There is no denying the fact that S. Shankar is one of the finest filmmakers of Indian cinema. He has given us a series of exceptionally well-made movies like Robot (2010) and 2.0 (2018). He is one of those rare filmmakers who everyone wants to work with. So, it should not come as a surprise if you come to learn that after Akshay Kumar, now superstar Hrithik Roshan is also teaming up with the visionary filmmaker.
According to fresh reports, S. Shankar has narrated a sci-fi thriller script to Junior Roshan and the superstar has quite liked it. He is almost onboard, but the project is yet to be signed on the dotted line.
Shankar is presently gearing up to helm Indian 2, a sequel to the National award-winning 1996 Tamil film Indian. The film features megastar Kamal Haasan and Nayanthara in lead roles. The flick will mount the shooting floor as soon as Haasan wraps up hosting the television reality show, Bigg Boss 2 (Tamil).
Revealing some exclusive details, a trade source says, “Shankar has always been keen to work with Hrithik Roshan and has been trying since the last four years, but somehow it has never worked out. Shankar feels with Hrithik’s good looks, great physique and superb dancing skills, he can do justice to the kind of scripts that he has.”
The source goes on to add, “Few know that Hrithik and Shankar have been in talks for months to do a film together after 2.0 got complete and it’s the main lead. Shankar approached Hrithik Roshan for his next after Indian 2 and while Hrithik has liked the script, they are working on other factors including remuneration and dates. It’s another sci-fi action thriller movie in 3D and with extra-ordinary VFX like 2.0 – almost like a superhero film. Shankar had earlier wanted Hrithik to do Akshay Kumar’s role, ornithologist Pakshi Rajan, in 2.0 but Hrithik was busy shooting for Super 30 at that time and couldn’t commit. Hrithik is known to be very choosy with his scripts and the only movie he has given his nod till now is his father Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish 4. Right now, he is completing Super 30 and YRF’s movie with Tiger Shroff and Vaani Kapoor. If he agrees to do Shankar’s movie, it will definitely be an announcement of sorts.”
An official announcement is awaited.
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.