The gripping courtroom drama Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai recently premiered on streaming site ZEE5. A teenage girl files a police complaint against an elderly selfstyled holy man, who she alleges sexually assaulted her and he is arrested.
A righteous lawyer takes on the challenging case against an all-powerful man with many devotees, but it isn’t long before witnesses start to disappear, and his life is in danger. What follows is a long battle for justice.
An already gripping story is made more interesting by the fact that it is based on actual events. The engaging movie shows less can be more as it does away with overblown Bollywood bluster and replaces it with a story that is close to reality.
At the heart of it is a protective figure trying to get a young girl justice against all the odds. At a time when the self-styled godmen have a lot of political power in India, this is also a brave piece of filmmaking bringing a hidden secret out in the open.
The engine that drives this film is a fantastic performance from Manoj Bajpayee. He flies high in every scene with an almost superhero like role, where he is the relatable everyday man at home and a crusading lawyer in the courtroom.
He has a magnetic screen presence and is particularly brilliant in the courtroom scenes, with explosive dialogue delivery, including a memorable monologue towards the end. There could have been more of the victim in the movie, including all the emotional trauma she has suffered and the aftermath.
That doesn’t take away from the impact this surprisingly good courtroom drama makes.
The film retains its focus and is much better than most Bollywood films released in recent years. Don’t be surprised if Bajpayee is nominated for multiple awards after a stunning turn that confirms his brilliance.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.