YRF breaks silence on ‘PAID PR’ allegations as Mardaani 3 gets pulled into Delhi missing persons panic

The release of Mardaani 3 has been anything but quiet. While the film has been earning praise for tackling the disturbing reality of child trafficking, its release coincided with a wave of alarming posts on social media claiming that over 800 people had gone missing in Delhi within just 15 days. What began as scattered online posts soon turned into a citywide panic, forcing authorities and the film’s makers to step in and clarify the situation.

Viral Claims, Influencer Videos and Rising Panic

The controversy picked up pace when several influencers and online portals began sharing the missing persons figures, with many citing PTI as their source. Among those who amplified the claims was content creator Archit Vats, whose video was widely shared and later flagged by political and law enforcement voices. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya publicly alleged that the panic was part of a “paid campaign” to promote a Hindi film, indirectly pointing fingers at Mardaani 3. He also claimed that similar content had earlier surfaced in Mumbai, where local police had intervened.

As the posts spread, fear gripped many residents in Delhi, with parents and schools raising concerns. The scale and speed of the online chatter made it difficult for people to separate verified data from sensational messaging.

Delhi Police Steps In to Cool the Narrative

Amid mounting panic, the Delhi Police issued a firm statement. While they did not dispute the existence of missing persons data, they criticised how the numbers were being presented online. The police warned against exaggeration and misleading projections, stating that some posts appeared designed to create fear rather than inform. They also hinted that certain narratives were being pushed through paid promotions, further fuelling speculation around a promotional link to the film.

YRF Responds, Clears the Air

Amid the noise, Yash Raj Films finally addressed the allegations. In an official statement, the production house strongly denied any connection between the viral claims and the promotion of Mardaani 3. A spokesperson said,

“Yash Raj Films is a 50-year-old company founded on the core principles of being highly ethical and transparent. We strongly deny the accusations floating on social media that Mardaani 3’s promotional campaign has deliberately sensationalised a sensitive issue like this, and we have immense trust in our authorities that they will share all facts and truths in due course of time.”

- YRF

Mardaani 3 continues to find strong support from audiences and critics. The film has crossed Rs 25 crore within its first week.