Hollywood movies and their marketing streak are gone nothing but hard in recent times. From A-listers embodying the spirit of their films in their fashion choices during the promotional run to their social media accounts going the extra mile to tap into the latest trends, we’ve seen it all.

Indian-American comedian and actor Aziz Ansari’s team for his new movie Good Fortune is following the same pattern, but in its own style. Staying on theme with the self-explanatory title of the American supernational comedy flick coming to theatres next week, the marketers have done their bit in owning up to the fame of online virality.

Good Fortune, coming to both US and Indian theatres on October 17, marks Ansari’s feature directorial debut. It stars quiet a few famous and beloved faces from Hollywood, including Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh and none other than Keanu Reeves as the “budget guardian angel.” Among other tactics employed to spread the word about its upcoming theatrical outing, the film’s team recently went the extra mile in “spreading fortune.”

Putting out free movie tickets across the US has been one such move. Videos circulated on X have depicted how the Good Fortune movie team has been up to before its highly anticipated cinematic release following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

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Viral videos reveal the Good Fortune movie’s marketing streak

According to videos shared by the official SNS account of the upcoming Aziz Ansari directorial, a team of “angels” dressed up in the classic Wings of Desire style, as now adopted by Reeves, have been spreading “Good Fortune” in the US. From lending surprise free movie tickets to showering the common working man with hefty tips, the movie’s marketing crew kicked off this campaign over a week ahead of the film’s release.

Clips exhibiting instances of what they’re calling a “week of Good Fortune” captured numerous cities in America being blessed with an infectious shot of positivity. One such video caught those behind the initiative tipping a taxi drive $10,000 at the film’s red carpet premiere a few days ago.

Meanwhile, other such viral depictions showed people dressed in long coats (decked with a pair of angel wings) leaving behind movie tickets for free at secret and unexpected random locations. The daily giveaways extending for a seven-day span became an instant hit in Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and possibly even more cities soon, with Atlanta next on the agenda. While some Good Fortune-themed envelopes left behind for people to find had free movie tickets, others contained stacks of cash.

Good Fortune movie’s $10,000 tip to a random taxi driver

Probably one of the most-heartwarming bits of all included an “angel” taking a cab ride with a driver named Hugo to the movie’s premiere. As the car pulls around the corner, the passenger tells him that they wanted to give him a huge tip. A group of similarly-dressed “angels” can be seen cheering him on while waiting in front of a gifts shop. The video available on X even catches them holding a big cheque, which first appears to extend a generous tip of $1,000 to him.

But an even bigger surprise awaited Hugo a few steps ahead at the premiere. He started walking to the scene with the “angels,” only to meet more of them. Paparazzi ultimately snapped him with the lot who offered him a big cheque worth $10,000, in addition to cheering him on like there was no tomorrow. The whole surprise event left the cab driver teary-eyed. When asked what he’d be using the money for, he joyously admitted, “Vacation.”

In yet another video found online, “angels” were seen picking up the tab for diners at a restaurant, and others helped buy some people’s groceries. The “angel’s work” continued to spread joy and happiness even among those with delivery jobs. In addition to handing out a $1,000 cheque each, the Good Fortune team also blessed these workers with cash, free tickets and meal cards.

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About Indian-American star Aziz Ansari

Born in South Carolina to Tamil Muslim parents from India, the Indian-origin comedian is best known for one of his main roles as Tom Haverford in NBC’s Parks and Recreation, also starring Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman and others.

Post the cult classic show’s culmination, he went on to co-create and star in Netflix’s Master of None, which even won his several awards, including Emmys and a Golden Globe. The NYU alum’s latter honour was a historic score, as it made him the first Asian-American to win a Golden Globe.

You can also find a few of his comedy specials on Netflix, including Nightclub Comedian and RIGHT NOW. He’s also co-authored a research book called “Modern Romance: An Investigation.”