By: Mohnish Singh
With rising Coronavirus cases in India, a lot of filmmakers are once again looking at streaming media platforms as the safest option to release their films.
A couple of films that entered theatres over the past few weeks did not quite set the cash registers jingling at the box-office, which is why some filmmakers are still going ahead with the digital route instead of a theatrical one.
The latest we hear that Vidya Balan’s upcoming film Sherni is reportedly being lined-up for a direct-to-digital release. Written by Aastha Tiku, the film may release exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, as per reports.
Sherni, jointly produced by Abundantia Entertainment and T-Series Films, explores the human-wildlife conflict with a plot that revolves around a real-life incident.
In November 2018, Tigress Avni had hit the headlines when she was shot dead in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. A classic example of man-animal conflict, her killing caused outrage among many across the country. The Supreme Court of India had directed the forest department and its officials to first tranquillise and then trap Tigress Avni. However, she allegedly attacked the team which shot her.
The film has been directed by filmmaker Amit Masurkar. It marks his third film after Newton (2017), which was selected as India’s official entry for the 90th Academy Awards, and the 2013 slacker-comedy Sulemani Keeda.
If Sherni indeed premieres on any streaming media platform, it will mark Vidya Balan’s second direct-to-digital release. Her last film Shakuntala Devi: Human Computer (2020), co-starring Sanya Malhotra, also released directly on Amazon Prime Video. Balan plays the role of a forest official in Sherni.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.