In a surprising turn of events, filmmaker Vasan Bala has decided to step back from the digital realm by deleting his Twitter account following the lukewarm box office performance and surrounding controversies of his latest cinematic venture, Jigra. Bala, known for his unique storytelling and cinematic flair, found himself navigating turbulent waters as his film faced unexpected challenges shortly after its release.
Jigra, starring popular actress Alia Bhatt, was released with high anticipation from audiences and critics alike. The film, which portrays Bhatt in the role of a devoted elder sister on a mission to save her brother from an overseas prison, promised an emotional narrative enriched with drama and suspense. Despite the buzz and SSS considerable promotional efforts, Jigra has struggled to make a substantial impact at the box office. In just over a week since its release, the film has managed to collect a mere ₹25.35 crore, a figure that pales in comparison to its hefty production budget of ₹80 crore.
The road has been particularly challenging for Jigra due to the stiff competition posed by another popular release, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. Featuring notable actors Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri, Vicky Vidya has managed to garner a more favorable response from the audience, surpassing Jigra in box office performance despite both films grappling for a foothold in the competitive market.
The struggles of Jigra have not been limited to financial matters alone. The film has found itself at the center of several controversies, one of the most notable being an accusation from actress Divya Khosla Kumar. Kumar publicly claimed that Alia Bhatt had manipulated the box office figures to paint a more favorable picture of Jigra’s success. She went as far as sharing an image of an empty theater along with her allegations, thereby challenging the authenticity of Jigra’s reported earnings.
Moreover, the film attracted further criticism following allegations from Manipuri actor Bujou Thaangjam. Known for his performances in films like Mary Kom and Shivaay, Thaangjam accused Jigra’s casting team of unprofessional conduct.
. He revealed that he had been promised a role in the film that never materialized, which led to disappointment and calls of mismanagement from the production team.
These controversies unfolded even as Jigra grappled with a less-than-stellar box office performance, marking a low point in Alia Bhatt’s career that she hadn’t experienced since Highway released in 2014. Despite the trying circumstances, Vasan Bala remained active on Twitter, engaging in discussions surrounding the film and its performance. He actively responded to critiques and criticisms, defending his artistic choices and the film’s narrative. However, his remarks in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter did not sit well with all. Bala had stated that commercial success was not his ultimate goal, emphasizing the importance of storytelling over box office numbers. Unfortunately, this sentiment was perceived by some as dismissive and arrogant, leading to further criticism and backlash on social media platforms.
Facing relentless scrutiny and persistent questions about the film’s reception, Bala took the drastic decision to delete his Twitter account, removing himself from the conversations and chaos that had enveloped his social media presence. This decision underscores the intense pressure filmmakers can face in the wake of a project’s commercial underperformance, especially in an era where social media amplifies every reaction.
The developments surrounding Jigra highlight the multifaceted challenges filmmakers encounter today. Balancing artistic integrity with economic expectations remains a delicate dance in the cinematic world, where audience reception and critical acclaim are pivotal to a film’s legacy. For Vasan Bala, the journey with Jigra serves as a complex chapter marked by its trials and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the film industry.
As the dust begins to settle around Jigra’s mixed reception, both Bala and Bhatt might be contemplating their next moves, hoping for future projects to resonate more deeply with audiences and critics alike. While Bala’s silence on social media might be temporary, it signifies a moment of reflection as he looks to learn from this experience and advance in his filmmaking journey.
