Alia Bhatt's Jigra Surpasses $5.7 Million in India Box Office
- Alia Bhatt stars in the Hindi film 'Jigra,' which portrays her as an orphan safeguarding her younger brother.
- The film, released on October 11, earned approximately $5.7 million globally after 12 days, but faced allegations of plagiarism and concerns about manipulated box office figures.
- Despite its struggle, the film reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema towards strong female-led narratives, although its performance raises questions about the industry's competitive landscape.
In the context of Indian cinema, the film industry's challenges are highlighted through Alia Bhatt's latest project, which was released on October 11. Titled 'Jigra,' this Hindi action-thriller portrays Bhatt as Satya, a fiercely protective orphan. Directed by Vasan Bala, known for his previous works such as 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota,' 'Jigra' initially performed below expectations at the box office, collecting approximately $5.7 million globally after 12 days. Despite showing promise with $2.1 million on its second day and a weekend total of $3.1 million, the film struggled amidst mixed reviews and allegations of plagiarism. Comparisons with another female-led action film, 'Savi,' were exacerbated when claims emerged that Bhatt's team manipulated ticket sales to inflate box office figures, a point Bala contested by asserting that his film was in post-production before 'Savi' was released. The movie has generated some interest internationally as it has been showcased at film festivals, yet the backlash regarding its originality looms large. Viewers were drawn to the film for its emphasis on strong female-led narratives, echoing themes of resilience akin to the iconic Indian cinema of the 1970s, associated with Amitabh Bachchan. Overall, while 'Jigra' aimed to break new ground in cultural representation within action films, it reflects the ongoing struggles faced by filmmakers in a competitive market, as evidenced by its box office performance and public reception.