Currently, in India, theatres are functioning with 50 percent occupancy in a few states. Hindi movies like BellBottom, Chehre, and Thalaivii got a theatrical release in the past few weeks, but the films have received a lukewarm response at the box office.
John Abraham starrer Satyameva Jayate 2 is one of the most awaited films of the year. The movie was slated to release in May this year, but it was postponed due to the second wave of Covid-19 in India.
We recently interacted with Nikkhil Advani, the producer of the film, and when we asked about an update on Satyameva Jayate 2’s release, he said, "As producers, we have taken a decision that we will wait for theatres to open 100 percent. Satyameva Jayate 2, directed by Milap Zaveri, is made for the audiences who are going to be clapping, whistling, repeating, and screaming the dialogues, shouting at John Abraham’s biceps, and hooting and cheering for his biceps and body. So, when in India, theatres open 100 percent, it will be one of the first films to be out.”
While talking about his other upcoming projects, Advani told us, “There are several things that are happening. Rocket Boys (Sony LIV) is going to release soon, and we have another show that we are making with Naseer sahab (Naseeruddin Shah). We have several things in the pipeline and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway with Rani Mukerji is being shot in Estonia.”
Satyameva Jayate 2 also stars Divya Khosla Kumar in the lead role.
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.