In a move that has once again shaken up Bollywood’s social media sphere, acclaimed actress Kangana Ranaut posted a mysteriously worded note on her Instagram story coinciding with the release day of Alia Bhatt’s much-anticipated film, ‘Jigra’. Known for her uninhibited expressiveness and fearless critique, Kangana’s post has predictably drawn attention, sparking a flurry of discussions and speculations across various platforms and among industry followers.
In her post, Kangana wrote: “When you destroy women-centric films and make sure that they don’t work, they don’t work, even when you make them. Read that again. Thanks.” Although she did not specify who or what the comment was directed towards, many speculate that her words were a veiled reference to ‘Jigra’, following box office reports which suggest that the film had a modest opening at the ticket counters.
According to Sacnilk, a film industry tracking source, ‘Jigra’s box office performance on its first day was not as robust as anticipated, collecting approximately ₹3.58 crore across all language demographics in India. This figure, given the film’s extensive promotion and the star power associated with it, seemed to underscore Kangana’s cryptic critique. If her comments were indeed aimed at Alia, it wouldn’t be the first instance of Kangana taking a public swipe at the younger actress. The two have a history of less-than-cordial relations, with Kangana previously criticizing Alia during the release of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’.
Prior to ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’s release, Kangana had remarked: “This Friday, ₹200 crore will be burnt to ashes at the box office… for a papa (movie mafia daddy) ki pari (who likes to keep a British passport) because papa wants to prove that rom-com bimbo can act… the biggest drawback of the film is wrong casting…
. yeh nahi sudhrenge (these people won’t change). No wonder screens are going to South and Hollywood films… Bollywood is destined for doom as long as movie mafia holds power…”
The two actresses, both fierce proponents of women-led narratives in Indian cinema, have differing views on how those stories should be told and, critically, how they are supported within the industry. For Kangana, who strongly advocates for films with powerful female leads, the tepid response to ‘Jigra’—a movie fronted by another celebrated actress—perhaps evokes frustrations around the challenges such films face.
Meanwhile, as speculation continues, Kangana busies herself with her new project, ‘Emergency’. Written and directed by her, this upcoming film showcases the actress in a leading role alongside notable talents such as Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik, in significant roles. Given its political context and historical backdrop, ‘Emergency’ is gaining traction among audiences eagerly awaiting its release. The film, which has been awarded a U/A certificate from the Censor Board of India, has yet to announce its official release date, heightening anticipation further.
‘Jigra’, on the other hand, marks another ambitious outing from director Vasan Bala, known for films like ‘Monica O My Darling’, ‘Peddlers’, and the cult favorite ‘Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota’. Produced under the prominent Dharma Productions umbrella and in collaboration with Viacom18 Studios and Eternal Sunshine Productions, ‘Jigra’ represents a significant cinematic collaboration. The film, co-written by Debashish Irengbam and Bala, is slated for release on October 11, 2024.
As reactions to Kangana’s post continue to trickle in, industry insiders and fans of both actresses are left to ponder the broader implications of her words on social media. While some viewers express disappointment at the ongoing public sparring, others view it as a stark reflection of the competitive and often politically-charged world of Bollywood. Ultimately, this episode serves as another testament to Kangana’s established reputation as a bold and unapologetic figure within Indian cinema, unafraid to voice her opinion regardless of potential backlash.
