RRR, one of the most-anticipated Indian films of 2022, will now enter cinemas on March 25, the makers announced on Monday.
The Telugu-language period drama, whose dubbed versions will release in several other popular Indian languages including Hindi, stars Ram Charan. Jr NTR, Ajay Devgn, and Alia Bhatt in important roles.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, the mega-budgeted film has faced an inordinate delay in its release, primarily because of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, the makers had announced two dates for the release of the film - March 18 and April 28. However, they have now decided to release the film on March 25, 2022.
A source in the know informs a leading publication that the makers of RRR decided against releasing the film on March 18 as a mark of respect to Kannada superstar, late Puneeth Rajkumar, as his last film James is set to release on March 17.
“His last film, James, is slated to release on March 17. While the distributors in Karnataka were already having mega plans to celebrate power star’s last film, SS Rajamouli and co. on their own will decided to delay their magnum opus by a week. It is their tribute to the legendary actor,” the source divulges.
Bankrolled by Lyca Productions, RRR is a fictional tale based on the lives of two freedom fighters in the early 20th century – Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) and Kumram Bheem (NTR Jr). The film has been in the making for almost three years.
The film is set to clash with the much-awaited horror-comedy film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which is also set to release on March 25. It is a sequel to the successful 2007 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa and stars Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu in significant roles.
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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.