Helmed and co-written by the National Award-winning director Ravi Jadhav, Main Atal Hoon is a biographical drama that delves into the life and legacy of one of India’s finest Prime Ministers, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The film tries to capture the essence of the leader’s eventful journey, offering a narrative that celebrates the political acumen, resilience, and unwavering commitment that defined his personality and tenure as the Prime Minister of India.
The film begins with a glimpse into the protagonist’s formative years, providing the audience with an understanding of the events and influences that shaped the leader's character. The storytelling is informative but oversimplified. It tries to blend historical accuracy with dramatic elements to keep the audience captivated but, alas, fails to do so more often than not.
One of the film’s weaknesses lies in it being extremely rushed, with no attention to detail in recreating the political landscape of the time. Jadhav, who has several commercially successful and critically acclaimed Marathi films to his credit, is known for his attention to detail. However, he fails to make the most of his knack in his latest directorial. He tries to navigate the complex political terrain of Vajpayee’s time in a slapdash manner. The screenplay is sloppy, creating an incohesive narrative.
However, the casting choices deserve applause, as Pankaj Tripathiin the titular role of Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivers a stellar performance, capturing the charisma and conviction of the real-life figure. The supporting cast also excels in their roles, bringing to life the array of characters who played pivotal roles in the leader's political journey.
The film portrays the personal struggles of the protagonist, offering a glimpse into the sacrifices made. It humanizes the political figure, showcasing vulnerabilities and moments of introspection that add depth to the character.
The cinematography is good, capturing the grandeur of political arenas, the vibrancy of public events, and the intimacy of private moments. The director’s use of symbolism and visual metaphors adds a layer of sophistication to the storytelling.
Main Atal Hoon occasionally tends to gloss over certain aspects of the leader's tenure. The film could have explored these elements with more nuance, providing a more balanced perspective on the challenges faced and decisions made.
In conclusion, Main Atal Hoon stands as a rushed tribute to one of India's finest Prime Ministers.
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.