Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt’s much-anticipated film Jigra has recorded her worst box office opening in the last ten years, a surprising setback for the star whose career has been defined by consistent hits. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vasan Bala, Jigra was expected to deliver solid numbers at the box office but ended up underperforming, opening to lukewarm reviews and weak audience response.
Jigra collected a disappointing ₹3 crore on its opening day, a stark contrast to Alia’s previous films that typically opened with double-digit figures. For context, even Kalank (2019), which received mixed reviews, had a much stronger opening day of ₹21.6 crore, while Shaandaar (2015), another underperformer, debuted with ₹13.1 crore. The failure of Jigra to connect with audiences marks a rare stumble for Bhatt, whose recent successes include Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (2023).
Vasan Bala, known for his offbeat and experimental films like Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, may not have connected with mainstream audiences this time around. His unique style and unconventional storytelling, though critically appreciated, seem to have alienated a section of the commercial cinema-going audience. The film's dark, intense themes didn’t resonate with the broader demographic that Alia’s films typically attract.
Unlike Bhatt’s previous films, Jigra lacked the intense promotional push seen with projects like Brahmastra or Gangubai Kathiawadi. While the film did have a teaser and trailer release, the marketing didn’t create the same level of excitement, resulting in relatively low advance bookings.
While Alia Bhatt has faced box office setbacks before, such as with Shaandaar and Kalank, both films had a relatively better opening despite their eventual underperformance. Shaandaar may have faltered in the long run, but its strong opening day suggested that the initial buzz was high. Kalank, though critically panned, had the advantage of a multi-starrer cast, including Varun Dhawan and Madhuri Dixit, which drove initial footfalls.
Despite the setback, Bhatt has expressed optimism about the film. In a recent interview, she stated, “Some films are made for specific audiences, and not every story is meant to be a blockbuster. I believe in Jigra, and I stand by the work Vasan [Bala] and I have done. Every film is a learning experience.”
While Jigra marks a rare box office disappointment for Alia Bhatt, it also underscores the unpredictable nature of Bollywood’s box office. Despite a combination of a talented filmmaker and a bankable star, sometimes a film’s appeal doesn’t click with the audience. As Jigra faces an uphill battle at the box office, all eyes will be on Bhatt's next moves in an industry where comebacks are often just one hit away.
