Fronted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, filmmaker Nagraj Manjule's sports drama Jhund (2022) is gearing up for its digital premiere on ZEE5. The streamer is set to release the film on May 6.
The film featured Bachchan as Vijay Barse, a Nagpur-based retired sports teacher who pioneers a slum soccer movement. Jhund released theatrically in March but couldn't translate its glowing reviews to box office glory.
Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India described "Jhund as an inspiring film which sends a "powerful message to our youth". "The stories right from the heartlands resonate with audiences and I am happy to bring it exclusively for our ZEE5 audiences. As a customer, the first brand we will continue to invest in understanding our viewers and their interest areas to build a slate of real, authentic, and relatable content. The roster for the next few months is strong and we are hopeful, 'Jhund' will drive in much love and appreciation from the audiences," Kalra said in a statement on Thursday.
Jhund, which marked the Hindi debut of Manjule after acclaimed Marathi films like Sairat and Fandry, was produced by Bhushan Kumar's T-Series.
Kumar said the story of "Jhund" transcended boundaries. "It's such a great feeling to take Jhund a notch higher as a wider set of audience will witness this Nagraj Manjule's gem not just in India but worldwide through this release," the producer said.
The film also starred Sairat stars Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar and a host of first-time actors.
"After receiving much love from the audiences, I am glad that now people will get to watch it over and over again with its digital release on ZEE5," Manjule added.
The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Raaj Hiremath, Gargee Kulkarni, Meenu Aroraa, and Manjule. Jhund also featured Sayli Patil, Vicky Kadian, Kishor Kadam, and Bharat Ganesh Pure in significant roles.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.