AS AUDIENCES celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kaththi, it is clear that this movie has left a lasting mark on Tamil cinema.
Directed by AR Murugadoss and featuring Kollywood superstar Vijay, Kaththi was more than just an action movie – it delivered a powerful message about social issues that continues to resonate with viewers even after a decade.
Eastern Eye marks the 10-year milestone with reasons why the film remains iconic.
Knock-out lead performance: Let’s talk about Vijay. He didn’t just act in this film; he absolutely owned it and lived the characters. Playing dual roles, Vijay showcased his versatility like never before. One moment, he was the charming, quick-witted Kathiresan, and the next, he transformed into the intense, purpose-driven Jeevanantham. It felt like watching two entirely different actors on screen.
Dynamic directing: AR Murugadoss proved once again why he is considered one of the best commercial directors. His direction in Kaththi was nothing short of masterful, blending high-octane action sequences with thoughtprovoking social commentary. He kept viewers engaged while making them reflect on deeper issues – a difficult feat to achieve.
Musical mastery: Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack deserves appreciation. From the energetic Selfie Pulla to the soul-stirring Aathi, every song fit perfectly into the narrative. But it was Yaar Petra Magano that truly struck an emotional chord. Anirudh’s background score elevated every scene, whether it was actionpacked or emotionally charged. He knocked it out of the park.
Box office bonanza: Kaththi didn’t just win hearts; it also raked in the moolah. It was also a massive commercial success. It broke records and became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2014, cementing its legacy.
Awesome action: The film’s intense and innovative action sequences were choreographed to perfection. Vijay’s physicality and the inventive fight choreography added an extra dimension, significantly contributing to the film’s appeal.
Super scenes: Kaththi had many memorable moments, but two in particular stood out for their hard-hitting impact:
The mass suicide of farmers was an emotional gut punch. Watching a group of farmers take their own lives was difficult, but that’s exactly the point. Murugadoss forced viewers to confront the grim reality faced by Indian farmers. It’s a stark, unflinching portrayal that leaves you feeling both angry and helpless.
The scene where Jeevanantham was arrested and made to sit in his underwear at the police station was deeply uncomfortable to watch, which made it all the more powerful. Talk about stripping a man of his dignity! It was a stark commentary on how activists are often humiliated and dehumanised by those in power. Vijay’s subtle yet impactful performance spoke volumes, conveying so much with just his eyes.
Timeless: Ten years on, Kaththi still packs a punch and remains relevant. Its themes of corporate greed, farmer exploitation, and environmental concerns are just as pertinent today as they were in 2014. That is the mark of a truly great film – one that stands the test of time and continues to spark conversation long after its release.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.