By: Mohnish Singh
Over the past few months, we have seen several films heading directly to streaming media platforms for their premiere, skipping theatrical release.
Speculations were rife lately that the makers of Saina, a biopic based on the life of ace badminton player Saina Nehwal, were also in talks with a leading streamer for the direct-to-digital premiere of the much-anticipated film. But with the Indian government allowing theatres to restart operations with 100% occupancy, they are reconsidering their decision. The makers now want to release the film in theatres before it premieres online.
If all goes well, Saina will either arrive in cinemas in March or April. The film stars Parineeti Chopra in the lead role and has been directed by well-known filmmaker Amole Gupte for T-Series Films.
A source in the know divulges, “With cinema halls opening up with 100% occupancy in most places, the producers felt that it is best to bring Saina on the big screen considering that it tells the story of a sporting icon that deserves to be enjoyed in the cinema halls.”
The source goes on to add, “A lot of factors were taken into consideration to reverse the decision and then decide on the release date. As things stand today, it is set for a March 26 release in cinema halls across India. Producer, Bhushan Kumar, is now all set to unwind his line-up extending to over 20 major films through the year, which begins with Mumbai Saga on March 19.”
Meanwhile, Parineeti Chopra can be currently seen in her latest offering The Girl on the Train, which is now streaming on Netflix. It also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Kirti Kulhari, and Avinash Tiwary in lead roles.
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.