YRF denies promoting 'Mardaani 3' with '800 missing girls' claims
What's the story
Yash Raj Films (YRF) has denied allegations that the promotional campaign for its latest release, Mardaani 3, deliberately sensationalized a sensitive issue. The controversy erupted when Delhi Police claimed that reports of over 800 people going missing in the capital were being pushed through "paid promotions." Influencers and content creators suggested a link to the film's theme of mass disappearances. In response, a YRF spokesperson told SCREEN, "We strongly deny the accusations floating on social media."
Statement
YRF spokesperson's statement
The spokesperson added, "Yash Raj Films is a 50-year-old company founded on the core principles of being highly ethical and transparent." "We have immense trust in our authorities that they will share all facts and truths in due course of time." The controversy began when a PTI report revealed that over 800 people went missing in Delhi during the first 15 days of January 2026.
Police warning
Delhi Police issues warning against misleading narratives
Soon after, influencers started boosting the news. Delhi Police issued a warning against misleading narratives about missing persons cases, stating that such claims were creating unnecessary fear among residents. The police said preliminary inquiries revealed that several viral posts amplifying the "missing girls" narrative were part of paid promotions. "Creating panic for monetary gains will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against those involved in fear-mongering," the police stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Film's connection
'Look at the coincidence...'
The film's theme of kidnapping young girls for scientific experimentation led to speculation that the alleged paid promotions were linked to Mardaani 3. One influencer commented, "Look at the coincidence -Mardaani 3 is based on mass disappearances of girls, and at the same time, news of 800 girls going missing surfaces." However, YRF has denied any involvement in this controversy. The Rani Mukerji-led film hit theaters on January 30.