For decades, stunt performers have risked life and limb behind the scenes, pulling off mind-blowing action sequences without the spotlight or recognition. That’s about to change for the better. The Oscars are finally catching up with what action lovers have known all along: stunt design is an art, and it deserves a spotlight of its own.
In a big move, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new Oscar category: Achievement in Stunt Design. This award will be introduced at the 100th Oscars in 2028, celebrating films released in 2027. To mark the moment, the Academy released a special poster featuring three standout films: RRRMission: Impossible, and Everything Everywhere All At Once, and it’s a clear nod to the talent and effort behind their unforgettable action scenes.
Among the most thrilled by this development is RRR director SS Rajamouli, who took to social media to share his excitement. He called it a “100-year wait” finally over and gave credit to industry veterans David Leitch and Chris O’Hara, who championed the cause on behalf of the stunt community.
Rajamouli’s pride is understandable. RRR isn’t just another action film for us — in fact, it’s a cultural phenomenon that redefined Indian cinema’s global footprint. Its jaw-dropping sequences, led by stars Ram Charan and Jr. NTR, pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on screen. The film had already made history by winning India’s first Oscar for Best Original Song with Naatu Naatu. Now, its inclusion in the Academy’s announcement poster cements its place as a torchbearer for action excellence.
The stunt design category is a long-overdue nod to professionals who’ve remained in the shadows. Till now, only two stunt legends, Yakima Canutt and Hal Needham, received honorary Oscars, and even those came decades apart. This new competitive category finally gives stunt work a seat at the table.
The Academy says eligibility rules and voting criteria will be revealed in 2027. For now, the message is clear: action choreography is no longer just a technical gimmick but cinematic storytelling at its most visceral.
Rajamouli, meanwhile, is already deep into his next epic, a big-budget adventure starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. But for now, he and every stunt professional can celebrate a milestone that was far too long in the making.
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.