The world of Bollywood was abuzz as Alia Bhatt, one of the industry’s most celebrated actresses and a National Award-winner, took center stage once again. Known for her stellar performances in critically acclaimed films like ‘Highway,’ ‘Darlings,’ and ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ Bhatt embarked on a new cinematic journey with her latest venture, ‘Jigra.’ While she has consistently showcased her acting prowess, this release has been embroiled in a cloud of controversy and mixed critical reception.
Alia Bhatt’s ‘Jigra’ has not only garnered attention for its storytelling and performances but also for the financial choices made concerning the film. Reports highlight that Alia commanded a staggering fee of Rs 10-15 crore, an amount that has raised several eyebrows. What makes this financial detail significant is the fact that this salary is reportedly three times higher than what the film grossed on its opening day at the Indian box office, which reached Rs 4.55 crore. Despite Alia Bhatt’s immense popularity and her name being synonymous with box office success, ‘Jigra’ did not manage to attract a massive audience on its debut.
A major point of contention surrounding ‘Jigra’ involves allegations of misrepresentation. Actor-filmmaker Divya Khossla brought these accusations to light, claiming the figures presented regarding box office earnings were misleading. Despite theaters reportedly being empty, the data suggested otherwise. This sparked a series of cryptic exchanges on social media platforms, primarily involving Karan Johar, the film’s producer, and Divya Khossla herself, further fueling the controversy.
Adding to the uproar, Bijou Thaangjam, an actor from Manipur, publicly denounced the ‘Jigra’ production team. He accused them of discriminatory practices, stating that after months of discussions and promises of a role, the filmmakers suddenly ceased communication without explanation, leaving him in a lurch.
The controversies did not end there.
. Earlier discussions about the film were further ignited when Vasan Bala, the director of ‘Jigra,’ shared an anecdote involving an initial email he sent to Karan Johar. The email entailed ideas central to ‘Jigra’s’ creative process. In a candid moment, Vasan admitted that he jokingly lamented about the premature and error-laden nature of the email, which ended up being forwarded to Alia. The revelation, though shared humorously, caught fire on the internet, evolving into another saga of misinterpretation around Karan Johar’s communication practices.
Responding to the growing misunderstandings, Karan Johar attempted to set the record straight. In his response, he expressed genuine amusement at the exaggerated reactions to Vasan Bala’s light-hearted comment about the email exchange. Clearing any misconceptions, Karan spoke highly of Vasan, describing him as a talented and beloved collaborator. He urged audiences and media alike to consider the full context of interviews and narratives before jumping to sensational conclusions. His message served as a sobering reminder of the nuances often lost in media coverage.
Despite the storm surrounding it, ‘Jigra’ made its theatrical release on October 11, aiming to capture the hearts of moviegoers nationwide. Alia Bhatt’s involvement and the surrounding discussions have indeed kept the film in the spotlight, although not solely for the reasons the creators may have intended.
Ultimately, ‘Jigra’ serves as a poignant example of the multifaceted challenges faced by contemporary cinema, from artistic ambitions to the intricate dance of publicity and its pitfalls. While Alia Bhatt has undeniably solidified her status as a formidable actress through the transaction of a significant fee, the journey of ‘Jigra’ exemplifies that even the greatest star power cannot outrun the complexities of film production and reception. The echoes of the debates it incites resonate beyond the screens, inviting reflection on the intricate landscape that shapes each Bollywood release.
