WHILE period Bollywood epics based on real events might be eye-catching, most of them are inaccurate, exaggerated, and offer very little in terms of a history lesson. This recent cinema release attempts to tell the story of a brave 17th-century ruler.
When Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj passes away in 1680, his eldest son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal), takes over and battles against the ruling Mughal army, led by brutal emperor Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna). The brave leader must fight against the odds, but also dark internal forces within his own ranks looking to overthrow him.
The overcooked drama, based on a Marathi novel, starts off surprisingly slowly and gradually picks up momentum as the movie progresses towards a bloody finale. Like other Hindi cinema historical epics, this is an overly exaggerated story set during a tumultuous time in Indian history, when rival kingdoms battled one another. What could have been an interesting window into the past turns into a headache-inducing jingoistic drama, which looks like it is trying to cash in on the current right-wing fervour of contemporary India. It also rewrites history and includes overly exaggerated scenes, such as the lead protagonist single-handedly fighting a lion.
While Vicky Kaushal delivers a spirited performance, it just isn’t enough to keep it afloat because multiple elements don’t work. The fractured screenplay, poor direction, and surprisingly average music let down positive aspects like the colourful costumes, eye-catching action sequences, and sharp camerawork. Although Akshaye Khanna also delivers a solid turn as the antagonist, many of the characters come across as caricatures instead of believable historical figures. The female characters are also largely sidelined.
What remains is an epic that relies so much on excess and grandstanding that it gets crushed by its own weight.
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.