Controversies Surround Vasan Bala’s ‘Jigra’ Ahead of Its Release
Vasan Bala’s latest film, Jigra, starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina in the lead roles, sparked controversy even before its theatrical release on October 11. From cancelled press screenings by producer Karan Johar to allegations of box office manipulation from Divya Khosla Kumar, the film has been in the spotlight for reasons far beyond its plot. Here’s a breakdown of the key events leading to the film’s release.
Controversy Over Rough Draft Sent to Alia Bhatt
The drama began when Vasan Bala, in an interview with Tried & Refused Productions, revealed that Karan Johar had forwarded an early, incomplete email—what he described as a “kaccha-pakka” draft—about the film to Alia Bhatt. Vasan admitted he wasn’t happy with this version, explaining that he preferred to send her a refined, polished draft.
This revelation quickly fueled online speculation, with many accusing the filmmakers of nepotism and assuming that Vasan never wanted Alia as the lead. The internet backlash suggested favouritism, implying that Alia was chosen for the project prematurely. In response, Vasan took to Instagram to clear the air, sharing his long-held desire to collaborate with the actress. “The photo on the left, I had taken in 2022 and wished… The photo on the right at the same spot, 2024! Wish fulfilled!” he wrote, excited about working with Alia.
Karan Johar Cancels Press Screenings
Adding fuel to the controversy, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions announced just days before Jigra’s release that they would discontinue pre-release press screenings for their films. In a statement, Dharma explained, “After much deliberation, we’ve unanimously decided to forgo pre-release screenings for our upcoming films. This decision has been difficult to make, but we believe it is necessary.”
This move was met with skepticism, with some speculating that it was an attempt to avoid early negative reviews or controversies before the official release. Dharma’s decision only intensified discussions about the film, drawing further media attention to Jigra.
Ongoing Speculation and Reactions
The controversies surrounding Jigra have overshadowed its storyline and creative elements, raising questions about transparency and production practices in Bollywood. With allegations of nepotism, abrupt changes in press policy, and accusations of box office manipulation by Divya Khosla Kumar, the film has become a lightning rod for debate in the industry even before it reaches audiences.
As Jigra makes its way to theatres, the public is now eagerly waiting to see if the film can rise above the controversies and deliver on its creative promise.