Streaming media giant Prime Video on Thursday announced licensing association with four leading Indian production banners under which it will premiere titles like Drishyam 2, Jug Jugg Jeeyo, Jee Le Zara and Pathaan post the theatrical release of these films.
The collaboration was announced during the Prime Video Presents India event in Mumbai.
The streamer said following the big-screen release of action thriller Runway 34, comedy Thank God, thriller Drishyam 2, and Bholaa, Prime Video will be home to these movies backed by Bollywood star Ajay Devgn's production house Ajay Devgn FFilms.
Starring and directed by Devgn, Runway 34 is slated to hit the screens on Friday.
Prime Video will also premiere three upcoming films from Dharma Productions such as Varun Dhawan and Kiara Advani-led Jug Jugg Jeeyo, Vicky Kaushal-starrer Govinda Naam Mera, and Karan Johar's next directorial venture Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.
Filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Media and Entertainment will bring their movies -- Katrina Kaif, Ishaan Khatter, and Siddhant Chaturvedi's Phone Bhoot, action film Yudra, comedy Fukrey 3, Jee Le Zara, starring Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina; as well as Adarsh Gourav, Ananya Pandey-starrer Kho Gaye Hain Hum Kahan -- to the platform.
Another banner to premiere their much-awaited titles on the streamer is Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films. Five of the production house's films in the pipeline -- Ranveer-starrer Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Akshay Kumar-fronted Prithviraj, Ranbir Kapoor's Shamshera, Salman Khan and Katrina's Tiger 3 and Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan -- will all make it to Prime Video post-theatrical release.
At the event, hosted by Karan Johar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Sumukhi Suresh, Prime Video announced 41 new projects, which include Original films and series.
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.