Starring Akshay Kumar in the role of a RAW agent, Bell Bottom is one of the most awaited films of 2021. It was the first high-profile Hindi film to go into production after the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic started slowing down in 2020. The makers wrapped up production in record time and announced an April 2021 release date for the film.
However, Bell Bottom could not find its way into theatres in April due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic which turned out to be more severe and devastating than the first one. On June 15, Pooja Entertainment had announced July 27 as the new release date of the film. Kumar also took to his social media to announce the new release date.
But from what we hear, Bell Bottom may be forced to defer its release date yet another time after a few states across India have restarted imposing lockdown-like restrictions. Moreover, there is no sign of theatres opening their doors to the public in the next few weeks.
“Looking at the current situation I don’t think cinemas will fully open by July 27 so there is every chance Bell Bottom may release on August 13,” says a multiplex owner from Rajasthan, India.
A source close to the unit of the film tells the same publication, “There is no decision taken on Bell Bottom yet as theatres are yet to open in the country.”
Directed by Ranjit Tewari, Bell Bottom is a spy thriller set in the 80s. Aside from Akshay Kumar, the film also features Huma Qureshi, Lara Dutta and Vani Kapoor in important roles. While Qureshi and Dutta have previously worked with Kumar, Kapoor is set to share the screen space with him for the first time.
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.