After tasting huge success with State of Siege: Temple Attack (2021), Dial 100 (2021) and Rashmi Rocket (2021) in recent months, India’s largest homegrown streaming media platform ZEE5 is set to entertain audiences with another edge-of-the-seat Original film, Squad.
Produced by Zee Studios and Indian Media Entertainment and directed by Nilesh Sahay, Squad is an action thriller with patriotism at the heart of it. The film marks the acting debut of Rinzing Denzongpa and Malvika Raaj. Pooja Batra, Mohan Kapur and Amit Gaur also play important roles in the film.
Squad has high-octane action sequences involving MIG 8, helicopter chases and 400 soldiers in a never seen before climax scene which will blow everyone’s mind. It is the first Indian film to be shot in Belarus. The film boasts of an international crew giving it international scale and grandeur, including Kier Beck known for Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) as the stunt coordinator, William Humphris who has Quantum of Solace (2008) and Clash of the Titans (2010) to his credit as a camera assistant and Maciej Kwiatkowski Known for films like King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) as the stunt choreographer. The cast and crew have left no stone unturned to ensure that it is the most awaited action film of the year.
Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India commented, “Action as a genre works well across the globe and on ZEE5, so we are excited to bring forth the much-awaited action film, Squad. This ZEE5 Original Film will break records with its high-scale, high-octane and high-magnitude action sequences. So, get set to feel the rush with this edge-of-the-seat patriotic entertainer which has an internationally acclaimed crew to its credits."
Director, Producer and Writer Nilesh Sahay shares, “While we faced many challenges due to the pandemic, the film was completed without compromising on quality and I am certain that Squad will set a benchmark when it comes to action sequences in Indian films. I am happy that the film is releasing on ZEE5 and will reach a global audience. I hope people will find it as thrilling as it was for us shooting the film."
Actor Rinzing Denzongpa shares, “Squad has been an amazing journey. We’ve seen everything through this film - extreme weather and logistic issues due to restrictions during the pandemic but yet we were more on top. I’m proud to have this as my debut film and it’s been an honour working with Nilesh. I am truly looking forward to the audience experiencing the spectacle that Squad is."
Squad is set to premiere on ZEE5 on 12th November 2021.
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.