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Alia Bhatt’s Jigra Faces Box Office Struggles Amidst Controversy, Director Reflects on Reception and Support from Stars
Alia Bhatt’s latest film, Jigra, finds itself amidst a wave of controversy and challenges at the box office. In a candid conversation, director Vasan Bala opened up about the film’s lackluster performance, his responses to post-release feedback, and the steadfast support he has received from both Alia Bhatt and Karan Johar.
Vasan characterized the aftermath of Jigra’s release as “tough” and expressed that he is currently tackling this situation “one day at a time” in his dialogue with The Hollywood Reporter. He remarked on the inherent challenges of releasing a film, saying, “For me, it has always been a struggle to put the film out. This time, however, I knew the film was going to be launched in a significant manner. This marks a first for me, and I’m still figuring out how to navigate this experience.” He acknowledged the weight of expectations that come with mainstream cinema, particularly the responsibility to deliver box office success.
When pressed on whether he felt he had disappointed Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt, Bala responded honestly, admitting, “I do feel that way—very much so. Their support has been tremendous, and they have never made me feel like I’ve let them down. Still, it’s a burden I have to contend with.”
The director pointed out the necessity of accepting criticism as an evolving filmmaker. “Defending a film after a certain point doesn’t come off as graceful,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of constructive feedback.
Bala further recognized the additional scrutiny that accompanies creating a mainstream film. “With a mainstream star involved and the film not achieving the expected numbers, the attention naturally intensifies,” he noted, expressing a hope that being more transparent could lead to further opportunities in his career.
Despite its challenges, Jigra accumulated Rs 22.45 crore in its first week of release, with a production budget of Rs 80 crore, plus another Rs 10 crore allocated for print and publicity. Remarkably, the film has already covered its production expenses through the sales of its digital and satellite rights. According to a reliable trade source, “Dharma has recouped the entire Rs 90 crore through these rights, meaning every rupee earned from music rights and theatrical screenings will contribute to their profits.”
In Jigra, Alia and Vedang Raina portray siblings whose bond is tested when Ankur, played by Vedang, finds himself entangled in legal troubles abroad. The film opens with Alia’s character receiving distressing news about her brother’s arrest, leading her on an urgent quest to ensure his safety. Alia’s character, filled with determination, tries to reach him despite confrontations with indifferent authorities. As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness a gripping portrayal of her efforts to rescue Ankur against a backdrop of high-stakes situations and intense action.
Reflecting on her involvement with Jigra, Alia Bhatt revealed her motivation during an interview with The Indian Express. She stated, “When Jigra was presented to me, I was in a particularly protective state of mind, which made the material resonate with me on a profound level. It genuinely spoke to me in a way that perhaps it wouldn’t have at another time. There’s an undeniable shift that comes with motherhood, influencing the way I relate to the story and its themes.”
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