Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt is no stranger to the spotlight, both for her acting prowess and her ability to stir public discourse. However, with the release of her latest film ‘Jigra’, the industry starlet finds herself at the center of a brewing controversy that seems to have taken a life of its own online.
‘Jigra’, directed by Vasan Bala, graced the cinema halls on October 11, heralding another promising venture for Bhatt. Despite delivering what many agree is a stellar performance, the film has been met with mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. What was expected to be another jewel in the crown for Alia’s career has turned into a contentious subject, sparking debates that extend beyond just the film’s artistic merit.
The initial spark was fueled when Alia Bhatt, in an apparent act of optimism, shared a glowing review of ‘Jigra’ by influencer Malvika Sitlani on her Instagram. Sitlani praised the film for its unique narrative devoid of the traditional song and dance often associated with Bollywood films. “Jigra is all warm feels,” she remarked, applauding the film for its pure performance and the depiction of sibling love, highlighting Bhatt’s impressive portrayal. Alia, acknowledging the positive review, responded with a “Thank you, mals!” on her story.
However, it was this very act of sharing that caught the attention of eagle-eyed netizens. As the Instagram story gained traction, users on platforms like Reddit began scrutinizing the background of Alia’s post. They were quick to point out that the caption in the image conveniently covered what appeared to be empty seats in the cinema hall. This observation led to scathing comments from social media users, who accused Bhatt and her team of attempting to hide the film’s lackluster turnout at screenings.
“This attempt is both hilarious and super embarrassing!”, exclaimed one user. “It’s time for Alia, Karan Johar, Dharma Productions, and her PR team to face the music.
. The movie has not met the expectations, and no amount of damage control can alter that reality.”
Others chimed in to express their views, suggesting that accepting ‘Jigra’ as a commercial failure and learning from the experience would at least curb the trolls, who have been relentless in their criticism. The attempt to paint a rosier picture of the film’s success, they argue, is only serving to intensify the public’s disdain.
The uproar did not stop with social media reactions. The ‘Jigra’ saga took another turn when Divya Khossla, an actor-filmmaker, accused the film’s team of allegedly fabricating box office numbers to enhance the appearance of success. This allegation led to cryptic exchanges on social media between Karan Johar, the film’s producer, and Khossla, adding fuel to the fire.
Adding to the tumult, Bijou Thaangjam, an actor from Manipur, voiced his dissatisfaction with the filmmakers over what he described as discriminatory practices. Thaangjam accused the creators of ‘Jigra’ of stringing him along for several months under the pretense of offering a role, only to later disappear without any communication.
As opinions continue to diverge and social media buzz around ‘Jigra’ escalates, this isn’t simply a matter of box office numbers or reviews. The situation underscores a broader conversation about transparency in the film industry and the power of social media in shaping public perception.
For Alia Bhatt, a notable figure in Bollywood, navigating the intersections of fame, critique, and public expectations has always been a delicate balancing act. The controversies surrounding ‘Jigra’—from alleged seat-covering tactics to accusations of misleading audience turnout—pose significant challenges that could have lasting implications for her reputation.
In an era where celebrity influence is as much about digital presence as it is about on-screen performance, the ‘Jigra’ debate highlights the precarious nature of managing a public image amid continuous scrutiny. Whether or not the current storm calms down with Bhatt and the team taking a different course of action remains to be seen, but the episode is a telling reminder of the volatile dynamics at play in the world of contemporary cinema.
