Actress Shruti Haasan is set to headline Chennai Story, an upcoming Indo-UK co-production that will be directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Philip John.
The movie, which is co-produced by Guru Films (India), Ripple World Pictures (UK), and ie ie Productions (Wales), is based on author Timeri N Murari's bestseller The Arrangements of Love.
It is described as an English film interspersed with Tamil and Welsh, exploring themes of love, self-expression, and acceptance, a press release said.
Set against the backdrop of Wales and India, the coming-of-age romantic comedy will feature Haasan as Anu, a spunky private detective.
“Hailing from Chennai, a story showing the diversity and uniqueness of Chennai is so special to me - collaborating with Phil is something I’m so excited to experience, telling global and rooted stories through international collaboration is what making cinema is all about," the actor said.
John, best known for Moon Dogs and the series Being Human, said he is excited to collaborate with Haasan.
"I'm thrilled to be teaming up with the incredibly talented Shruti, on an emotional roller coaster of a story set in Chennai and Cardiff - two vibrant and multicultural cities. With the support of BFI, this film brings a whole new collaboration to international film production, while also bringing a fresh, under-explored Wales and India to the big screen," the filmmaker said.
Co-written by Nimmi Harasgama, the movie will also star British-Indian actor Viveik Kalra, who currently features in the Netflix movie Lift.
Chennai Story is backed by the British Film Institute’s UK Global Screen Fund. It was the sole Indian project to be included by the BFI for funding through its UK Global Screen Fund which was launched in April 2021 to boost global opportunities for the UK’s independent screen sector. This is the first time the fund has supported a collaboration with India.
The film will start its principal photography soon in locations in Chennai and subsequently in Cardiff.
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.