In the rapidly evolving cinematic landscape, some films captivate audiences and critics alike, while others become enmeshed in controversy. One such current topic of heated discussion is the recent release of ‘Jigra’, directed by Vasan Bala and starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina. This film, since its premiere, has been surrounded by an air of discontent, leading to its director becoming a focal point of backlash, ultimately resulting in the deactivation of his social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The much-anticipated film ‘Jigra’, which promised a powerhouse performance by acclaimed actress Alia Bhatt, was expected to perform well at the box office given its strong promotional campaign and the collaboration of prominent production houses like Dharma Productions, Viacom18 Studios, and Eternal Sunshine Productions. It tells the intense story of a devoted sister, portrayed by Bhatt, embarking on a perilous journey to save her brother, with a musical touch provided by a reimagined version of the classic song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka’, aiming to showcase Vedang Raina’s vocal prowess.
However, contrary to expectations, the release of ‘Jigra’ has been marred by controversies that have quickly escalated on social media platforms. Accusations have flown thick and fast, with the film’s commercial performance coming under scrutiny. Allegations of artificially inflated box office receipts and manipulated ticket sales have emerged, raising eyebrows in the film industry and among cinema-goers. These claims have yet to be substantiated but have certainly added to the film’s problems.
The situation further intensified when Divya Khosla Kumar, an industry peer, leveled accusations against ‘Jigra’s’ creators. In a bold move, Khosla Kumar alleged that ‘Jigra’ plagiarized substantial parts of its plot from her last release, ‘Savi’, which was launched in 2024. She went on to share an Instagram story that depicted the film playing in empty theatres, insinuating that there was a deliberate attempt to project a false narrative of commercial success by purchasing tickets to inflate audience numbers.
Facing an increasing amount of trolling and trolling, Vasan Bala initially took to his X account to defend his work, engaging with both supporters and detractors. In various responses, Bala emphasized that he does not rely solely on box office numbers to gauge a movie’s success. He reiterated this sentiment during an interaction with ‘The Hollywood Reporter’, asserting that artistic expression and storytelling depth hold their own merit. Yet, this stance was swiftly met with criticism, with detractors interpreting his comments as dismissive, sparking further outrage.
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It was amidst this turbulent backdrop that Vasan Bala decided to delete or deactivate his X account. This move has fueled further speculation, leading to a barrage of opinions on the actions of the filmmaker. Bala’s previous replies to fans and critics now appear as blank boxes with a message indicating that the account no longer exists.
Addressing the charges of plagiarism against ‘Jigra’, Bala offered a measured response. In an interview, he explained, “As for ‘Savi’, it came out when we were editing the film. It’s already out there, and everyone can watch it and make up their own minds. I don’t want to bring anyone down or add more fuel.” His remarks appeared to stem from a wish to de-escalate the ongoing war of words.
On the subject of manipulated box office numbers, Bala took a stance that distanced himself from distribution practices. He expressed, “As for the claims of false bookings, I believe that’s a distribution matter. I don’t think it’s that murky, but anyone who wants to investigate and bring out the truth is more than welcome.” These comments seem to position him apart from the logistics of ticket sales, yet they have done little to quell the uproar.
While ‘Jigra’ was anticipated to be a significant project given its narrative scope and star-studded cast, it has chiefly succeeded in igniting a whirlwind of controversy. As the film continues its theatrical run, the industry and audiences remain keenly observant, curious to see how the situation evolves and how these controversies will ultimately impact the film’s legacy and director Vasan Bala’s career trajectory. In an industry where perception and reality often blur, the story of ‘Jigra’ serves as a vivid reminder of the challenges filmmakers face in navigating the complex dynamics of success and criticism in today’s digital age.
