In their attempt to promote their film innovatively, the makers of Shreyas Talpade’s upcoming film Wah Taj have landed in a soup.
The makers put up posters across Agra saying: “Taj Closed! Decision on Maharashtra’s Tukaram Case. Taj Mahal to be closed for tourists from 23rd September 2016 by the Honorable Court’s order.” Jayantilal Gada's Pen Movies, the producers, also tweeted the same.
This reportedly created confusion among the people of Agra and tourists who took the posters seriously. The chaos that ensued led to a social activist sending a legal notice to producers Pawan Sharma and Abhinav Verma, director Ajit Sinha, Talpade and Manjari Phadnis, who stars opposite him, for allegedly "creating havoc" in Agra and "spoiling the image of the country".
At the same time, Bharatiya Muslim Vikas Parishad filed a police complaint against the makers on the same grounds.
Talpade was taken aback by the consequences. Reacting to the controversy, he said, “I got to know that a legal notice has been sent to the makers of the film, but it was just part of the movie promotion and marketing strategy, I don't understand why it is taken to another level by blowing it up.”
Wah Taj is scheduled for release on 23 September. Coincidentally, Banjo, which stars Talpade's close friend Riteish Deshmukh, will also be released on the same day.