Alia Bhatt’s much-anticipated film, ‘Jigra,’ directed by Vasan Bala, has found itself amidst a storm of controversies since its release on October 11. Despite being one of the most awaited films of the year, ‘Jigra’ faced a lukewarm response at the box office, scarcely benefiting from the Dussehra holiday—a period typically favorable for cinema releases in India. The film’s rocky reception has been further complicated by various allegations, which director Vasan Bala recently addressed in an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter India.
The focal point of the controversy came when Divya Khossla Kumar, actress and wife of T-Series head Bhushan Kumar, levied accusations of plagiarism against the creators of ‘Jigra.’ Divya claimed that the film bore a striking resemblance to the plot of her previous release, ‘Savi.’ Her allegations quickly gained traction on social media after she posted a story on Instagram showcasing ‘Jigra’ playing to a sparsely populated theater. This social media post implied artificially inflated box office numbers, further alleging that Alia Bhatt herself purchased tickets to bolster ticket sales.
Responding to these strong allegations, Vasan Bala stated, “The film ‘Savi’ was released when ‘Jigra’ was already in the post-production phase, specifically during the editing. Therefore, audiences have the material they need to make their assessments. It’s important to focus on creating art rather than engaging in disputes or fueling controversy.”
On the matter of speculated false ticket sales, Bala emphasized that such a situation falls under distribution rather than production oversight, stating, “If there’s any reason to believe that wrongful activity has occurred in ticket sales, transparency is crucial, and investigations are welcome.”
In a parallel controversy, North-Eastern actor Bijou Thaangjam accused the production team of unprofessional conduct. Thaangjam stated in a post on X that he auditioned and was allegedly informed about a role in the film. However, instead of receiving official confirmation or appreciation of his availability, Thaangjam claimed he was left in limbo, categorically highlighting the incident as unpleasant and discriminatory.
Reflecting on Thaangjam’s accusations, Vasan Bala mentioned, “I was unaware of the details surrounding Bijou’s situation until today’s discourse. Video recordings and face-to-face auditions are often structured processes in casting.
. However, there could have been miscommunication on availability. I apologize if he felt marginalized, as that was never the intention. An individual’s enthusiasm to contribute to a project should never be disregarded.”
In response to Bala’s clarification, Bijou Thaangjam released screenshots of his communication with the casting team. The evidence articulated the uncertainty he faced while awaiting a call that never arrived. Thaangjam wrote, “With over a decade in the industry, the agony of ambiguous decisions is not alien to me. Assumptions were unnecessary, and my intent was always to call attention to the systemic flaws in the scheduling for opportunities.”
The revelations regarding ‘Jigra’ have sparked an ongoing debate within the entertainment sphere, particularly concerning the treatment of actors from diverse backgrounds and the ethical considerations in the post-production and distribution phases of film-making. Bala’s willingness to engage transparently on these subjects is seen as a positive, albeit cautious, step towards resolution.
Nevertheless, ‘Jigra’ remains a topic of heated debate on digital platforms. While Vasan Bala attempts to navigate through the intricacies of controversy, the film’s reception serves as a poignant reminder of how external narratives often dictate a project’s success or failure beyond just cinematic content.
The public conversation around ‘Jigra’ also opens broader reflections on the ethics of creative overhauls and casting practices in high-stakes film industries. As new developments unfold, observers in the entertainment industry continue to watch closely, intrigued by how controversies impact perceptions and future projects of those involved.
In sum, the issues surrounding ‘Jigra’ exemplify the multifaceted challenges faced by filmmakers today. While the film continues to polarize audiences, Bala’s engagement with these hurdles indicates a commitment to addressing the criticisms that have engulfed this cinematic venture.
