Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Sobhita Dhulipala has found herself at the centre of an unexpected social media storm after netizens accused her of imitating Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s fashion choices. The controversy erupted following Sobhita’s latest Vogue cover shoot, where she was seen wearing a fringed silver slip dress. Some social media users were quick to point out the resemblance to an outfit Samantha had worn earlier, sparking online criticism.
Sobhita and her husband, Naga Chaitanya, recently posed for Vogue in a romantic-themed shoot, marking their first major appearance as a married couple. The photos featured Sobhita in a tassel-detailed silver slip dress, while Naga Chaitanya wore a navy-blue tuxedo with a floral motif. Though the look was praised by many, a section of netizens accused Sobhita of copying Samantha’s recent outfit, worn at an event in February.
Naga Chaitanya’s ex-wife Samantha and Sobhita’s similar outfits ignite a heated online debate/ CREDIT/Vogueroar-assets-auto.rbl.ms
However, fashion experts were quick to clarify that the two outfits were entirely different. Sobhita’s dress, designed by Akhl, featured a sheer, high-low design with silver-to-pastel fringes. Samantha’s dress, from Studio Moon Ray, had an ombre fringe skirt with a contrasting waistband. Despite these clear distinctions, trolls continued to flood the comment section with remarks like, “First husband, now fashion?” and “Shameless copycat.”
The criticism against Sobhita is not just about fashion though. It is deeply tied to her relationship with Naga Chaitanya. Their wedding in December 2024 was already under intense scrutiny as Naga Chaitanya’s divorce from Samantha had been a highly publicised event. Fans of the former couple struggled to accept his new relationship, often blaming Sobhita for their breakup.
Adding to the controversy, old social media posts resurfaced, including a cryptic remark by Samantha’s stylist after the divorce, which some fans interpreted as a dig at Sobhita. The Vogue interview also fuelled further backlash when Naga Chaitanya’s comments about apologising in relationships led to comparisons with Samantha’s past statements on their marriage.
While criticism over celebrity fashion choices is not uncommon, the backlash against Sobhita appears to be fuelled more by personal emotions than objective comparisons. The ongoing fan war between supporters of Samantha and Sobhita continues to escalate, but at its core, this controversy is less about a dress and more about lingering sentiments from a past relationship.
For now, Sobhita remains silent on the issue, while the internet continues to debate whether the trolling is justified or simply an exaggerated reaction fuelled by fan loyalty.
Mukerji parts ways with YRF’s Dhoom 4 after reported creative disagreements.
Decision said to be amicable, with Aditya Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor supportive.
Director shifts focus to Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, expected to begin filming in 2026.
Filmmaker steps away from YRF’s action franchise
Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji has stepped away from Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) highly anticipated action project Dhoom 4, reportedly due to creative differences. According to Bollywood Hungama, Mukerji’s vision for the film did not align with the studio’s direction, prompting him to withdraw from the project.
Mukerji, who was in discussions to direct the next instalment of the hit franchise—expected to star Ranbir Kapoor—was said to have limited control over the script, which was reportedly written by Shridhar Raghavan. The director, best known for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Brahmastra, was keen on shaping the film creatively rather than simply executing an existing plan.
A source quoted in the report said, “Ayan didn’t have much say in the screenplay and didn’t want to embark on another journey of just execution.”
Amicable parting after discussions with Aditya Chopra
Before stepping away, Mukerji is believed to have held several discussions with YRF head Aditya Chopra and actor Ranbir Kapoor. Both reportedly supported his decision, with insiders describing the split as “completely amicable.”
The director’s departure does not mark the end of Dhoom 4, as YRF plans to continue with the project under a new director. The studio may also reconsider casting options, despite earlier reports that Ranbir Kapoor had set aside dates for the film.
Focus returns to the Brahmastra universe
Following his exit from Dhoom 4, Mukerji has shifted attention back to his passion project—the Brahmastra series. The filmmaker is currently developing Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, the sequel to the 2022 fantasy epic.
The film, initially expected to begin production earlier, is now likely to go on floors in 2026. Sources suggest Mukerji intends to expand the Astraverse with more depth in storytelling, combining elements of mythology, drama, and spectacle.
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