The epic science-fiction film Dune, directed by Oscar-nominated French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, enters UK cinemas today on 21st October amid great pre-release buzz.
The high-profile film features an ensemble cast that includes Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, and Javier Bardem in prominent roles. Several cast and crew members were in attendance at Monday’s red carpet and special screening for the film in London.
Jason Momoa, Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya at the UK Special Screening of Dune (Credit: Warner Bros UK)
The special screening also saw the presence of Pakistani actors Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf, Ainy Jaffri Rahman, singer Bambi Bains as well as British actor Banita Sandhu, who can be currently seen in Shoojit Sircar’s Sardar Udham (2021).
For the uninitiated, Dune is an adaption of the 1965 book series by Frank Herbert, which is considered to be one of the most influential books of the 20th century. The new cinematic adaptation of the classic novel screams echoed around London’s Leicester Square as the cast, dressed resplendently, walked the red carpet.
Director Denis Villeneuve with his wife and filmmaker Tanya Lapointe (Credit: Warner Bros UK)
The synopsis of the film reads, "A mysterious and mystical hero’s journey, Dune is about Paul Atreides, a brilliant young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding. He must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As dangerous forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence called ‘Spice’ only those who can conquer their fear will survive.”
A Venice Film Festival favourite, Dune was first scheduled to arrive in theatres in November 2020, which was later shifted to December 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Its release was later pushed to 2021.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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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.