INDIAN films set in the future traditionally not doing well is why big budget release Kalki 2898 AD was always going to be an expensive gamble.
From the eye-catching sets and special effects to a flashy star cast, no expense has been spared on the action drama combining ancient Indian mythology with a dystopian postapocalyptic world.
Set nearly 900 years in the future, the story revolves around inhabitants of the world’s last surviving city, which is in the middle of a desert, ruled by a shrivelled old tyrant (Kamal Haasan), trying to rejuvenate himself.
Meanwhile a successful bounty hunter (Prabhas) is roped into hunt down a pregnant woman (Deepika Padukone) on the run. It isn’t long before he realises his much greater purpose, which is connected to a long distant past. Meanwhile, an ancient figure (Amitabh Bachchan) condemned to immortality awakens.
Like most movies that attempt to try something different, Kalki 2898 AD becomes a rollercoaster ride of highs, lows, wrong turns and new elements not seen before in Indian cinema.
After a relatively messy and slower first half, it picks up pace and rolls around towards a rousing finale. The spectacular visuals paper over the various cracks that appear throughout this well intentioned entertainer, which deserves credit for venturing into new territory.
The great production design, striking special effects, eye-catching costumes and powerful performances from a cast on top form make up for the lack of strong writing in the film. Amitabh Bachchan in particular is brilliant in his unique role and will delight his legion of fans.
It is obvious that elements of Hollywood films like Mad Max and Dune have inspired much of this movie. The music could have been stronger and there was definite scope for Kalki 2898 AD to be around 20 minutes shorter in length.
That doesn’t take away from this film offering fans of Indian cinema a new experience, even if a little patience is needed to get through it.
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.