Filmmaker Ram Madhvani, who is known for his award-winning film Neerja (2016) and the hugely successful web-show Aarya (2020), is set to direct a high-profile streaming show based on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. As per reports, the filmmaker has already begun initial prep on the ambitious historical drama.
Not much else is known about the forthcoming project at the moment, but an Indian publication reports that it has tentatively been titled Jallianwala Bagh: The Waking Of A Nation. The source material for the series comes from the exhaustive research from the Hunter Commission that was formed to investigate the killings in Jallianwala Bagh.
Apart from wielding the megaphone, Madhvani will produce the mega-budgeted show under his banner Ram Madhvani Films. More details on the project, including casting, are expected to be out soon.
Interestingly, Dharma Productions’ head honcho Karan Johar has announced a biopic on C Sankaran Nair, who had fought against the British Raj to uncover the truth about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which took place on April 13, 1919, is regarded as one of the biggest tragedies in the history of pre-Independence India, which changed the course of the freedom movement in the country. Almost 400 people died when British troops fired on a large crowd of unarmed, non-violent Indians who were protesting the arrest of pro-Indian Independence leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlu and Dr. Satya Pal.
Meanwhile, Ram Madhvani is waiting for the release of his next directorial Dhamaka. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles, the film is set for a direct-to-digital premiere on the streaming media giant Netflix.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.