Filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo are known for spending like a sailor when it comes to bringing their ideas into reality. The two have directed some of the most expensive movies ever made, which also turned out to be highest grossing films at the worldwide box office. The latest we hear is that the duo has gone all out to make their much-anticipated web series Citadel, starring global icon Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden in lead roles.
Citadel was announced in 2020 and was filmed in 2021. As per reports, the budget for the Amazon Prime spy series has ballooned to over $200 million, becoming the second-most-expensive TV show behind The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which boasts a Season One budget of at least $465 million.
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that behind-the-scenes struggles and creative differences have led to the departure of half of the creative team behind Citadel, including writer Josh Appelbaum and director Brian Kirk, who had helmed five of the first season’s seven-episode run. Hunters’ writer David Weil is now on board for extensive rewrites. Cinematographer Thomas Sigel, who directed the other two episodes of Citadel, will do the reshoots. He worked with the Russo Brothers on 2020’s Extraction and last year’s Cherry.
Before The Russo Brothers took over the show, Citadel had wrapped up filming late last December. The show is a passion project for Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke, who has big plans for the series.
Citadel is a spy show in the style of the Avengers movies. Salke envisions several spinoffs to the show, with each spy having exclusive adventures in their home locales, like India, Italy, and Mexico.
With Citadel back in post-production, it remains to be seen when Amazon Prime will announce a premiere date for the series.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.