Vicky Kaushal’s latest period drama, Chhaava, has sparked mixed reactions from audiences following its theatrical release. While Kaushal’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has been widely praised, opinions on the overall execution of the film remain divided.
Social media has been flooded with reactions, with many hailing Kaushal’s intense performance and Akshaye Khanna’s chilling presence as Aurangzeb. One viewer called Kaushal “fire,” while another remarked that Khanna’s performance would “give you goosebumps.” The film’s dramatic battle sequences, emotional depth in the second half, and powerful climax have resonated with audiences, with some calling it Bollywood’s first major hit of 2025.
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However, not all feedback has been glowing. Some viewers felt the first half lacked emotional depth and struggled with pacing. A few fans pointed out that while the performances were strong, the film itself had noticeable flaws, particularly in its background music and screenplay structure. One viewer noted, “The second half packs a punch, but the first half doesn’t quite hit the mark.”
Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films, Chhaava brings to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, tracing his journey as a leader. While the film’s intent to highlight a lesser-explored historical figure is commendable, some critics believe it falls short in its execution. The grandeur of the visuals and battle sequences are impressive, but some felt the storytelling could have been more cohesive.
Despite the divided opinions, one aspect remains clear—Kaushal’s dedication to the role has left an impact. His intense screen presence and commitment to embodying Sambhaji Maharaj have been a major highlight. Whether Chhaava will stand the test of time as a historical epic or be remembered primarily for its performances remains to be seen, but for now, the film has certainly sparked conversation.
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.