In an unexpected twist to the tale of Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt’s recent film ‘Jigra’, the star has found herself embroiled in a series of controversies following the movie’s release. Despite Bhatt delivering a stellar performance in what some have described as one of her best roles yet, the film has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. However, it is not the mixed reviews themselves that stirred controversy, but rather the actress’s subsequent attempts at damage control, which have seemingly backfired, sparking further debate and criticism online.
The latest tumult arises from social media activity, where Alia Bhatt shared a glowing review of ‘Jigra’ by social media influencer Malvika Sitlani. The review praised the film, devoid of the typical Bollywood romance and dance, instead highlighting its focus on pure performance and the theme of sibling love. Sitlani’s post read, “Jigra is all warm feels. It’s been a while since I’ve watched something so different. No romance, no song n dance… it’s just pure performance and sibling love. It definitely kept me in my seat! Alia Bhatt at her very best love. Pure and beautiful inside and out. Vedang Raina so versatile.” In response, Alia tagged Sitlani in an Instagram story with a heartfelt “Thank you mals!”
The seemingly benign act of reposting a positive review led to an unexpected backlash when netizens zoomed in on the image, quickly pointing out the strategic placement of Alia’s caption, which appeared to cover up empty seats in the theater. This observation quickly went viral, with many branding the act as an attempt to manipulate the appearance of the film’s reception. Reddit and other social media platforms buzzed with activity as users expressed their disapproval of the alleged PR maneuver.
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One Reddit user did not mince words, stating, “This is both hilarious and super embarrassing! Alia, KJo (Karan Johar), Dharma, and her PR need to face the fact that this movie is a flop, and there’s no saving it now. Hiding empty seats or manipulating the narrative with PR won’t change the outcome.” Another user echoed this sentiment, suggesting, “Honestly, at this point, all the trolling against Alia and Karan would stop if they just accept Jigra is a failure, learn from their mistakes, and move on. The constant PR cover-up to make it seem like the movie is doing well is what’s making people hate/troll them more.”
In addition to the online uproar, other controversies have engulfed ‘Jigra’, adding fuel to the fire. Filmmaker and actor Divya Khossla highlighted apparent discrepancies in reported box office numbers, accusing Bhatt and the film’s team of inflating figures despite theaters showing low attendance. This accusation led to a series of vague social media exchanges between Khossla and film producer Karan Johar, adding further intrigue to the unfolding drama.
Furthermore, allegations of discrimination were brought to light by Manipur actor Bijou Thaangjam, who criticized the filmmakers for what he claims was unprofessional behavior. Thaangjam alleged that he was misled about a role, only to have communication cut off with no explanations. This accusation has added yet another layer of controversy surrounding ‘Jigra’, catching the attention of both fans and industry insiders who are questioning the film’s behind-the-scenes operations.
Directed by Vasan Bala, and with a release date of October 11, ‘Jigra’ had hoped to capitalize on the festive season’s increased foot traffic in cinemas. However, the series of negative reports and contentious debates surrounding its release may have overshadowed its potential success. As discussions continue both online and offline, ‘Jigra’s fate hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder how its reception will impact the careers of those involved.
In the world of Bollywood, where public perception can often make or break a film’s success, ‘Jigra’s’ journey through the public eye serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of aggressive PR strategies. For Alia Bhatt, a celebrated actress known for her versatile acting skills, this episode may turn into a valuable lesson in navigating the complex business of film marketing and public relations. As the dust settles, both the film and Alia Bhatt will likely reflect on this tumultuous period, drawing insights from mixed reviews and controversies into stepping stones for future endeavors in the dynamic world of cinema.
