Kangana Ranaut, a name synonymous with fiery opinions and no-holds-barred statements, has sparked curiosity yet again with a cryptic Instagram post. The post coincided with the release of Alia Bhatt’s much-anticipated film, “Jigra,” and if speculations are to be believed, it is aimed directly at the film and its lead actress. Known for her outspoken nature and fearless approach to the industry, Kangana remains a figure who unabashedly voices her thoughts, no matter how contentious or indirect they may be.
Amid the cinematic buzz surrounding “Jigra’s” debut, Kangana shared a message on her Instagram story that read, “When you destroy women-centric films and make sure that they don’t work, they don’t work, even when you make them. Read that again. Thanks.” While the post did not explicitly mention any names, industry insiders and fans alike are abuzz, deciphering this as a veiled critique of Alia Bhatt’s latest endeavor, which had a modest debut at the box office.
According to Sacnilk reports, “Jigra” managed to rake in approximately ₹3.58 crore net on its first day across Indian cinemas. These box office figures have fuelled speculation that Kangana’s post might be a critique of Alia Bhatt’s new film, a theory strengthened by their past disagreements. Kangana has never shied away from expressing her disdain for certain practices in the industry, particularly when it concerns what she perceives as an unfair advantage or bias towards established figures over talent and merit.
This isn’t the first instance of Kangana Ranaut taking a dig at Alia Bhatt. During the release of Bhatt’s earlier project “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” Ranaut accused the producers of indulging in poor casting choices amounting to a wasteful expenditure. “This Friday, ₹200 crore will be burnt to ashes at the box office… for a papa (movie mafia daddy) ki pari (who likes to keep a British passport) because papa wants to prove that rom-com bimbo can act…
. the biggest drawback of the film is wrong casting… yeh nahi sudhrenge (these people won’t change),” she had commented.
The ensuing saga spotlights the friction between two of Bollywood’s most talked-about actresses, encapsulating deeper issues that pervade the movie industry, including casting, production biases, and the narrative surrounding women-centric films. Kangana’s remarks often expose fissures in Bollywood, where power dynamics and legacy connections sometimes triumph over fresh talent and diverse storytelling.
While the debates rage on, Kangana’s professional journey also seems to be garnering attention. Her forthcoming film, “Emergency,” has her both starring and directing. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, and Vishak Nair, among others. The movie has been certified with a U/A rating by the CBFC, albeit the release date remains under wraps as of yet. The anticipation surrounding “Emergency” seems to suggest another bold narrative choice for Kangana, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in women-centric filmmaking.
On the other side, “Jigra,” directed by Vasan Bala, will continue its journey despite the initial box office numbers. Known for directing offbeat films like “Monica O My Darling” and “Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota,” Bala collaborates with Alia Bhatt under the production giants Dharma Productions, Viacom18 Studios, and Eternal Sunshine Productions. Scheduled for a broader release on October 11, 2024, the film promises a compelling narrative co-written by Debashish Irengbam and Vasan Bala.
The silent battle between these two formidable actresses speaks to the larger narrative of Bollywood’s evolving dynamics and undercurrents. As Kangana and Alia chart their respective courses in an industry fraught with change, their stories—both on and off the screen—offer candid reflections of the shifting landscape of Indian cinema. Where one endeavors to bend the established rules and wield influence from the director’s chair, the other engages in the intricate world of mainstream and nuanced cinema.
As the cinematic story unfolds, fans, critics, and industry veterans keep a keen eye on this rivalry, which mirrors the complexities of the silver screen. Whether Kangana’s cryptic note was truly directed at Alia Bhatt or another thinly veiled commentary on the industry’s workings, it undeniably adds another layer to the unfolding drama of Bollywood’s dynamics.
