By: Mohnish Singh
Though theatres in India may have resumed operations after keeping their doors shut for months in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the audience is yet to pour in huge numbers to set the cash registers jingling at the box-office. And hence, a number of filmmakers are still skeptical about releasing their films in cinemas.
According to reports, actor Arjun Kapoor’s next film Sardar & Grandson could forgo a theatrical release and premiere directly on a streaming media platform. Also starring Rakul Preet Singh in the lead role, Sardar & Grandson was one of the first few films which went on floors after the government of India eased the Coronavirus-related restrictions across the country.
We hear that the makers of the coming-of-age, cross-border film are planning to release the film directly online in January 2021. “They want to play it safe because the budget of this film is around 30 crore which is higher than Indoo Ki Jawani. Nikkhil Advani, John Abraham, and Bhushan Kumar who have jointly produced this film have decided to release it on OTT because that gives them the better return of investment,” a source in the know informs a leading publication.
The source goes on to add, “However, with OTT premiere the producers have received a fixed amount eliminating the chances of losses with a theatrical release. They have sold this film at a price that not only recovers the investment but also makes a good profit which is doubtful with a big-screen release in the current situation when cinemas running with only 50% capacity.”
Directed by Kaashvie Nair, Sardar & Grandson also features Kumud Mishra and Neena Gupta in pivotal roles. John Abraham and Aditi Rao Hydari also feature in a cameo.
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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.