SS Rajamouli has decided to take a new approach to storytelling with his upcoming film starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Known for pushing boundaries in Indian cinema, the director has opted to move away from the two-part format that he popularised with Baahubali. Instead, he is crafting a single, expansive narrative for this ambitious project, which is expected to hit the screens in the summer of 2027.
The decision to keep the story within one film was made early in the project’s development. A source close to the production revealed that Rajamouli believes the two-part format has been overused by filmmakers as a way to maximise profits rather than serve the story. With this film, he aims to break that trend by presenting a complete and compelling narrative in a single instalment.
Mahesh Babu: The Telugu superstar headlines one of the most anticipated films of his careerGetty Images
Set against the backdrop of Kashi and featuring a mix of mythology, adventure, and action, the film is designed to be a gripping cinematic experience. While many filmmakers extend their stories across multiple films to keep audiences invested, Rajamouli is confident that his screenplay can hold viewers’ attention for a longer duration without the need for a sequel. Reports suggest that the film will have a runtime of around 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it one of his longest projects yet, on par with RRR.
Filming is already underway, with the team having completed major sequences in Odisha’s forests. The director is also considering shooting in international locations to enhance the film’s scale and appeal. Rajamouli is reportedly in talks with global studios to bring an international dimension to the production, making it a true pan-Indian and global cinematic event.
Priyanka Chopra: The global star joins Rajamouli’s epic adventure, adding star power to the filmGetty Images
As anticipation builds, the team is preparing to release an official announcement featuring actual footage from the film. This announcement video, currently in post-production, is expected to give fans their first look at the grand vision Rajamouli has for this project.
Adding to the excitement, both Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli have entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with producers D.V.V. Danayya and K.L. Narayana. This suggests that the makers are confident in the film’s potential to perform exceptionally well at the box office.
Prithviraj Sukumaran: The Malayalam icon takes on a pivotal role in Rajamouli’s grand cinematic spectacleInstagram
With Rajamouli at the helm, expectations are high. His decision to streamline the storytelling into a single epic film marks a bold shift in an industry where multi-part storytelling has become the norm. Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how this change will shape the future of Indian cinema.
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.