Mumbai: In a surprising turn for Bollywood’s popular starlet, Alia Bhatt, her recent cinematic endeavor, “Jigra,” did not attract the anticipated crowds on its first day at the box office. A project under the creative direction of filmmaker Vasan Bala, “Jigra” managed to accumulate a total of Rs 4.55 crore on its inaugural day in India, according to insights shared by trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
While the film’s performance was anticipated to capitalize on Alia Bhatt’s significant star appeal, the opening day receipts painted a different picture. According to Adarsh, the film’s earnings were largely buoyed by urban centers, thanks to Bhatt’s magnetism attracting urban audiences. However, this strong pull seemed to weaken beyond metropolitan borders, with a lukewarm reception in less urbanized areas.
“A vigorous kickstart in the Hindi heartland could have lifted the Day 1 performance to greater heights. Heading into the weekend, the ongoing Dussehra festivities are expected to assist in recouping some of the initial deficits,” tweeted Adarsh. He further highlighted that while Saturday and Sunday might offer a boost, the subsequent Monday will likely provide a clearer indication of the film’s sustained appeal, especially within urban settings. The numbers from the first weekend will cast a revealing light on the film’s broader prospects.
The lukewarm opening came in the face of stiff competition from another major release, “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,” starring RajKummar Rao and Triptii Dimri. This film surpassed “Jigra” at the box office, earning Rs 5.71 crore on its opening day—a significant achievement that likely influenced the performance of Bhatt’s film.
“Jigra” marks Alia Bhatt’s lowest opening since the 2014 release of “Highway,” her second film, which also started modestly before gaining critical acclaim.
. The storyline of “Jigra” revolves around a devoted sister’s perilous journey to save her brother, a theme expected to resonate well with family audiences. An added attraction is a fresh rendition of the classic tune ‘Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka,’ featured prominently in the film’s teasers and showcasing the vocal prowess of Vedang Raina.
“Jigra” comes from the house of Dharma Productions, known for their successful track record in producing hit Indian films. It is presented by Viacom18 Studios and Eternal Sunshine Productions, reinforcing an impressive array of collaborative forces behind the film. The screenplay is a joint effort by Debashish Irengbam and Vasan Bala, promising a unique narrative touch to the anticipated drama.
The film’s subdued initial results have sparked various industry speculations regarding its future trajectory. It must garner substantial audiences over the weekend to avoid slipping further amid fierce market competition. As the Dussehra weekend progresses, all eyes remain on whether the holiday will work its magic on the consumers, convincing them to flock to theatres.
Further adding to the interest around “Jigra” is Alia Bhatt’s proven track record of bouncing back after unforeseen setbacks. Industry experts are optimistic, believing that the film’s emotional depth, paired with Bhatt’s compelling performance, can win over audiences as word of mouth circulates.
As Alia Bhatt embarks on another challenging cinematic journey with “Jigra,” buoyed by a talented ensemble cast and creative storytelling, the upcoming days will indeed test the film’s mettle. Vigorous promotional activities and strategic marketing moves will play crucial roles in the audience turnout, potentially altering the film’s current box office trajectory. The industry and fans alike are keenly watching “Jigra’s” unfolding story, hoping to witness a turnaround that many of Bhatt’s previous films have successfully achieved.
