Silent promotions for Sonam K Ahuja’s Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga to avoid controversial questions about Rajkumar Hirani’s #MeToo scandal?

With filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani embroiled in #MeToo allegations, the makers of Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga have decided to rework on their promotions strategy and it might be a hushed affair until the release. Hirani’s name had been credited as the co-producer of the film in the Vidhu Vinod Chopra production that’s being directed by Shelly Chopra Dhar and presented by Fox Star Studios. However, post allegations of sexual misconduct made against Hirani by a female technician from his earlier Sanju, his name had been dropped from the film credits, disassociating him from the project. And while Hirani denies these allegations, the production house has already started working towards avoiding any association with him.

An insider says, “The makers of the film have decided not to postpone the release date of the film (it releases as planned on February 1) but they are reworking the promotional strategy in such a way that the cast and the makers don’t find themselves landing in situations where they might have to constantly face questions pertaining Hirani. So, the plans are to have silent promotions. One big event that was being planned has already been cancelled.” The insider adds, “Whether and how will that affect the film as of now is hard to determine but yes, a whole lot of other events planned too stand cancelled as of now. We all know how important marketing is these days, but the makers are confident of having a good film at hand, so they are assured.”

Hirani who was in the US, returned on Sunday and issued a statement denying all allegations made against him. He said, “I was completely shocked when these allegations were brought to my notice about two months back. I had suggested immediately that it is essential to take this matter to any committee or any legal body. The complainant has chosen to go to the media instead. I want to very strongly state that this is a false malicious and mischievous story being spread with the sole intention of destroying my reputation.”

Starring Anil Kapoor, Sonam K Ahuja, Rajkummar Rao and Juhi Chawla, the film marks the debut of director Shelly Chopra Dhar and has been produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Presented by Fox Star Studio – Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga – is slated to release on February 1, this year.