A Bold Vision That Didn’t Land

The 2024 action thriller Jigra, directed by Vasan Bala and starring Alia Bhatt, was a cinematic gamble that didn’t pay off at the box office. Despite a promising premise centered on a sister’s fierce determination to save her brother from a death row sentence, the film, backed by Dharma Productions and Eternal Sunshine Productions, fell short of expectations. With a reported budget of Rs 80 crore, it earned only Rs 56 crore, marking it as one of Alia Bhatt’s biggest commercial setbacks in recent years. Yet, producer Karan Johar remains steadfast in his belief that the film’s legacy will endure beyond its financial failure.

In a candid conversation with film critic Suchin Mehrotra, Johar shared his thoughts on Jigra’s disappointing performance. “We were dejected and sad,” he admitted, acknowledging the sting of the box office numbers. However, he emphasized that the team’s faith in Vasan Bala’s vision never wavered. The film’s unconventional storytelling, marked by Bala’s signature quirks and meta-references, didn’t resonate with a mainstream audience, but Johar sees this as a strength rather than a flaw.

Proud of the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Johar’s pride in Jigra stems from its bold departure from typical Bollywood fare. He praised Bala’s “individualistic and brilliant” approach, describing the director as one of Bollywood’s finest minds. “Vasan’s style of breaking the grammar of filmmaking may not always land, but should he stop making films like this? Absolutely not,” Johar asserted. For him, the film’s failure doesn’t diminish its artistic value. He even expressed eagerness to collaborate with Bala again, underscoring his commitment to supporting innovative storytelling.

The producer also highlighted the camaraderie among the team, revealing that he, Alia, and Vasan continue to share a group chat where they exchange lighthearted messages, often with Bala’s self-deprecating humor taking center stage. This sense of unity and mutual respect underscores their collective belief in the project, despite its commercial outcome.

A Future Classic in the Making?

Johar remains optimistic about Jigra’s long-term impact. “A decade or two from now, we will look back on Jigra as a groundbreaking film,” he predicted. He believes the courage it took for Alia Bhatt to take on such a challenging role and for the team to back an unconventional narrative will be celebrated in hindsight. “There are films I’m not proud of that have failed, but Jigra is a success story for me,” Johar said, emphasizing that its artistic integrity outweighs its box office performance.

Alia Bhatt herself has addressed the film’s failure with grace. Speaking on Jay Shetty’s podcast, she noted that the setback has fueled her passion for new creative pursuits. “It’s given me a new vigor for a new dream,” she said, showcasing her resilience as both an actor and a producer.

Facing Controversies Head-On

Jigra wasn’t just a box office disappointment; it faced its share of controversies, from accusations of plagiarism to claims of inflated earnings. Johar and Alia have navigated these challenges with dignity, focusing on the film’s artistic merits rather than engaging in public spats. For Johar, the true measure of Jigra’s worth lies in its bold vision and the team’s unwavering commitment to it.

Looking Ahead

While Jigra may not have won over audiences in 2024, Karan Johar’s reflections suggest it’s a film ahead of its time. As Bollywood continues to evolve, Jigra might just find its place as a cult classic, celebrated for the bravery of Alia Bhatt and the creative risks taken by its team.

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