A significant controversy has emerged around the Bollywood film “Saiyaara,” with “Bigg Boss 19” contestants alleging its widespread emotional reactions were a carefully orchestrated public relations stunt. Participants Mridul Tiwari and Ashnoor Kaur made the claims during a recent episode of the reality show.
The film, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, was released in July and achieved blockbuster status. It was lauded as a romantic love story popular with young audiences.
However, its release was accompanied by numerous viral social media videos. These clips showed young viewers ostensibly weeping profusely while watching the movie.
Mridul Tiwari openly stated that influencers were specifically instructed to perform these crying reactions for social media platforms. Co-contestant Gaurav Khanna expressed his shock at this revelation.
Ashnoor Kaur corroborated Tiwari’s account, affirming the videos were indeed a PR tactic. She described “Saiyaara” as a “one-time watch” and explicitly stated it was “not one to make you cry.”
The contestants noted the film’s substantial box office success, attributing much of it to the generated hype. This alleged manipulation of public sentiment has sparked a strong reaction online.
Social media users have voiced their outrage and amusement following the “Bigg Boss 19” revelations. Many expressed relief at not having fallen for the perceived deception.
One user, Rajanikant Soni, commented on the implications of paid emotional reactions.
So people were literally paid to cry for a movie? 💀
Guess I just saved myself from fake tears and a wasted ticket 😂🎟️#Saiyaara #BiggBoss19
— Rajanikant Soni (@rajani1203) November 3, 2025
Another user, BBTak, speculated that the show’s producers intentionally aired the segment. This was seemingly done to expose the alleged PR stunt.
Makers purposely air the segment in the episode to expose the PR stunt of the Saiyaara movie.
Mridul Tiwari and Ashnoor Kaur called out the PR stunt where influencers were actually paid to post a fake crying-scene reaction while watching a movie😂. Surely, it was a smart…
— BBTak (@BiggBoss_Tak) November 3, 2025
The revelations cast a shadow on the authenticity of viral social media content. They also raise questions about modern film promotion tactics.