Mumbai: In the latest episode of ‘Bigg Boss 19’, contestants Mridul Tiwari and Ashnoor Kaur were seen discussing the alleged PR strategy for Ahan Panday and Aneet Padda’s debut blockbuster ‘Saiyaara’, thereby sparking an online debate.
Mohit Suri’s ‘Saiyaara’ had gone viral after its release for the emotional videos showing audiences breaking down in theatres while watching the film.
While many believed these videos were genuine, some claimed they were fake reactions.
During a casual conversation inside the Bigg Boss house, Mridul and Ashnoor suggested that the viral emotional videos were part of planned PR strategy for ‘Saiyaara’.
During the conversation, Gaurav Khanna said, “Maine ye film nahi dekhi, pata hai? (Do you know, I haven’t watched this film?)”
To this, Mridul replied, “Achi baat hai (Good that you haven’t watched).”
Gaurav then discussed the viral reels showing people breaking down in theatres and asked if they were genuine.
To this, Mridul replied, “Main tumhe sach batau, ye tak kaha gaya tha logon se ki tum ja ke ye sab karna (Let me tell you the truth, people were actually asked to do all that).”
A shocked Gaurav said, “Kya baat kar raha hai? (What are you saying?)”
Ashnoor then openly claimed that the emotional video clips of ‘Saiyaara’ were a “PR stunt.”
When Gaurav asked her if the film is worth watching, she said, it was a “one-time watch” and lacked any emotional moments.
Soon, social media was flooded with reactions, with some agreeing with Mridul and Ashnoor, and others discussing the rivalry between YRF and Jio Studios.
One X user wrote, “So people were literally paid to cry for a movie? Guess I just saved myself from fake tears and a wasted ticket.”
Another questioned, “But why would the makers do this? Saiyaara movie ko q tora? (Why did Bigg Boss makers question Saiyaara”.
Speculating about industry politics, one commented, “YRF & Jio Studios ki rivalry hogi, maybe that’s why they aired it.”
One warned, “Airing this could cause legal trouble; without evidence, you can’t blame anyone.”
Meanwhile, despite the controversy, ‘Saiyaara’ managed to become the biggest romantic blockbuster this year, minting around Rs 570 crore worldwide.