Over the years, Alia Bhatt has solidified her reputation as a formidable actress in Bollywood, showcasing her talent through impactful performances in critically acclaimed films such as Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) and Raazi (2019). Her versatility and ability to embody complex characters have garnered her a significant fanbase and critical acclaim. Therefore, when it was announced that she would collaborate with the innovative director Vasan Bala, expectations were high for their project, Jigra. Fans anticipated a unique cinematic experience, especially after the release of an engaging trailer that hinted at gripping storytelling. The trailer featured intense scenes, including Vedang Raina’s harrowing jail torture and Alia’s desperate quest to rescue her onscreen brother, which further fueled excitement among audiences.
However, upon its release in theatres, Jigra faced disappointing box office numbers, ultimately becoming Alia’s worst opener in a decade. After two weeks of theatrical run, the film has managed to collect approximately ₹29.25 crore, with projections suggesting it might barely cross the ₹30 crore mark by the weekend. This figure is notable because it aligns with the lifetime collection of Alia’s previous lowest opener, Highway (2014), making Jigra her second-lowest grosser to date. The stark contrast between the film’s anticipated success and its actual performance has led to significant discourse among fans and netizens.
Amidst the backlash surrounding Jigra, discussions have emerged regarding the dynamics between Alia and director Vasan Bala. Some netizens have expressed their belief that Vasan is shouldering the criticism alone while Alia appears to have distanced herself from promoting the film. In one Reddit thread, a user pointed out, “Alia has stopped posting anything about Jigra, while Vasan is still sharing posts and thanking her. It seems like she’s letting him take all the heat, which is a new low for her as a person.” This sentiment reflects a growing perception that Alia may not be fully supporting Vasan in the face of the film’s disappointing reception.
Further comments have highlighted the disparity in accountability for Alia’s past projects. One user remarked, “No one ever talks about Alia’s Sadak, Kalank, or Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Everyone else seems to take the blame for her flops. This is why she’s garnered so many haters.” Such statements underscore a perceived double standard in how blame is distributed in the industry, suggesting that Alia’s collaborations often result in others being blamed for her failures rather than her receiving equal scrutiny. Another netizen, referencing Alia’s recent public appearances, sarcastically noted, “Just saw the picture and thought Vasan apologized again; he needs to move on, while Alia sped off to the Maddock Films office.” This comment indicates the intensity of the conversation surrounding the film’s failure and its impact on the artists involved.
Despite the criticism and disappointing results, there remains a faction of fans who believe in Alia’s enduring talent and potential for redemption with her future projects. They argue that a single setback should not define her career trajectory. One supporter highlighted, “People forget that Salman Khan recently faced three consecutive flops, and SRK experienced bigger disasters. One flop isn’t going to change the fact that she is one of the biggest stars and a proven crowd-puller.” This sentiment reflects a broader understanding within the industry that even established stars can experience failures, and they often bounce back with subsequent projects.
Looking ahead, Alia has several promising films on her slate, including Yash Raj Films‘ spy thriller Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, where she will co-star with her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, and acclaimed actor Vicky Kaushal. These upcoming projects are expected to further showcase her acting prowess and potentially restore her standing following the challenges faced by Jigra. Overall, while Jigra has been a setback, many fans and industry watchers are eager to see how Alia will navigate her career in the coming years, hoping for a swift return to her previous successes.