspaper page and into your phone proving that in Vrindavan, even print can spread its feathers in mixed reality. The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), India’s largest branded land developer, launched a mobile-first mixed reality experience for its Codename S.E.Z. (Spiritual Economic Zone) Vrindavan project around 17 February 2026. A simple QR code in The Times of India Delhi edition back-page ad triggered a peacock to spring to life, guiding users through an immersive visual tale of Vrindavan’s spiritual heritage before revealing the project’s ambitious vision via film-led storytelling.
Partnering with Flam, the enterprise mixed reality specialist, the activation blended motion, narrative, and seamless mobile interaction bridging old-school newspaper reading with smartphone habits in one frictionless flow.
The numbers flew high, roughly 15 million viewers in the first 24 hours across online and offline channels. On launch day alone, 57,000 unique individuals scanned the code for an impressive 8 per cent scan rate, diving into the MR journey.
HoABL amplified the buzz via creator-led content and its social platforms, racking up 2 million total views from HoABL plus influencer posts.
The House of Abhinandan Lodha chief marketing officer Saurabh Jain said, “For decades, Vrindavan has been among India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations… Codename S.E.Z. Vrindavan is conceived with deep respect for that legacy. Our communication reflects the same intent: to engage people in a way that doesn’t just attract attention but leaves a lasting imprint.”
Billed as the world’s only sensorial branded land development, the project features a grand clubhouse over 1 lakh square feet plus 40-plus amenities for an immersive living setup merging devotional proximity, heritage design, and modern infrastructure.
It ties into HoABL’s digital-first land-buying model, from discovery and docs to payments and registration, all backed by clear titles, approvals, and transparency making ownership feel less like a gamble and more like a confident step.
Whether you’re a pilgrim at heart, an investor eyeing spiritual hotspots, or just intrigued by tech-meets-tradition wizardry, this campaign turned a static ad into a portal reminding us that sometimes, the path to enlightenment starts with a quick scan.
Brands
Netflix acquires Ben Affleck’s AI film-tech firm InterPositive
Streaming giant picks up production startup to streamline digital filmmaking
LOS ANGELES: Netflix has officially acquired InterPositive, an AI film-technology startup founded by actor and director Ben Affleck. The move marks a significant investment by the streaming service into assistive AI tools designed to support the technical side of movie production. While many AI companies focus on generating new images or scripts, InterPositive focuses on the logistical challenges of filmmaking. The firm’s technology is designed to handle technical tasks that often delay post-production, such as correcting lighting inconsistencies and ensuring visual continuity across different takes.
The acquisition is not about replacing human actors or writers. Instead, Netflix intends to use the technology as a digital assistant for directors. The software understands cinematic logic, meaning it can automatically adjust background elements or environmental effects to ensure a film looks polished and consistent without months of manual editing.
In a Netflix post on Thursday, Affleck emphasised that the project was born out of a desire to support the craft rather than automate it. “I knew I had a responsibility to my peers and our industry, to protect the power of human creativity and the people behind it. In creating InterPositive, I sought to do just that,” Affleck wrote. “From the invention of the moving image to the transition to digital, from motion capture to virtual production, technology has evolved alongside the artists who use it. Our shared commitment to continuing this legacy makes joining together a natural next step.”
Netflix chief product and technology officer Elizabeth Stone said, “Our approach to AI has always been focused on meaningfully serving the needs of the creative community. InterPositive’s technology is purpose-built for filmmakers and showrunners to naturally support their visions. We’re excited to welcome the team to Netflix and continue building a future where technology enhances storytelling, while people remain at the core.”
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria added, “New tools should expand creative freedom, not constrain it. Ben and his team are part of a long tradition of artists leading innovation in storytelling. Their work gives filmmakers more choices, control, and protection for their vision.”
The deal coincides with a broader partnership between Netflix and Artists Equity, the production company led by Affleck and Matt Damon. Following the success of their recent projects on the platform, this acquisition cements Affleck’s role as both a creative and technical advisor to the streamer. Affleck noted that the partnership was a logical fit due to “Netflix’s decades of experience applying and scaling technology responsibly.” He will serve as a senioradvisor for the integration of the technology, ensuring the tools remain focused on helping filmmakers.
For the film industry, this acquisition signals a shift in strategy. Rather than just buying finished movies, Netflix is now owning the specialized technology used to build them. By bringing these tools in-house, the company aims to reduce the rising costs and lengthy timelines associated with high-budget original films while giving their productions a technical edge in speed and visual quality.
