The indie studio Neon, which secured the North American rights to Sean Baker's acclaimed film Anora, winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, has set the stage for a fall theatrical release, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.
Anora, a screwball comedy featuring the talented Mikey Madison, delves into the romantic entanglement of a young sex worker with the son of a Russian oligarch.
The film is slated for a theatrical release commencing on October 18, a decision that has positioned it as a strong contender for awards consideration, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
This strategic choice echoes Neon's previous success with earlier Palme d'Or winners like Parasite in 2019, Triangle of Sadness in 2022, and last year's Anatomy of a Fall.
Sean Baker, known for his directorial prowess in films such as The Florida Project and Red Rocket, has cemented his reputation for crafting low-budget features that resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike.
His ability to portray individuals overlooked by society has consistently propelled his work into the realm of critical acclaim and awards season recognition.
Neon scored acquisition rights to the comedy, set in the vibrant backdrop of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, ahead of its competition debut at Cannes. Baker, alongside producers Samantha Quan and Alex Coco, has crafted 'Anora,' which also stars Mark Eydelshteyn, Yuriy Borisov, Karren Karagulian, and Vache Tovmasyan.
With global rights to Anora held by FilmNation, the stage is set for this film to captivate audiences worldwide.
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.