The sensational success of
Mohit Suri's musical romance
'Saiyaara,' starring debutants
Ahaan Panday and
Aneet Padda, has been a major talking point in Bollywood. While the film has crossed the ₹500 crore mark globally and defied all expectations, it hasn't been without its share of controversy, particularly regarding its viral promotional strategy. Now, veteran actor
Varun Badola, who played Ahaan Panday's father in the film, has weighed in on the matter, offering a refreshingly candid and humorous take on the film's PR.
"The Promotions Team Went a Little Overboard"
In a recent interview, Varun Badola admitted that he still hasn't watched the film, despite his family loving it. He went on to describe the initial, low-key expectations for the film, stating that no one on the team, including himself, had anticipated it would become such a blockbuster.
However, he observed the immense social media frenzy that erupted after the film's release and its subsequent box office explosion. He specifically called out the promotional team for what he perceived as an "overboard" strategy, particularly referencing the viral videos of audience members fainting, crying, and performing dramatic acts in theaters.
"Log jo chudiyaan tod rahe hain, chhaatiyaan peet rahe hai (People were breaking their bangles, beating their chests)," Badola remarked, adding a wry comment about a now-infamous video. He continued, "I think the promotions team went a little overboard there, where people are going to see the film, putting IV drips."
A Humorous Dig at Viral Marketing
Badola's most memorable and humorous comment came as he concluded his thought on the promotional tactics: "Those people must have been told to give content in some way; thank god, people didn't get their legs broken and went crawling to see the film."
His comments, while critical of the promotional style, were not a knock on the film itself. He was quick to acknowledge that a film cannot sustain such massive numbers solely on the back of paid social media promotions. "People have gone and seen the film, and they have loved it," he stated, attributing the film's incredible success to genuine audience appreciation.
Mohit Suri's Counterpoint:
Badola's statement about the "overboard" promotions stands in contrast to director Mohit Suri's previous comments. Suri had earlier clarified in an interview that the viral videos of audience reactions were authentic and organic, and that his team had not engaged in any "paid PR."
Regardless of the conflicting views on the marketing, the success of "Saiyaara" is undeniable. The film has not only launched Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as overnight sensations but has also cemented its place as one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas in Indian cinema history. Varun Badola's honest and humorous take on the film's journey, while a rare moment of public disagreement, only adds to the intriguing story behind this year's biggest cinematic surprise.
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