A recent leak has stirred up mixed reactions among Squid Game fans, revealing a possible episode count for the highly anticipated third season. While excitement for the final chapter of the hit series is palpable, disappointment is brewing over reports that the concluding season may only have six episodes.
According to a recent post on the fan forum Instiz, Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3 were filmed back-to-back, with a combined total of 13 episodes. Since Season 2, released in December 2024, consisted of seven episodes, this leaves Season 3 with just six episodes to wrap up the intricate storyline. Fans are worried that such a limited number of episodes might not do justice to the narrative, especially considering the complexity of the plot and characters. Some fans are hopeful that Netflix or director Hwang Dong Hyuk might announce additional episodes, but so far, no official confirmation has been given.
On the brighter side, reports about the show’s massive production budget have sparked excitement. Media outlets revealed that Seasons 2 and 3 were produced with a combined budget of ₩100 billion KRW (approximately £54.3 million GBP). This massive budget hints at high-quality production, elaborate sets, and intense action sequences.
Despite the budget news, some fans expressed shock at the cost, with one commenting, “That’s too expensive for just six episodes.” Others, however, remain confident that the show’s global popularity will ensure profitability. “Season 1 was a worldwide hit, so even if Seasons 2 and 3 don’t perform as well, it will still be profitable,” a fan noted.
With just a few months between the release of Season 2 in December 2024 and the arrival of Season 3 in June 2025, the wait feels long for eager fans. Amid the debates over episode count and budget, fans are also speculating about the storyline. Will Seong Gi Hun survive? Could a new winner emerge? Stills from the series have also fuelled theories, showcasing high-tension moments, the return of the enigmatic Front Man, and a potential escape plan by a pink soldier.
As the countdown to Season 3 begins, fans remain divided but undeniably eager to see how this gripping tale will conclude. Whether six episodes will suffice or leave fans wanting more, we'd have to wait and find that out!
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.