Policybazaar and Social Panga release short film marking World No Tobacco Day

New Delhi: Policybazaar, in collaboration with creative agency Social Panga, has released a short film ahead of World No Tobacco Day, aimed at prompting reflection among young smokers. The film seeks to move beyond conventional anti-smoking messages by highlighting the emotional toll and irreversible consequences of tobacco use.

The narrative begins with a seemingly straightforward question about personal regrets. Participants, mostly young adults, speak candidly about smoking and its place in their lives. As the film unfolds, it becomes apparent that these are not cautionary tales but reflections from individuals who have already faced serious consequences. Their stories are presented not through dramatics but through a restrained, documentary-style lens, underscoring the finality of lost time, missed opportunities, and fractured relationships.

“We knew that this was not the place for metaphors or melodrama,” said Gaurav Arora, co-founder, Social Panga. “Our creative goal was honesty; to showcase these stories without any artifices. We crafted the grounded, docu-style execution to make the viewer feel as if you’re sitting across from the characters. Most anti-smoking ads focus on what it does to your body, so we decided to shift gears and show what it takes away – time, family, choices.”

The 90-second film adopts a subdued yet direct tone and is being circulated across social media platforms and creator networks. According to those involved, the intention is to engage younger audiences who may be unaware of the long-term health and emotional consequences of smoking.

Watch the campaign film: