Chaos In Haridwar: Emraan Hashmi’s Film Shoot Halted After Locals Protest Over Controversial ‘Bar’ Signboard On Set

Actor Emraan Hashmi is shooting his next film in Haridwar. The team has faced protests during one recent shoot. A video from the set went viral online. It showed a clash between locals and the crew. People objected to a signboard on a temporary set.

The crew had created a fake restaurant for one scene. They put up a big sign reading "Cafe & Bar". This sign was visible in the holy city area. The board upset several local residents and groups. They said the word "Bar" hurt their religious feelings.

Locals object to bar sign in holy city

According to a Dainik Bhaskar report, the row grew fast. Members of different Hindu organisations joined the protest. They said Haridwar is a sacred pilgrimage city. They pointed out that alcohol is banned in Haridwar. They felt the bar sign did not respect that rule.

The protesters said the word suggested normal drinking there. They argued this was wrong, even for a film shoot. They called the board insensitive and disrespectful. They demanded the sign be removed at once. They wanted it gone from the set area.

Viral video shows heated exchange on set

A video from the spot spread quickly on social media. It showed a tense exchange between locals and the crew. Security guards tried to keep the crowd calm. Crew members also stepped in to talk. They tried to lower the anger and noise.

Emraan Hashmi did not appear in the viral clips. A production spokesperson spoke to the protesters instead. Local reports say talks went on for some time. The dispute ended after the crew agreed to change the sign. They removed the word "Bar" from the board.

Protesters accepted the change and left the area. The situation then returned to normal on set. No further trouble was reported from the shoot. The team could continue work after that point. The video remains widely shared online.

Emraan lines up Awarapan 2 release

Emraan Hashmi will next be seen in Awarapan 2. The film is a sequel to his 2007 movie Awarapan. The new part is set for release on 14 August 2026. The date has already been announced by the makers. The team is aiming for a big theatrical outing.

Awarapan 2 will face strong competition on that day. Sunny Deol's drama Batwara 1947 is booked for the same date. Both films will arrive in cinemas together. The two releases will share screens nationwide. The box office clash is already being talked about.