Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn on Monday announced that his forthcoming directorial venture is now titled Runway 34. The edge-of-the-seat drama, featuring Devgn, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakul Preet Singh in principal roles, was earlier titled MayDay.
Devgn, who returns to direction after his 2016 action thriller Shivaay, took to Twitter to share the new title in a series of posters. He also announced the official release date of the film. “MayDay is now Runway 34. A high-octane thriller inspired by true events that is special to me, for reasons more than one! Runway 34 landing on Eid, April 29, 2022, as promised,” the actor wrote.
Along with the poster, the actor-director also shared a note about the film. “Runway 34 is a film inspired by true events. Today, as I launch the posters with the release date and new title, I need to share a little something with you. Without actually revealing anything about the story because it’s an emotional, high-octane thriller (naturally, I can't give away the spoilers!), I can tell you what drew me to this movie like a magnet. Close your eyes and think - each and every one of us must have been in a situation/s in life when we have felt all-powerful for one moment and felt completely helpless the next minute. We have all been through that moment when we have felt we can conquer the world and yet the very next situation has thrown us out of gear. That ‘storm’ brewing within you, playing with your emotions; tearing you up’ that turbulent ride that makes you ask – is this a nightmare? Or is this real? These are the sentiments associated with Runway 34,” the note read.
“It is got terrific highs, alarming lows, a sense of jubilance and dejection, all within the screenplay. Honestly, letting this script just pass me by was not even a consideration. I knew I had to make it. What's also beautiful is that it offered equal opportunities for my co-actors – Amitabh Bachchanji, Rakul Preet Singh, Boman Irani, Carry Minati, Aakansha Singh, Angira Dhar, and my numerous co-actors. I also have the most fantastic crew walking alongside me on this turbulent journey. I am eager to share other assets with you soon,” the note further read.
Runway 34 marks Rakul Preet Singh’s second collaboration with Ajay Devgn, after Luv Ranjan’s comic-caper De De Pyaar De (2018). She is sharing the screen space with Amitabh Bachchan for the first time.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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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.