OTT platforms have become the new rage amongst the entertainment seekers. With this, many OTT platforms are emerging offering various new shows in different genres.
And to make sure that the viewership is achieved, their respective marketing teams make sure that they create the necessary buzz. Whether it is a movie on Netflix or an Amazon Prime Original series, the promotional tactics are always on point.
However, a recent web series to be released on the SonyLIV app is receiving a lot of backlash for the way they chose to promote its launch. SonyLiv is coming up with a new web series called ‘Undekhi‘ and to promote their show they might have gone a little too far.
So people have been receiving a phone call from a man named Rishi. He starts telling them, in a worried tone, about a murder that he has witnessed and that the murders are now after him. At the end of the conversation, it is revealed that it is a promotional call for the upcoming show and the person realizes that the whole thing is prerecorded audio just for the sake of the promotion. And let us tell you, people are not very amused.
Many people have posted on the internet that how insensitive they felt the whole tactic was. They are calling out the makers and the platform for using a tactic that can affect people adversely.
People are so much offended by the call that they have actually tagged Mumbai Police in their tweets and requested to file a report against the show makers.
These are a few tweets that show the outrage of the people who received the call.
Shame on you @SonyLIV I just got to know that this call is a promotional gimmick for your new show. I was on the floor breathless with panic when I got it. Are you out of your mind doing this??? @MumbaiPolice you must take action. This is appalling and unethical. https://t.co/4Vp1YAzYjW
— smriti kiran (@smritikiran) July 10, 2020
This is horrific. The person who came up with such a horrible idea should be held responsible. @SonyLIV please stop it right away. This is dangerous and could cause damage to someones health.
— Vipin Sharma 🙌🏿❤️ (@sharmamatvipin) July 10, 2020
One person even posted the whole recording of the conversation she had with the caller.
What a ridiculous #promotional call trick by #Undekhi #SonyLIV Do U even realise what this can cause to a person if they miss out the last few words in panic. Get a better way to promote your series #webseries #advertisement #ScamAlert #murdercall #unethical #worldpremiereseries pic.twitter.com/8CzUhTkVti
— Suvrata Bhati (@BhatiSuvrata) July 10, 2020
Even SonyLiv has apologized for this.
If you have received a call for our show Undekhi & it has disturbed you we would like to sincerely apologise to you. This was a test activity which has gone out accidentally & our intention was not to cause any kind of discomfort or panic. We sincerely regret any inconvenience.
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) July 10, 2020
Maharastra cyber cell has also made a statement after receiving numerous complaints about the disturbing call and has directed the OTT platform to immediately stop the promotional calls. They have also requested people to stay calm and not panic if they do receive such a call.
