Fronted by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash Raj Films’ much-awaited production venture Shamshera is set to enter theatres on July 22, 2022, the producers announced on Friday.
Directed by successful filmmaker Karan Malhotra, the big-ticket project is a dacoit drama set in the 1800s. It chronicles the story of a dacoit tribe fighting for their rights and independence from the British.
YRF released the teaser for the much-anticipated film on Friday. The 1.10-minute teaser features voice-overs by the actor as well as other cast members Sanjay Dutt and Vaani Kapoor.
The almost monochromatic promo sees the three actors narrate intriguing glimpses of their character while being surrounded by weapons. In the promo, Dutt calls Shamshera a person who believed that slavery of any person was evil while Ranbir Kapoor asserts that freedom is never given, but won.
Both Vaani Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt shared the teaser on their Instagram pages also. Sharing it, Vaani Kapoor wrote, “The adventure is about to begin. Excited to be a part of this journey! Celebrate Shamshera with YRF50 only at a big screen near you on 22nd July. Releasing in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu."
Sanjay Dutt, on the other hand, wrote, “Shamshera will rise! Celebrate Shamshera with YRF50 only at a big screen near you on 22nd July. Releasing in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.”
Shamshera marks Ranbir Kapoor's return to the big screen after a long gap of four years. He was last seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju (2018), which was a biographical drama based on the life of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt.
In addition to Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, and Vaani Kapoor, Shamshera also features Ronit Roy, Ashutosh Rana, and Saurabh Shukla in pivotal roles.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the film has been delayed multiple times in the past. It is finally set to release theatrically on July 22.
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.