RRR, which hit screens in March 2022, is yet not done. The SS Rajamouli magnum-opus, starring Ram Charan and Jr. NTR, was not selected as India’s official entry to Oscars 2023. However, the film has finally made it to the Oscar race and how.
After being rejected as India’s official entry, RRR has launched a campaign to file nominations in 14 categories as part of their “For your consideration (FYC)” campaign. The makers of the film formally introduced their campaign last Friday with a screening at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
RRR has submitted to be nominated under 14 major categories including Best Picture (DVV Danayya), Best Director (Rajamouli), Best Actor (Jr NTR and Ram Charan), Screenplay, Original Song, Score, Editing, Cinematography, Sound, Production Design and VFX, among others.
Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn, who played an important cameo in the film, will compete in the Best Supporting Actor category, while Alia Bhatt will compete in the Best Actress category. The song “Naatu Naatu,” which became a global hit with people all across the world making reels on it, seeks to be nominated for Best Original Song.
SS Rajamouli's son SS Karthikeya quote-tweeted a post featuring the “all category” nomination details and added a red heart with fire and folded hands emoji. He has also used the hashtag “RRR for Oscars.” The original tweet was shared by a film critic.
Los Angeles Times reporter Jen Yamato also tweeted regarding RRR's nomination.
RRR is a fictitious story, set in the 1920s, based on two legendary freedom fighters - Alluri Seetharamaraju and Komaram Bheem.
Meanwhile, a Gujarati-language film called Chello Show has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. had beaten RRR and Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘Kashmir Files’ to represent India at the Oscars.
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.