By: Mohnish Singh
While theatres in India have been allowed to restart operations with full occupancy, not many filmmakers are coming forward to release their films in cinemas. However, the buzz in the tinsel town has it that a few filmmakers have locked dates for the theatrical release of their films, and an official announcement on the same can be expected anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Vidya Balan has completed shooting for her next film Sherni, which will explore man-wildlife conflict with a nail-biting plot that revolves around a real-life incident. However, the makers are yet to take a decision on whether they want to release the film in theatres or head to a streaming media platform.
“While shooting has been completed, post-production work is on in full swing. We are yet to decide on which platform the film will release, but we are targeting a summer release; perhaps in June or July. So far, we plan to release it in theatres, but we will have to see how things pan out. We want the whole world to see it,” producer Vikram Malhotra told an Indian publication.
National Film Award-winning actress Vidya Balan was last seen in Anu Menon’s Shakuntala Devi (2020), which premiered on Amazon Prime Video. Also starring Sanya Malhotra, Jisshu Sengupta, and Amit Sadh in lead roles, the biographical drama received positive response from audiences and critics alike. From what we hear, she plays a powerful character in Sherni as well.
The forthcoming film has been directed by Amit Masurkar whose last directorial Newton (2017) was selected as India’s official entry for the 90th Academy Awards. Masurkar also directed the 2013 slacker-comedy Sulemani Keeda. Written by Aastha Tiku, Sherni has been bankrolled under the banners of T-Series Films and Abundantia Entertainment.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.