By: Mohnish Singh
According to reports, the next shooting schedule of celebrated filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s much-awaited film Ponniyin Selvan has been postponed to June. The previous schedule of the magnum-opus concluded in March, and the team was looking at beginning the next schedule in May.
However, the rising cases of coronavirus in all states across India have thrown all plans into total disarray, it seems. The makers have now decided to wait for more than a month and commence the next schedule in June as cases are expected to decline by then.
There were reports that Mani Ratnam was planning to shoot the next schedule in several northern states, including Madhya Pradesh. But since all northern states are worst affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the plan has been dropped. The team has decided to change the location and shoot in Chennai and Hyderabad instead.
If reports are to be believed, preparations for the next schedule are going on in full swing and the art department is busy building a huge set at Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. Before heading to Hyderabad, Mani Ratnam will shoot some minor portions in Chennai. 70% shooting of the film has been wrapped up.
Ponniyin Selvan is a historical period drama based on the popular Tamil novel of the same name, written by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The film boasts of an impressive star cast, including Vikram, Karthi, Jayaram, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Trisha in principal roles. It reunites Aishwarya Rai Bachchan with the master storyteller after Raavan (2010).
Apart from helming Ponniyin Selvan, Mani Ratman is also co-producing the high-profile film. He is bankrolling the project under Madras Talkies in association with Lyca Productions. Academy Award-winner AR Rahman is composing music for the film.
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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.