THE official Hindi remake of the acclaimed 2021 Malayalam drama The Great Indian Kitchen was screened at international film festivals before recently premiering on streaming platform ZEE5.
The poignant story follows an educated woman who believes she has found the ideal husband, only to discover the deeply regressive nature of his family after marriage. She is suddenly thrust into a patriarchal household, confined by a monotonous routine and the traditional expectations of domestic life. When her mother-in-law has to leave, the burden on her intensifies, triggering a journey of selfdiscovery as she begins to question the societal constructs that seek to confine her.
Although not as powerful as the original, this sensitively crafted remake has been adapted to a North Indian setting while attempting to retain the essence of the story. The slow burning drama offers an unflinching look at gender roles still deeply entrenched in Indian households, shaped by outdated mindsets and traditions.
While the film explores themes that many will find familiar, it is also a relatable coming-of-age journey for the female protagonist, who discovers inner strength in an environment that increasingly feels alien to her.
Lead star Sanya Malhotra does full justice to her role, proving once again why she is among Hindi cinema’s finest young talents. She brings power, grace, and empathy to the role, capturing a range of emotions – from frustration to resilience – ultimately leading to empowerment. At a time when overblown Bollywood spectacles continue to disappoint audiences, this low budget drama proves that less can often be more.
That said, a more experienced director might have elevated the film further, as it hesitates to fully embrace its grittier elements. The music, too, could have been stronger. However, these shortcomings do not take away from the film’s impact as a thought provoking exploration of a woman’s quest for identity within the suffocating confines of Indian tradition. It challenges audiences and delivers an important message.
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.