Released on 10th January, Bollywood film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior is unstoppable at the domestic box-office. The high-profile historical drama, which features Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan and Kajol in principal characters, has zoomed past the much-coveted ₹ 200 crore mark domestically, becoming the first two century-grossing title of 2020.
On its third Friday, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior raked in ₹ 5.38 crore, despite the arrival of two big movies, Panga and Street Dancer 3D at the box-office. The total domestic box-office collection of the much-loved period drama currently stands at an impressive ₹ 202.83 crore. The film is set to become the highest grossing film of superstar Ajay Devgn’s storied movie career.
Sharing the latest collection of the film on Twitter, noted film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh wrote, "Tanhaji crosses ₹ 200 crore, shows no signs of fatigue... Continues to score, despite reduction of screens/shows, plus two prominent films hitting the marketplace... Will emerge as Ajay Devgn's highest grossing film today (Sat)... (Week 3) Fri 5.38 cr. Total: 202.83 cr. India biz."
Saif Ali Khan, who received widespread praise for his negative character in the movie, is thrilled to see the massive success of the film. Expressing his excitement, he said, "So pleased to be a part of such an inspiring and entertaining film! Thank you, Ajay, for this great part that will go down as one of my very best! God bless OM Raut, (Bhushan) Kumarji, ADF films and the memory of Subedar Tanaji Malusare and Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj!"
Ajay Devgn also took to Instagram to announce that the film has emerged as a blockbuster. "Marching towards glory with all your love! Thank you for making Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior a blockbuster hit of 2020! Tanhaji Unites India," wrote the superstar.
Directed by Om Raut, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior is produced by Ajay Devgn in association with Bhushan Kumar of T-Series Films.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
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.