Drama over Alia Bhatt starring Jigra got more attention than the film itself
News Mania / Piyal Chatterjee / 14th October 2024
Even before its October 11 theatrical release, Vasan Bala’s most recent film, Jigra, which stars Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina in the key roles, has been the subject of negative discussion in recent days. The movie has generated discussion outside its plot, with things like Divya Khossla Kumar’s allegations of box office manipulation and producer Karan Johar’s cancellation of press screenings. An analysis of every event that took place.
The initial statement that initiated the whole affair was made by Vasan during an interview with Tried & Refused Productions, wherein he mentioned that Alia had received a “kaccha pakka” email from Karan regarding Jigra. He continued, saying, “I was really not very happy with it,” adding that he had intended to write a good draft first.
Despite the fact that the director never intended Alia to be the lead, the internet thought “nepotism” was at work. Later, Vasan wrote on Instagram that he has always wished to collaborate with Alia. “I took the picture on the left in 2022 and wantedThe image at the same location on the right, in 2024! His wish was granted.
A few days prior to the film’s release, Karan’s Dharma Productions announced in a press release that they would no longer be hosting press screenings of their productions. Following extensive discussion, we have all agreed to skip pre-release viewing of our next movies. Part of their note said, “This decision has been difficult to make, but we believe it’s a necessary step.”
A Dharma insider told , “It is a subtle statement to end corruption in a section of film critics, because when there are press shows, then monetary conversations happen for rigging the reviews.” A reputed filmmaker also told the publication that influencers who claim to be critics charge anywhere from ₹15,000 to ₹60,000 to give glowing reviews. A Dharma insider stated that ‘you can very well plant negative reviews as well’.
Amid the chatter of Jigra’s jailbreak story being similar to Divya Khossla Kumar’s Savi, she threw a jab Alia, accusing her of faking box office collections. Sharing a picture of an empty theatre, Divya wrote on her Instagram stories, “Went to Citi Mall PVR for Jigra show. Theatre was totally empty … all theaters going empty every where. #Aliabhatt me sach mein Bahut #Jigra hai.. khud hi tickets karide aur fake collections announce kar diye. Wonder why paid media is silent. #weshdnotfooltheaudience.”
While Alia did not respond, Karan posted a note on his Instagram stories that read, “Silence is the best speech you will ever give to fools.” Divya doubled down though, posting, “Truth will always offend fools opposed to it” on her stories. She also wrote, “When you are so accustomed to stealing what rightfully belongs to others, you will always seek shelter in silence. You will have no voice, no spine.”
Jigra had the lowest beginning of any Alia movie since 2014 in the midst of all this turmoil. Jigra, which was directed by Vasan Bala, made just ₹4.55 crore in India and ₹7.45 crore globally on its first day of release. According to Sacnilk.com, there was a surge on Saturday, when the movie made ₹6.55 crore in India, bringing its total earnings to ₹13.20 crore in India and ₹17.20 crore globally.
Regretfully, on opening day, her solo smashes, including Raazi, Dear Zindagi, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, brought in between ₹7.5 and 10.5 crore at the box office. Alia plays Satya in Jigra, who fights to save her brother Ankur (Vedang) when he is imprisoned and placed on death row.
