The much-anticipated film “Jigra,” starring Bollywood luminary Alia Bhatt along with Vedang Raina, made its grand entrance into cinemas on October 11. Guided by the skilled direction of Vasan Bala, the film was poised to be one of the year’s major cinematic events, bolstered by a robust promotional campaign that ignited hopes and curiosity among audiences. However, the film’s arrival was met with mixed reactions, creating a ripple of discourse among critics and viewers alike.
At its core, “Jigra” tells the gripping tale of a devoted sister who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her brother. Alia Bhatt steps into the shoes of this ferocious yet tender character, adding another intense role to her diverse cinematic repertoire. Vedang Raina, gaining recognition for his work in ‘The Archies,’ co-stars alongside her, offering a dynamic portrayal that complements Bhatt’s intensity.
Despite the star power and narrative depth, “Jigra” opened to divided reviews. Admirers of Alia Bhatt praised her compelling performance and applauded her portrayal of the fiercely protective sibling. However, these plaudits were balanced by criticism from segments of the audience who found the film’s two-hour-and-thirty-three-minute runtime a challenging stretch. The polarisation was reflected at the box office, where the film amassed Rs 4.55 crore on its opening day—Alia Bhatt’s second-lowest first-day haul, eclipsed only by her earlier film, “Highway,” which had a Rs 3.42 crore debut.
Weighing in on the financial performance of “Jigra,” the prominent trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared his insights on social media. He highlighted that the film’s opening numbers fell short of the considerable pre-release expectations.
. According to Adarsh, the film garnered most of its revenue from urban centers, where Alia Bhatt’s influence remains formidable. Yet, he noted that the reception in mass markets was more subdued, describing it as lukewarm.
Adarsh pointed out that a vigorous start in the Hindi heartland, regions often critical for bolstering initial box office numbers, was sorely missed. Moving forward, he suggested that the Dussehra holiday falling on the immediate Saturday could potentially augment the film’s performance, which, coupled with Sunday viewership, might help mitigate the impact of the initial shortfall. However, he underscored that a clear picture of the film’s sustainability would likely emerge by Monday, particularly when evaluating its continued pull in urban locales.
Behind the scenes, “Jigra” is backed by some of the industry’s stalwarts, being a production under the banner of Karan Johar’s esteemed Dharma Productions, with the collaborative presentation by Viacom18 Studios and Eternal Sunshine Productions. The film’s screenplay stems from the creative minds of Debashish Irengbam and Vasan Bala, offering audiences an intricate exploration of family ties amidst danger.
Incorporating musical nostalgia, the film features a recreated version of the evergreen classic “Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka,” with Vedang Raina lending his vocal prowess to the rendition—a nod to timeless emotions that resonate through its storyline. This careful blending of old and new seeks to capture the hearts of a broader audience, spanning generations.
Director Vasan Bala, adding another feather to his filmmaking credentials, brings to “Jigra” the same visionary storytelling seen in his previous works, such as the thriller “Monica O My Darling” and the quirky “Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota.” Bala continues to craft narratives that push boundaries and incite discussions, regardless of commercial success.
Whether “Jigra” will find a steadier audience and climb the box office ladders remains a storyline unfolding in real-time. Its journey through mixed reviews and evolving viewer receptions is a testament to the unpredictable nature of cinematic endeavors. As the numbers roll in and opinions solidify, the film industry’s gaze remains fixed on “Jigra’s” unfolding saga—a narrative not just of familial bonds on screen but of the broader tale of risk and artistry off-screen, embodied by Alia Bhatt and her adventurous selection of roles.
