In what was expected to be a promising start, Alia Bhatt’s latest film, ‘Jigra,’ directed by the talented Vasan Bala, found itself in theatres on October 11. With anticipation running high due to the impactful promotional material, the film was positioned as one of the year’s eagerly awaited releases. Starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina, the movie was released alongside Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,’ marking a significant cinematic event.
The storyline of ‘Jigra’ delves into the intense journey of a sister, played by Alia Bhatt, who goes to extreme lengths to save her brother. With a runtime of 2 hours and 33 minutes, the film’s length became a talking point among audiences, contributing to the varied responses received upon its release. Some praised Alia’s dynamic portrayal of a tenacious sister, bringing to life an emotional and gripping narrative. On the contrary, other sections of the audience and critics expressed disappointment, noting the film’s inability to meet their expectations.
Financially, ‘Jigra’ had a rocky start on its opening day, accumulating a mere Rs 4.55 crore at the box office. This makes it Alia Bhatt’s second-lowest opening day performance, just surpassing the earnings of her earlier film ‘Highway,’ which garnered Rs 3.42 crore. The box office performance reflects a mixed response, contrasting with the build-up and buzz that surrounded the film prior to its release.
According to veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh, who shared insights via social media, the film’s earnings were predominantly driven by urban centers, leveraging Alia Bhatt’s star power. Adarsh highlighted that the lukewarm response from mass audiences and a tepid reception in the Hindi heartland led to lower-than-expected numbers.
. He noted that while a stronger showing in these areas could have improved the opening day figures, there remains hope for recovery during the Dussehra holiday. The weekend post-release, featuring Dussehra celebrations, offers potential for a rebound in viewership and revenue.
Taran Adarsh’s analysis suggests that the film still has a fighting chance, with Saturday and Sunday expected to provide a much-needed boost in earnings. However, the true test will be Monday, which will reveal whether ‘Jigra’ can sustain its allure, especially within urban demographics.
Director Vasan Bala, known for his unique storytelling style and previous works like ‘Monica O My Darling,’ ‘Peddlers,’ and ‘Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota,’ brings his distinctive touch to ‘Jigra.’ The film’s screenplay, co-written by Debashish Irengbam and Vasan Bala, attempts to blend emotional depth with suspenseful narrative elements. The movie also features Vedang Raina, recognized for his role in ‘The Archies,’ and resonates with audiences through a new rendition of the classic song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka.’
Under the prestigious banner of Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, in collaboration with Viacom18 Studios and Eternal Sunshine Productions, ‘Jigra’ was backed by a strong production team. The film also stars Manoj Pahwa, adding depth to its compelling cast.
As the cinema landscape evolves, ‘Jigra’ reflects the changing dynamics of audience preferences and the unpredictable nature of box office success. It’s a testament to how even established stars like Alia Bhatt can face the unpredictable volatility of the film industry.
Despite the initial hurdles, the cinematic experience presented by ‘Jigra’ continues to intrigue many, with performances and directorial aspects receiving varied critical commentary. As the film progresses through its opening week, stakeholders remain hopeful for a turnaround. Whether ‘Jigra’ manages to find its footing and captivate a broader audience remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly continues to be a topic of discussion within the film community.
