Mumbai: A fresh release featuring the acclaimed Alia Bhatt is always anticipated with great excitement among Bollywood enthusiasts and moviegoers, known for their fervent following of the actress’s versatile performances. However, her latest project ‘Jigra’ has not managed to live up to the high expectations at the box office upon its initial release. Helmed by director Vasan Bala, ‘Jigra’ opened to what can only be described as a tepid reception, particularly when compared to Bhatt’s previous successes.
According to respected trade analyst Taran Adarsh, ‘Jigra’ has amassed a mere Rs 4.55 crore on its opening day across India. While urban centers, leveraged by Alia Bhatt’s star appeal, contributed significantly to the day one earnings, the broader picture painted by the numbers is less flattering. Adarsh notes that the film’s reception in mass-market regions has been lackluster or even indifferent. Industry experts had hoped for a robust performance, particularly in the Hindi-speaking heartland, which sadly did not materialize as expected.
The film’s unremarkable start is further highlighted by its competition in the multiplexes and single screens. ‘Jigra’ has found a formidable adversary in ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, featuring RajKummar Rao and Triptii Dimri, which has overtaken Bhatt’s film with a collection of Rs 5.71 crore on the same day. Despite its intriguing premise and a star-studded cast, ‘Jigra’ struggles to captivate audiences as ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ does, posing a tough challenge in its bid to emerge as a box office favorite.
For Alia Bhatt, ‘Jigra’ marks a significant shift backward when analyzing her box office track since 2014’s ‘Highway’.
. This film, which was only her second release, had similarly modest beginnings. The narrative of ‘Jigra’ follows a devoted sister embarking on an intense and emotional journey to save her brother, a plotline that may not be resonating as strongly as anticipated with the current audience demographics.
One of the film’s promotional highlights includes a recreated version of the beloved classic song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka’, brilliantly voiced by Vedang Raina. This move to infuse nostalgic elements within a modern cinematic experience underscores the creative risks the production has taken to try and attract varied segments of moviegoers.
Produced under the prestigious Dharma Productions and presented by Viacom18 Studios and Eternal Sunshine Productions, ‘Jigra’ is further distinguished by its strong collaborative writing team, with contributions from Debashish Irengbam alongside director Vasan Bala. Despite these elements, the expected footfall and buzz have not reached the anticipated levels.
As industry analysts dissect the opening day figures, there is optimism rooted in the potential uplift offered by the ongoing festive period. The Dussehra celebration, occurring over the weekend, is expected to serve as a catalyst for renewed interest and increased attendance, providing a redemption opportunity for ‘Jigra’. Sundays typically bring in higher numbers for films, so all eyes will be on how the movie performs as the week progresses. Monday’s collections will provide a clearer indication of whether the film can sustain itself in the fiercely competitive environment, especially in the urban areas where its performance is most crucial.
The underwhelming start serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where even a talented cast and an intriguing plotline do not always guarantee a hit. Alia Bhatt’s ability to draw audiences remains undisputed, yet ‘Jigra’s’ lackluster opening emphasizes the need for a strong narrative that connects with viewers. As the figures unfold in the coming days, the makers of the film await the audience’s verdict, hoping for a reversal of fortunes.
