Toplined by Punjabi star Ammy Virk, the much-awaited Punjabi film Oye Makhna is due in cinemas on September 9, the producers have announced.
The romantic comedy is backed by Yoodlee Films. Simerjit Singh is attached as the director. In addition to Ammy Virk, the film also stars Tania Singh, who is teaming up with Virk for the fourth time after having worked with him on films like Qismat, Sufna, and Qismat 2.
Siddharth Anand Kumar, VP - Films Saregama said they are thrilled to collaborate with Virk and Singh on the upcoming film.
“We are extremely bullish on the regional space in content and believe that the Punjabi film industry has much to offer audiences across the world. Simerjit is a wonderful director and he is bringing a lot of his signature brilliance to the film. And to have Ammy Virk as the lead and co-producer makes for a winning combination. Ammy and Simerjit have given some of the iconic Punjabi box office winners of the last five years and this one will be one more great addition to the list,” Kumar said in a statement.
Best known for blockbuster hits “Angrej” and “Qismat”, Virk said he is looking forward to the release of Oye Makhna. “This is the biggie that will push the Punjabi rom-com into a new space. Simerjit always knows how to create something special every time we work together and this film is no exception. To connect with a pan-Indian production house like Yoodlee is also a big plus as our reach will increase substantially thanks to them,” the actor said.
Singh, who has worked with Virk on historical romance drama Angrej and the romantic-comedy franchise Nikka Zaildar, said the upcoming movie is unlike anything they have done before.
“Ammy and I have always had a great equation and fans have enjoyed our association and now Yoodlee has brought us together once again. I am sure, this film will be unlike anything either of us has done. I hope that audiences will go in big numbers to watch it on the big screen,” the director said.
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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.