Hrithik Roshan Reunites with Hero for a Powerful Karizma Comeback

Hrithik Roshan returns to the saddle with Hero MotoCorp’s latest Karizma XMR Combat edition campaign, reviving the legacy of one of India’s most iconic bikes. Blending nostalgia with high-octane action, the film captures emotion, adrenaline, and a timeless bond between man and machine.

Hero MotoCorp has reignited nostalgia with its latest campaign for the new Karizma XMR Combat edition, bringing back not just a legendary motorcycle but also the iconic face behind its legacy — Hrithik Roshan.

The cinematic ad opens with a gripping chase sequence through a chaotic cityscape. Sirens blaze, cars screech, and just when the tension peaks, Roshan enters the frame on the all new Karizma XMR. He slices through traffic, pulls off a dramatic drift, and halts a runaway vehicle. When asked to hop into the police car, he grins and says, “Nah, this is too much fun.” It is a scene that is as much about adrenaline as it is about attitude.

What makes this film stand out is not just the action or visuals, but the emotion it carries. Hrithik’s voiceover adds a personal layer to the story, a reflection on speed, memories, and the pure thrill of the ride. It is more than a commercial. It is a tribute to the Karizma's legacy, told through the man who defined it for a generation.

This is not Roshan’s first ride with Karizma. He was the original brand face back in 2003 when Hero, then Hero Honda, launched the Karizma as one of India’s first premium sport tourers. That campaign, where Hrithik effortlessly lifted his cap in a stylized Western saloon setting, became an unforgettable moment in Indian advertising.

The Karizma went through several iterations, from the R to the ZMR, before it gradually faded from the market in 2019. But the bike never lost its cult following.

Hero revived the legend in 2023 with the Karizma XMR 210, once again bringing Hrithik Roshan on board. Speaking about the creative approach, Kartik Smetacek, Chief Creative Officer at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, noted, “Hrithik and Karizma are synonymous. The challenge was balancing nostalgia without letting it eclipse the present. This is one of those rare moments where the vibe of the bike and the ambassador align perfectly.”

Now with the Combat edition, Hero is taking that alignment to the next level. The new model blends modern features like golden USD forks, a full digital TFT console, and a reimagined frame with the iconic silhouette that old fans still recognize.

With Roshan once again leading the narrative, Hero delivers a rare mix of emotion and evolution. For those who once dreamed of owning a Karizma, and for new riders discovering its legacy for the first time, this campaign marks more than just a return. It signals a new beginning.

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