BOLLYWOOD actor Randeep Hooda is reuniting with director Sam Hargrave for the upcoming action thriller Matchbox, co-starring John Cena.
This marks their second collaboration following the success of the Netflix hit Extraction in 2020. Currently being filmed in Budapest, the project is highly anticipated.
John Cena redefining suave, one frame at a timeGetty Images
The movie features a cast that includes Teyonah Parris, Jessica Biel, and Sam Richardson. Sam Hargrave directs the film, based on a screenplay by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper. Producers include David Ellison and Dana Goldberg of Skydance, alongside Don Granger and Robbie Brenner of Mattel Films.
This announcement highlights the growing presence of Indian actors in Hollywood. From Irrfan Khan's roles in Life of Pi and Jurassic World to Priyanka Chopra Jonas's work in Quantico and Baywatch, Indian talent continues to gain recognition in the global film industry. Hooda's role in Matchbox adds to this representation, particularly in the action genre.
Randeep Hooda in action mode from the film ExtractionInstagram/seventhrootentertainment
Matchbox follows a group of friends who come together to prevent a global crisis while rekindling their bond. The live-action film is inspired by Mattel’s iconic Matchbox car line, which was introduced in 1953.
The idea originated when automotive enthusiast Jack Odell created a toy car for his daughter that fit inside a matchbox to comply with her school’s rules. The toy's popularity among her classmates led to the creation of the Matchbox brand. According to Mattel, the brand remains successful today, with two cars sold every second worldwide.
Director Sam Hargrave, known for his work on Extraction 2, has provided Randeep Hooda with a significant Hollywood breakthrough. Hargrave, also recognised for his stunt coordination in films such as Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, Thor: Ragnarok, and Suicide Squad, continues to make his mark in action filmmaking.
Sam Hargrave bringing action-packed energy to the red carpetGetty Images
Speaking to the media, Randeep Hooda shared his enthusiasm about reuniting with Sam Hargrave after their collaboration on Extraction. "We had a great time on our first collaboration with Extraction. Sam is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest," Hooda said.
Hooda recently showcased his directorial debut, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, at the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India, receiving positive audience feedback. He is currently preparing for his upcoming film Jaat, also starring Sunny Deol and directed by Telugu filmmaker Gopichand Malineni. Hooda, who is married to Lin Laishram, is also set to appear in Arjun Ustara, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
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.