For a new tobacco product promotion from Vimal, actors Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn have reunited. The video was posted to an Instagram account belonging to a Shah Rukh devotee. Along with the three stars, actor-model Soundarya Sharma is also shown in the campaign.
Shah Rukh and Ajay may be seen waiting for Akshay Kumar outside of his house in the opening scene of the commercial. But Akshay is preoccupied with his headphones as he listens to music. Ajay honks to draw Shah Rukh’s attention, and he chooses to throw a ball at Akshay’s glass window. However, it breaks Soundarya, his neighbor’s, window.
She storms off the balcony furious, pointing a finger at Shah Rukh while accusing Ajay Devgn of causing the break in her window. Then, aiming towards Akshay’s window, furious Ajay downs a Vimal product. Ajay asks Akshay to come down as he approaches the window because the product smells good. At the conclusion of the advertisement, they all jointly do the brand’s characteristic move.
Netizens’ reaction
This is not well received by the internet users. Akshay Kumar is the target of some really harsh online messages and tweets. Similar criticism was levelled at Akki for the same brand’s advertisement last year, as online users thought it went against his reputation as a fitness star.
Some fans are doubting Akshay Kumar’s dedication to his prior promise in light of his decision to take part in another Vimal commercial. Fans expected him to keep his pledge, and there were comments on social media platforms expressing disappointment and annoyance.
One person commented on the video and said, “Akshay will need to hear from the people. He had previously declared that he would not appear in tobacco advertisements.”
“Akshay Kumar had said that now he will not do pan masala ad because his fans were not happy when he first did Vimal. Then why did he do this again?” asked another person.
“Akshay Kumar was not going to do the Vimal ad, then what happened?,” read one comment. What is this choice? Another Instagram user wrote, “Unhappy, upset, he didn’t keep his word.” Nevertheless, a supporter remarked, “This is probably not tobacco, but some flavouring betelnut.”
The earlier apology from Akshay Kumar
After receiving criticism from fans and following for appearing in a tobacco advertisement, Akshay Kumar previously apologised. The actor had posted, “I am sorry. I would like to apologise to you, all my fans and well-wishers. Your reaction over the past few days has deeply affected me. While I have not and will not endorse tobacco, I respect the outpouring of your feelings in light of my association with Vimal Elaichi.”
“With all humility, I step back. I have decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause. The brand might continue airing the ads till the legal duration of the contract that is binding upon me, but I promise to be extremely mindful in making my future choices. In return I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes.”
Despite the fact that Akki left the company, the contract he signed allows them complete freedom to air the advertisements he produced prior to leaving his position as a brand ambassador.
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