Actor Varun Badola, who was seen as Ahaan Panday's father in the blockbuster film Saiyaara, has issued a clarification after his recent remarks about the film's promotional campaign went viral. In a strongly worded statement on Thursday (August 7), Badola said that his comments have been "misinterpreted" and asserted that the intention behind the narrative being built around his interview was malicious.
Taking to his official Instagram account, the actor wrote, "This is complete misinterpretation and misrepresentation of my words. This is malicious in its intent to tarnish a film like Saiyaara that has been receiving unanimous love from everyone."
The clarification comes a day after Badola's interview with Screen surfaced, in which he stated that the promotional team for Saiyaara may have gone overboard in creating an online frenzy around the film.
His statement appeared to contrast with what director Mohit Suri recently said in an interview - that the overwhelming response to Saiyaara was completely "organic."
Badola had reportedly said in his interview, "By the third or fourth day, the film was being talked about. I saw the euphoria on Instagram. Log jo chudiyaan tod rahe hai, chaatiyaan peet rahe hai (People were breaking their bangles, beating themselves). I think the promotions team went a little overboard there, where people are going to see the film, putting IV drips. 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."
He added, "It's okay. We understand promoting the film, but it's good only up to a certain level. However, the film cannot earn so much money just based on Instagram promotions. People have gone and seen the film, and they have loved it."
While some people took his remarks as criticism of the film's marketing strategy, others argued that Badola was merely pointing out the excesses of promotional gimmicks in general.
Saiyaara - A box office sensation
Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara released on July 18 and has since become one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film has earned over Rs 507 crore globally, breaking several box office records in the process.
Starring Aneet Padda and Ahaan in the lead, the film has struck a chord with audiences and is being praised for the actors' performances, music, and emotional plot.
