Ajay Devgn is back as the no-nonsense IRS officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, but off-screen, he's being just as honest. Speaking at the trailer launch of the film in Mumbai, the actor admitted that the Hindi film industry is still figuring out what audiences want in this new post-pandemic world.
“Everyone’s trying, but the truth is, nobody has a clear answer yet,” said Devgn. “We’re all learning as we go. Audiences have changed and what worked before doesn’t always land now. There’s more global content available than ever, and people are making different choices.”
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It’s not just Bollywood facing this uncertainty, he pointed out. “Whether it’s Hollywood, South Indian cinema or us, hits and misses are happening everywhere. No industry is immune.”
Some have blamed high ticket prices for low theatre turnouts, but Devgn disagrees. “If a movie clicks, people show up, price or not. It’s really about the content. The trailer, the teaser, the music if it connects, the audience comes.”
Raid 2 takes forward the story of a fearless tax officer and is inspired by a real case. This time, the film explores another true investigation, with Raj Kumar Gupta returning as director. Vaani Kapoor and Rajat Kapoor join the cast, while Riteish Deshmukh steps in as the antagonist.
Ajay Devgn at the Raid 2 press event in Mumbai, addressing the post-pandemic shift in cinema and storytellingGetty Images
The sequel, backed by T-Series and Panorama Studios, hits cinemas on May 1. Devgn said this story pays tribute to the less-seen work of the Income Tax Department. “It’s based on a real case, and it shines a light on officers who do tough jobs away from the spotlight.”
Ultimately, Devgn’s message is clear: filmmakers are watching, listening, and adapting. But in a landscape where viewer habits are shifting and international content is just a click away, there are no quick fixes, only honest efforts and fresh storytelling.
“We’re trying to keep up with the times. Some things work, some don’t. We’re all in the same boat,” he said.
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.