Filmmaker SS Rajamouli on Tuesday said he has been toying with the idea of making an animation film for some time now.
The director said he hopes to venture into "newer" territories in his future projects, much like his latest animation series Baahubali: Crown of Blood, which is set in the universe of his popular Baahubali feature films.
Rajamouli, also known for action movies such as Eega, Magadheera, and the much-celebrated RRR, serves as creator of the upcoming Disney+ Hotstar series along with Sharad Devarajan of The Legend of Hanuman fame.
"It's been on my mind," Rajamouli said, referring to directing an animated film.
"I like making films which will enable me to enter into newer areas in my forthcoming films. For a long time, I've had this thought of making an animation film. Whether it's Eega that I made or how I'm associated with Hotstar for this (series), all these things are for me to learn. It helps me to develop my skills," he said at the press conference of Baahubali: Crown of Blood.
The series serves as a prequel to Rajamouli's blockbuster Baahubali movies -- 2015's Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017).
A self-proclaimed fan of The Lion King and Aladdin, Rajamouli said there's an audience for animation films in India.
"Everyone was watching those films with a houseful of audiences cheering, clapping, laughing, and enjoying like any other film. So, the audience is there for animation films. It's just the belief of us as filmmakers to bring animation content and the ability to make the connection (is needed)" he added.
"If you've seen Magadheera, you see how the connection happens between (characters played by) Ram Charan and Kajal. So, that magical connection has to happen (between filmmakers and animation). The minute it happens, floodgates will open and tons of content will be created," he said.
According to Rajamouli, the animation content in India is restricted to children, unlike the US and Japanese anime films.
"It is surprising that the animation world in India doesn't go beyond children’s cartoons. We had the right kind of people and we felt like taking it forward. We had long story discussions with Sharad," he added.
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.