Building a story around two giant jackfruits may seem like a strange idea, but it works well in the newly released Netflix film Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery.
Sanya Malhotra plays a dedicated police inspector in a fictional rural town who is pushed by her superiors into investigating the case of two giant jackfruits, which are mysteriously stolen from a senior politician’s tree.
During her investigation, she stumbles upon the case of a missing girl, and this unexpectedly leads her down a different path.
Meanwhile, she is struggling to deal with being more senior in the police force than her fiancé and contending with an unscrupulous reporter looking for a big scoop.
The comedy-drama, based on an actual event, shows the value of good writing and that less can definitely be more. The unique story combines well with engaging characters and great setting in a film that keeps you engaged from start to finish. There is intelligent humour, meaningful moments and one of the greatest food fights ever seen in Bollywood.
The film also subtly shines a light on sexism and casteism, without being too preachy. The talented cast elevate the strong material with stand-out turns.
Sanya Malhotra is particularly brilliant in her role as the sympathetic police officer and delivers one of this year’s best performances. She has a magnetic screen presence and effortlessly lights up every scene she is in.
The only thing that doesn’t really work is a ridiculous bald wig that is unnecessarily worn by Rajpal Yadav. Some of the comical background music is also a little silly and there was perhaps scope for a little more drama.
These are minor flaws in one of this year’s best Bollywood films. The surprisingly good comedy is so much better than the awful rubbish Hindi cinema has had to offer in recent years.
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.