Here is the breakdown of the scandal that has the industry talking today.
The Controversy: "800 Missing Girls in 15 Days?" 📉
The Viral Claims: Earlier this week, social media was flooded with posts claiming that over 800 people (mostly girls) had gone missing in Delhi in just the first 15 days of 2026.
The Connection: Netizens quickly linked this sudden "panic" to the plot of Mardaani 3, which stars Rani Mukerji as a cop fighting a child trafficking racket. The film released on January 30, 2026, and deals exactly with this theme.
Police Action: The Delhi Police issued a stern warning yesterday, clarifying that the data was being misinterpreted and amplified through "paid promotions" to create hysteria. They threatened strict action against those spreading fake alarm.
YRF’s Response: "We Are Ethical" 🛡️
Facing backlash, a YRF spokesperson issued a strong denial today (Friday, Feb 6):
The Statement:
"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."
Trust in Authorities: The production house added that they have "immense trust" in the authorities to bring out the truth.
The Film Status 🎬
Box Office: despite (or perhaps aided by) the noise, Mardaani 3 is performing well, having crossed ₹26 Crore in its first week.
The Plot: Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film features Rani Mukerji taking on a "beggar mafia" and a ruthless villain named Amma (played by Mallika Prasad).
SantaBanta Verdict: While movie marketing often pushes boundaries, using real fear as a tool is a dangerous game. YRF has washed its hands of the tactic, but the timing of the viral posts and the movie's theme is a coincidence that many are finding hard to swallow.
