With the forthcoming comic-caper Hungama 2 set for a direct-to-digital release on Disney+ Hotstar, it has emerged that the much-awaited film will be premiering on the streaming service in July.
As the title aptly suggests, Hungama 2 is a sequel to Hungama (2003). It stars Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty, Meezaan Jaffrey, and Pranitha Subhash in lead roles. The sequel has been directed by Priyadarshan who also helmed the original film.
Sharing more details on the release, a source close to the development tells an entertainment portal, “The final edit of Hungama 2 is locked and being a family entertainer, the makers will bring it to the digital world as soon as possible to bring happiness in the lives of the audience. An official announcement on the release date is on the way within a fortnight. However, the officials of digital platform have zeroed in on a July release for the film.”
Meanwhile, producer Ratan Jain of Venus Entertainment has told a publication, “Yes, Hungama 2 is looking to release by the end of July. Disney+Hotstar will decide on the exact date and make an announcement soon.”
The audience is looking forward to Hungama 2 with bated breath. Apart from the fact that it is a sequel to Hungama, which was one of the most successful films of 2003, another important highlight of the film is that it will mark filmmaker Priyadarshan’s comeback to Bollywood after a long period. His last Hindi directorial was Rangrezz, which hit the marquee in 2013. It starred Jackky Bhagnani and Priya Anand in important roles.
Hungama 2 was originally set to release in theatres, but with the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India forcing theatres to close their doors for moviegoers again, the makers decided to take the digital route in a bid to ensure that the film reaches to as many people as possible.
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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.