In a surprising turn of events for Bollywood’s well-regarded actress Alia Bhatt, her latest cinematic venture, ‘Jigra’, has not quite lived up to the expectations set for its opening day at the box office. Despite the significant buzz surrounding the film and the allure of Bhatt’s star power, initial earnings have fallen short of forecasts, raising questions in the film industry.
The film, directed by the visionary Vasan Bala, managed to gross Rs 4.55 crore on day one in India, according to eminent trade analyst Taran Adarsh. The figure may appear substantial at first glance, but it stands notably lower than what was anticipated for a release headlined by a star of Bhatt’s magnitude. The movie did primarily garner its earnings from urban regions, which accounted for the bulk of its day-one revenue. Yet, the masses in more rural areas have responded with only a lukewarm reception.
Commenting on the film’s underwhelming performance, Adarsh noted on social media, “Jigra opens to lower-than-expected numbers, with a considerable contribution from urban centres dominating the Day 1 biz, thanks to the star power [#AliaBhatt]. As expected, the response from mass pockets is ordinary/lukewarm. An energetic start in the #Hindi heartland would’ve bolstered the opening day performance.”
The release coincided with the festive Dussehra weekend, a period that typically sees a surge in cinema-goers, offering a glimmer of hope for ‘Jigra’ to recuperate from its tepid opening. The holiday on Saturday was anticipated to mitigate the initial shortfall to some extent, with analysts predicting a potential increase in the box office numbers by the end of the weekend. Sunday’s receipts, in particular, were expected to present a clearer picture of the film’s prospects.
However, the real test of ‘Jigra’s’ longevity and sustained performance will become apparent as the new week begins.
. The weekdays will provide necessary insight into whether the urban audience’s interest can propel the film’s financial success further, or if the movie might struggle to maintain its momentum.
Adding to the competitive pressure on ‘Jigra’, another release, ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,’ starring RajKummar Rao and Triptii Dimri, performed better than Bhatt’s film, collecting Rs 5.71 crore on the same day. This unexpected box office clash underscores the unpredictability of the cinematic landscape, where even seasoned actors can find themselves outperformed by new narratives.
‘Jigra,’ produced under the esteemed banner of Dharma Productions with backing from Viacom18 Studios and Eternal Sunshine Productions, explores a deeply emotional storyline. The narrative revolves around a devoted sister and her challenging journey to save her brother, touching on themes of bravery and familial bonds. The film features a recreated rendition of the beloved song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka,’ providing a nostalgic yet fresh auditory experience courtesy of Vedang Raina’s vocals.
Interestingly, ‘Jigra’s’ lackluster opening marks Alia Bhatt’s lowest since her 2014 release ‘Highway’, adding to the discussion about what factors might be influencing audience expectations and engagement. ‘Highway’, which was Bhatt’s second career film, similarly featured an intense narrative centered on personal growth and emotional journeys.
The screenplay for ‘Jigra’ is co-written by Debashish Irengbam and Vasan Bala, bringing together a unique combination of storytelling and cinematographic expertise. Despite the slow start, the industry remains optimistic about the film’s potential to captivate audiences looking for a heartfelt story complemented by striking performances.
As the days unfold, both critics and fans alike will be scrutinizing the film’s performance, particularly its ability to recover from the initial slump and capture the attention of a broader demographic. The film industry, ever unpredictable, might yet spring a surprise for ‘Jigra’.
In the coming weeks, industry experts and enthusiasts will be keenly observing any shifts in the film’s box office figures, ultimately determining whether ‘Jigra’ can defy odds and emerge as a sleeper hit or if it will remain an example of unmet potential despite its powerhouse cast and story.
