Alia Bhatt's Gangubai Kathiawadi was the first Hindi-language blockbuster after the COVID-19 pandemic. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film won hearts across the country and now, it is reaching out to a wider audience globally through Netflix. As the film continues to garner appreciation from a global audience, a Pakistan-based restaurant used a clip from the film for promotional purposes.
A restaurant called Swing, based in Karachi, used a heartbreaking scene from Gangubai Kathiawadi where Alia as Gangu summons men with whispers and a particular gesture. Morphing the promotional poster, the ad showed Alia standing at the doot and a huge billboard read, "25% off on Men’s Monday." The ad drew flak from netizens for being insensitive.
Soon after, the restaurant issued a clarification instead of pulling the ad down. The caption of the restaurant's Instagram post read, "Just a concept. We didn't mean to hurt the sentiments of anyone. The movie and this post is based on a concept. Like before, we're open to all and will be serving you with the same love like we always have."
Gangubai Kathiawadi revolves around the journey of Ganga Kathiawadi who transforms into a brothel madam- Gangubai. She further empowers sex workers and children. The film released in theatres on February 25.
(Source: Instagram)
