Toplined by Sidharth Malhotra and Rashmika Mandanna, the much-awaited espionage thriller Mission Majnu has locked a new date for its theatrical release. Earlier scheduled to enter cinemas on May 13, the film will now arrive on June 10, the makers announced on Wednesday.
Directed by Shantanu Bagchi, Mission Majnu is set in the 1970s and features Malhotra as a RAW agent, who leads a covert operation on Pakistani soil. The film marks Mandanna’s debut in Bollywood. She has previously starred in several successful Telugu-language films.
Talking about what led her to choose Mission Majnu to make her Bollywood debut, Mandanna had earlier said in an interview, “In the first narration itself, I knew I wanted to be a part of this film because I knew if not now, I’d not have done this character again. It’s one of those roles. It’s a now or never kind of character. Mission Majnu has given me so many firsts - from exploring the northern part of India, its culture, language, the people, the industry, and working with such a wonderful team and co-actors. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
RSVP Movies, which is bankrolling the film, took to their official social media handles and announced the new release date for Mission Majnu.
“The target is set! Get ready to be a part of India's most daring RAW mission in the heart of Pakistan. Inspired by true events, Mission Majnu releasing on 10th June 2022," the studio posted on Instagram alongside the official poster of the film.
Produced by Ronnie Screwvala (RSVP) Amar Butala and Garima Mehta (Guilty By Association Media), written by Parveez Shaikh, Aseem Arrora, and Sumit Batheja, and directed by Shantanu Bagchi, Mission Majnu also stars Sharib Hashmi and Kumud Mishra in important 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.