Mrs and Sumo Didi, two films from Jio Studios, are set to be screened at the 35th Palm Springs International Film Festival.
The festival will begin in California, US, on January 4 and will conclude on January 15.
According to Jio Studios, the screening of Sumo Didi, inspired by the story of India's first sumo wrestler Hetal Dave with Shriyam Bhagnani in the title role, will take place on January 7.
The film is directed by debutant Jayant Rohatgi and also features Chaitnya Sharma (Slow Cheeta).
Rohatgi said he is happy to present this story of grit to North American audiences after its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival in October.
"I hope the character's journey resonates with them and we are able to convey that every human being is unique and has unlimited potential waiting to explode.
"What drew me to Hetal's story was her tenacity in breaking through stereotypes, social prejudices, patriarchal mindsets, lack of opportunities, yet have that relentless focus and determination to make a seemingly impossible dream come true," the director said in a statement.
Jio Studios presents Sumo Didi in association with Fresh Lime Films and MA + TH.
The Sanya Malhotra-starrer Mrs will have its screening at the festival on January 10. Directed by Arati Kadav, the film is billed as a captivating account of a woman's strength and resilience.
Malhotra said she is thrilled that her film Mrs will have its premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2024.
"Through this festival, people from across the world will get to see a film which, in my opinion, has relatable, heartfelt content. Mrs is a film which is really close to my heart and I hope it moves the audience the same way it moved me," she said.
Kadav said that seeing Malhotra showcase her craft in the company of stalwarts like Olivia Coleman and Greta Gerwig is one of the gifts she is grateful for.
"I am thankful to our producers Jio Studios and Baweja Studios who have supported the journey of this film and made this day possible. I am also thankful for the hard work of the cast and crew and their sincerity that had made the film able to take these strides," the director added.
Presented by Jio Studios in association with Baweja Studios, Mrs also stars Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh in key roles. The film had its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November.
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.