Akshay Kumar’s much-awaited spy thriller Bell Bottom, which was the first major Hindi film to begin production after the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic plateaued in mid-2020, has been confirmed to make its theatrical debut on July 27, 2021.
Produced by Pooja Entertainment in association with Emmay Entertainment, the high-profile film has been in news ever since its official announcement. There have been a lot of speculations lately about the release of the film. Some media outlets recently reported that the makers were in talks with a leading streaming media platform for the direct-to-digital release of the film. However, putting all speculations to rest, Kumar announced July 27 as the theatrical release date of the film.
“I know you have patiently waited for Bell Bottom! Couldn’t be happier to finally announce the release of our film. Arriving across big screens worldwide, Bell Bottom on 27 July,” Kumar tweeted.
The highly-anticipated espionage thriller is set to be Akshay Kumar’s first release for the year 2021. The film was earlier slated to hit the marquee in April, but the makers had to postpone it due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India.
For all the fans who have been waiting to see Kumar in a grand action avatar, Bell Bottom is going to be the perfect cinematic treat for them, as it also boasts of stunning international locations, 80’s nostalgia, and breath-taking action sequences.
In addition to Kumar, the film also features Vaani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, and Lara Dutta in significant roles. Ranjit M Tiwari, who previously helmed Lucknow Central (2017), has directed the film.
Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, and Nikkhil Advani, Bell Bottom is set for its theatrical bow on July 27, 2021.
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A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.