'Movie is getting free publicity': Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan poster torn down at Ahmedabad mall during Bajrang Dal protest, netizens react

Ever since Pathaan ’s song ‘Besharam Rang’ was released, Shah Rukh Khan ’s film has been embroiled in controversy. In the latest, demonstrations were staged by Bajrang Dal at Ahmedabad’s mall warning against the movie's release. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad's members vandalized Alpha One Mall in Vastrapur and tore down posters of Shah Rukh and Deepika Padukone .

As soon as the video protest surfaced on the internet, social media users expressed displeasure over protests. While others also poked fun at the ‘free publicity’ of Pathaan with such protests. One user wrote, “Dancing in a orange bikini gives Bhagwa a bad name. Creating ruckus and vandalising while wearing Bhagwa scarves, gives it a good name?” Another commented, “I have zero interest in this movie. But, this hooliganism by Bajrang Dal is despicable.” One of the comments read, “The movie is getting free publicity”. Check the video here:

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For those unaware, the calls for a ban against the release of Pathaan began making rounds on social media after the release of Besharam Rang song on December 12, 2022. The song featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone is crooned by Shilpa Rao and Vishal Shekhar. Several people opposed the scene in the song which features Deepika in a saffron-colored bikini, for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments.

Well, Central Board of Film Certification chairperson Prasoon Joshi had advised the makers to make changes to the movie including the songs after the controversy. The board has asked the production banner, Yash Raj to submit a revised version of the action drama as per the board guidelines. Meanwhile, directed by Siddharth Anand, Pathaan marks Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback after four years in movies, and also his fifth collaboration with Deepika Padukone. The film also stars John Abraham in pivotal role. It is set to hit screens on January 25, 2023.