Mumbai: The much-anticipated film ‘Jigra’, starring Alia Bhatt, has finally hit the cinemas today. However, the film, which many had high hopes for, is seeing a less than enthusiastic reception from audiences across the country. While some reviewers have had pleasant things to say, a significant portion of the feedback leans toward the negative, raising questions about the film’s prospects at the box office.
The film features Alia Bhatt in the role of Satya, a character who transforms into a fierce lioness to save her brother, portrayed by Vedang Raina. Despite the promising premise and the star power of Alia Bhatt, the expectations surrounding ‘Jigra’ seem to have gone unmet as per the early responses on social media. Notably, prominent self-proclaimed critic Kamaal R Khan has already dubbed it a failure, citing low audience turnout and empty seats in theatres.
Critics and movie-goers alike have taken to Twitter to voice their disappointment. For instance, Rahul Chauhan remarked sarcastically about corporate bookings, implying that they were unnecessary due to the lack of audience. This sentiment was echoed by other social media users, including those pointing out the irony in promotional comparisons of Alia Bhatt to the Bachchan family, suggesting that such attempts might have backfired.
One Twitter user shared a bleak picture of their viewing experience in a Telugu cinema, lamenting an almost empty theater with no basic amenities like fans or emergency lighting, all contributing to what was described as a “worst theatrical experience.” Such anecdotes seem to be representative rather than isolated as reports of low audience numbers continue to pour in from various parts of the country.
Social media is abuzz with criticism, accusing the film’s creators of manipulating narratives and inflating booking numbers. One critic went as far as to comment on Alia Bhatt’s reliance on PR tactics and questioned the authenticity of the reported ticket sales. Another voice in the digital space, known for their satirical take on Bollywood, remarked on how ‘Jigra’ might epitomize the limits of star power and marketing when faced with substantive narrative gaps.
In an unexpected twist, some online commentators are comparing Alia Bhatt unfavorably to her contemporaries, with phrases like “corporate booking queen” returning to mock the film’s apparent reliance on non-audience bookings.
. Even comparisons to other actors like Kangana Ranaut have surfaced, with users arguing that ‘Jigra’ fails to display any progress in acting prowess.
The situation seems to be equally grim from a business perspective. Reports indicate that a substantial number of shows scheduled across India are being canceled in response to the underwhelming audience turnout. This development undoubtedly places the filmmakers, including co-producer Karan Johar, in a challenging position. Their collaborative venture, initially perceived as promising, now faces the emerging reality of possible commercial failure.
Despite these setbacks, there appears to be an effort to salvage the situation. According to some insider sources, Alia Bhatt’s PR team has reached out to various Twitter portals, seeking favorable reviews in hopes of boosting the film’s footfall and subsequent collections. However, many critics argue that such tactics may not succeed in reversing the current trajectory.
With every passing hour, the film’s prospects seem to dwindle further. Even the immediate prospects look bleak with renowned critic KRK declaring that 75% of the shows for ‘Jigra’ were canceled across India on the day of its release due to a lack of viewers. As these cancellations unfold, the term “disaster” is beginning to echo across industry circles.
As things stand, ‘Jigra’s’ journey at the box office seems fraught with hurdles. Whether it can recover from this initial blow and find its audience remains uncertain. For now, the chorus of dissatisfied viewers and industry watchers presents an overwhelming challenge for its stars and producers. The coming days are critical, as they will determine whether ‘Jigra’ manages to roar back to life or fades quietly into the background.
