Motivated by the positive response to "Uunchai", the makers of the film on Tuesday said the movie will not be available for streaming for a while as they want it to have "a strong and long-run" at the theatres.
The Rajshri Productions movie, which released on November 11, continues to run in cinema halls in its fourth week. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa, "Uunchai" has reportedly done well at the domestic box office.
In a statement shared by the production banner on Instagram, the cast and crew thanked everyone for the overwhelming love showered upon the Hindi-language adventure drama.
"A special shoutout to every member of the audience who went to the theatre with family and loved ones and contributed to making 'Uunchai' an exclusive BIG screen experience. As 'Uunchai' continues to run in theatres in its 4th week, we as a unit stand proud and humbled. It is the desire of our hearts to see 'Uunchai' have a strong and long run at the theatres and therefore, 'Uunchai' will not have an online release very soon," the team said in a statement.
"Uunchai" is the result of seven years of passion, hard work, and love, they said.
The movie, which revolves around four friends in their twilight years, marks the return of director Sooraj Barjatya to filmmaking after 2015's "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo".
Watching a pirated version of the film, delaying the watch, or waiting for the film to release online would mean "robbing" oneself of a magical experience, the team added.
"From its conception to its release, every day, we have kept you, our audience in mind and have crafted an experience that we would want you to cherish and remember! The experience of watching a film on the big screen is simply magical! "So, step out today, go to a theatre near you. Take family and friends along. Relive the experience of buying tickets. Celebrate 'Uunchai', celebrate films and theatres again with movie lovers known and unknown! Fill up the theatres with your love for films! As makers, your entertainment is our only motivation. See you at the theatres!" the statement concluded.
"Uunchai" also stars Neena Gupta, Sarika, Nafisa Ali Sodhi, and Parineeti Chopra in pivotal roles.
(PTI)
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.