Starring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role, Kurup is one of the most-awaited Malayalam films of 2021. Directed by Srinath Rajendran, the crime drama is based on the true story of fugitive Sukumara Kurup. Kurup has suffered several setbacks due to the coronavirus pandemic. After facing a long postponement, the film finally has a date for its theatrical release.
Yes, Salmaan took to social media to announce the official release date of the film, which marks his second collaboration with director Srinath Rajendran. The film is set to enter theatres on November 12, 2021. It is going to be the first mainstream Malayalam release after the reopening of cinemas in the state.
Salmaan, who has also produced the film under his home banner Wayfarer Films, penned a heartfelt note while announcing the release date.
“At long, long last, we are ready. Ready to set Kurup free. Our biggest film yet, Kurup, is free from being caged and locked down and slated to release in theatres all across the world.
It has been a long ambitious yet arduous journey with Kurup. In ideation for several years. Filming for close to a year. And months and months of post-production. And then the pandemic. There were long months where we had no idea if Kurup would ever see the light of day. But the unanimous and overwhelming love, the support, the constant requests from all of you to wait till theatres opened, helped us survive in some of the toughest times.
I've said it to close family and friends many a time that the film Kurup almost feels like my second child. I feel like it's a living breathing thing with a life and destiny of its own. There is nothing I haven’t and wouldn't do for this film to become the best version of itself. Physically and mentally, I've given it my all. I know I've said a lot of 'I's. Not to take away from the tremendous effort and talent of the team that made it what it is. But I just want to speak from the heart about my special relationship with this film.
We as a team have fought many battles internally and externally to bring it together. To do justice to it. To nurture and care for it. As it grew from an idea to every day growing bigger and bigger to what is in my eyes a giant now.
Kurup like I mentioned always had a destiny if its own. And I always knew it wouldn't come out till it felt the time was right and it felt ready.
And now it's time to finally let Kurup free. And I pray and hope you all give it wings. And it reaches great heights.
Conning Soon
Across languages in cinemas near you on November 12th 2021!” reads Dulquer Salmaan's Instagram post.
The upcoming Malayalam film also features Sobhita Dhulipala and Sunny Wayne in pivotal roles.
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.