Filmmaker Suresh Triveni, whose latest directorial Jalsa (2022) received an overwhelming response on Amazon Prime Video, has announced the launch of his creative studio and production house, Opening Image, which will be backed by the Vikram Malhotra-led Abundantia Entertainment.
Under Opening Image, Suresh Triveni is set to build a strong team of talent from across functions with a clear focus on content development spanning films and series. Opening Image will be an end-to-end entity with the ability to work from idea to screen. An exciting slate of films and series is already under development at the newly-formed company and the list includes Suresh’s own next directorial ventures as well as content that he’s set to show run. The creative studio will also host a first-of-its-kind script lab which will enable creators to develop their ideas with the best writers and creative minds available to collaborate with.
Opening Image is set to partner with studios and platforms that share its vision of bringing high-quality stories to screens of all sizes and dimensions and is language and genre-agnostic.
Suresh shot to fame with the popular 'Mauka-Mauka' advertising campaign during the cricket World Cup matches between India and Pakistan. In 2017, he made his Bollywood feature film debut with the Vidya Balan-starrer Tumhari Sulu, a slice-of-life film, chronicling the life of an enthusiastic housewife who suddenly lands a lucrative job as a radio jockey. The film was an instant hit and swept most awards that year between the lead actor, the director, and the film itself.
In its young journey, Abundantia Entertainment has notched up an impressive track record of producing audience-focused, impactful content that includes films like the recently released Jalsa, Chhorii, Sherni, Shakuntala Devi, Airlift, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, and Baby as well as original series like Breathe and Breathe: Into The Shadows.
Abundantia Entertainment’s upcoming slate includes one of the most-awaited films of 2022, Ram Setu, with Akshay Kumar in the lead, the Hindi remake of the critically acclaimed, blockbuster Soorarai Pottru jointly produced with Suriya’s 2D Entertainment, Sukhee with Shilpa Shetty in the lead, Shakuntala Devi director Anu Menon’s next as well as streaming original series such as an all-women led ensemble, ‘Hush Hush’ directed by Tanuja Chandra, an Amazon Original, The End marking the streaming debut of superstar Akshay Kumar and a multi-season crime drama, based on the bestselling ‘Rita Ferreira’ books.
The backing of Suresh Triveni’s venture is a further step in Abundantia Entertainment’s commitment to supporting and enabling its creator partners and incubating high-potential talent.
Suresh Triveni, thrilled about the launch of Opening Image says, "The idea of Opening Image is to empower talent - writers, filmmakers, technicians to offer fresh, exclusive, and original stories tailored for viewers across the globe. The vision behind Opening Image is to curate disruptive stories and provide a platform for creators, especially fresh and young talent, to deliver their best. I am delighted to extend my partnership with Abundantia Entertainment and Vikram to the next level and in them; I have found the right backers for my vision.”
Vikram Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Abundantia Entertainment adds, "Abundantia Entertainment believes in the power of stories and in the vision of storytellers. This philosophy is strongly demonstrated in the body of work that Team Abundantia has delivered in its young journey, highlighted by the recent success of Jalsa. Suresh has been a fabulous collaborator and friend and I am proud that we are now taking the next step in our relationship as he launches Opening Image. I am excited with the promise and potential of Opening Image and can’t wait for Suresh and the team to tell their brand of stories to the world.”
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.