Makers of the upcoming movie Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra, starring Ranvir Shoreyand Manoj Joshi, on Friday, unveiled the film's first teaser.
Actor Ranvir Shorey took to X to reveal the teaser.
The teaser begins with a disturbing picture of a burning train, the Sabarmati Express. It provides a glimpse into the horrific events that occurred 22 years ago, leaving wounds that Gujarat still bears today.
Director MK Shivaaksh sheds light on the film's purpose, stating, "It aims to unravel the layers surrounding Godhra - from the incident itself to the aftermath that led to the Gujarat riots. The questions raised in the teaser are profound: What is the truth behind the Godhra incident? Why has the agony of the victims been buried beneath the narratives of accidents and impulsive altercations?
Producer BJ Purohit shared, "As Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra's teaser unfolds, it invites the audience to reflect on the painful history that still resonates in the hearts of those who witnessed the burning train on that fateful day."
It builds on the findings of the Nanavati Mehta Commission, which was constituted to investigate the Godhra incident. The film's objective is to expose the truth, exploring whether the train burning was an accident or a premeditated act fuelled by simmering tensions.
Produced by Om Trinetra Films it stars Ranvir Shorey, Manoj Joshi, Hitu Kanodia, Denisha Ghumra, Ganesh Yadav, Makrand Shukla, and Rajeev Surti.
Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra is set to be released on the big screen on March 1 this year.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.