Veteran actor Kamal Haasan and celebrated filmmaker Mani Ratnam have joined forces after a long gap of 36 years.
The duo last collaborated on the 1987 cult gangster drama Nayakan, which turned out to be an instant blockbuster at the box office.
The two are now coming together for a film tentatively titled KH234. The team recently gathered for the grand launch event of the film.
As per reports, the title teaser of KH234 will be unveiled on November 7 on the occasion of Haasan's 69th birthday.
The team has already shot the promo in Chennai.
The leading lady of KH234 has also been the subject of considerable speculation for a long time. There were unconfirmed reports that Ratnam was considering roping in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Trisha. However, fresh rumour has it that Nayanthara has been tapped to play the female lead alongside Haasan.
If Nayanthara is indeed a part of KH234, this will mark her first collaboration with Haasan.
Jayam Ravi and Dulquer Salman are also said to be part of the forthcoming film. The official cast and crew is expected to be announced along with the title teaser.
On behalf of Raaj Kamal International Films and Madras Talkies, Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, R Mahendran and Siva Ananthi are co-producing KH234. Udhayanidhi Stalin is presenting the film on behalf of Red Giant Films.
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman will score the film’s music.
Ravi K Chandran, who has previously worked with Mani Ratnam on such films as Kannathil Muthamittal and Aayutha Ezhuthu, is handling cinematography.
Stay tuned to this space for more updates and reveals from the glitzy world of entertainment.
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.