Rumours are doing the rounds in Bollywood that the makers of the forthcoming film Coolie No. 1 may move off its release as the May 1 release date for the Varun Dhawan starrer seems impossible to meet in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.
According to reports, the makers are yet to complete the patchwork which includes a song. Additionally, all post-production work is also pending. With all shooting activities coming to a complete halt due to the Coronavirus crisis we hear that David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan have collectively decided to defer the release date of Coolie No. 1 from May 1 to May-end or the first week of June.
While David Dhawan refrained from spilling any beans, Varun Dhawan when asked about the postponement of Coolie No. 1, said, “I guess we are also reviewing the situation like everyone else at the moment.”
A source close to the development informs an entertainment portal, “Coolie No. 1 is an important release for Varun. His last two films Kalank (2019) and Street Dancer (2020) were flops at the box office. Coolie No. 1 is a home production. The Dhawans won’t take a risk with the release. It will come only when the virus threat recedes.”
Coolie No. 1, as the title suggests itself, is an official remake of the 1995 comic-caper of the same name. While the original film starred Govinda and Karisma Kapoor as the lead pair, the remake features Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan in lead roles. David Dhawan, who directed the original, is calling the shots for the remake as well. Apart from helming the film, Dhawan is also co-producing it with Vashu Bhagnani of Pooja Entertainment.
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.