Inspired by Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular villain, Todd Philips’ Joker was one of the most successful films of 2019, which became the first R-rated film to gross over $ 1 billion worldwide and went on to scoop 11 Oscar nominations.
Rumours of a sequel to Joker started doing the rounds right after the humongous success of the film. Now Joker: Folie à Deux has been confirmed, with Joaquin Phoenix already set to return as the profoundly troubled Arthur Fleck, aka the eponymous Joker. He will be joined by his partner in crime to be played by none other than Lady Gaga, reportedly as a version of Harley Quinn in the film.
The latest update on Joker 2 suggests that the film will be mounted on a huge scale and a massive budget has been sanctioned for its production. According to Variety, the upcoming sequel could get as much as three times the original film’s budget. Yes, you read that right!
If the report is to be believed, Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips are drawing a hefty paycheque of $20 million each for the much-anticipated project. As far as Lady Gaga’s remuneration is concerned, she is getting $10 million for the film. This means that Joker: Folie à Deux will cost around $150 million to produce. The film is set to start filming in December. The makers have locked October 4, 2024, for the theatrical release of the film.
Meanwhile, buzz has it that Zazie Beetz is in talks to reprise her role as Sophie Dumond who was the neighbour of Arthur Fleck; a single mom struggling in Gotham City. He had delusions of having a romance with her. More details are expected to arrive soon.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the 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.