Divya Khossla claims “Jigra is a copy” of her film Savi, a jailbreak story. Savi, which released earlier this year, was based on The Next Three Days (2010), for which her team bought the rights.
Our Bureau
Mumbai
Despite Alia Bhatt’s star power, her latest release ‘Jigra’ did not manage to garner huge footfall on the release day. As per trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film, which is helmed by Vasan Bala, raked in Rs 4.55 crore on the opening day in India.
Jigra faced box-office clash with RajKummar Rao and Triptii Dimri-starrer ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, which performed better than Alia’s film. ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ minted Rs 5.71 cr on Friday.
Reportedly, ‘Jigra’ makes it Alia’s lowest opener since 2014’s Highway, which was the second film of Alia’s career. Jigra’ revolves around a devoted sister who embarks on a harrowing journey to rescue her brother. A recreated version of the classic song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka’ is also included in the teaser, showcasing Vedang Raina’s vocal talent.
Earlier, a special screening of Alia Bhatt-starrer ‘Jigra’ was held on Wednesday evening for the members of the film industry. From Alia’s mother-in-law Neetu Kapoor to sister Shaheen Bhatt, several stars came for the screening to cheer for the film’s team. Alia even posed with her sister Shaheen before entering the venue. The sisters looked extremely excited.
Actor Rashmika Mandanna was also spotted at the screening.
Earlier, makers had treated fans with an action-packed trailer. In the trailer, Alia Bhatt takes on the role of Satya, a fiercely devoted sister who is determined to rescue her brother, Ankur, played by Vedang Raina. As the trailer unfolds, Alia’s character embodies resilience and strength. One standout moment comes when her character declares, “Maine kabhi nhi kaha, main sahi insaan hu. Main sirf, Ankur ki behen hu.”The film marks Vedang Raina’s second appearance on screen, following his debut in ‘The Archies’ last year.”Jigra’ also features a captivating soundtrack, including the popular track ‘Chal Kudiye,’ reuniting Alia Bhatt with Diljit Dosanjh.
Meanwhile, actor Divya Khossla launched a scathing attack on Alia Bhatt, accusing her of manipulating the box office numbers for her latest film, ‘Jigra’. Divya alleged that Alia purchased tickets of her own movie and announced “fake collection” to deceive the public.
Divya, took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday to slam the ‘Highway’ actor, sharing a picture of an empty theatre and criticizing the film’s reported earnings. In her post, she wrote, “Went to Citi Mall PVR for Jigra show. Theatre was totally empty…all theaters going empty everywhere.”
“#Aliabhatt me sach mein Bahut #Jigra hai.. khud hi tickets karide aur fake collections announce kar diye. Wonder why paid media is silent. #weshdnotfooltheaudience #truthoverlies #HappyDussehra,” she added.
Divya Khossla had sparked a heated debate with her Insta Story criticizing Alia Bhatt’s latest release Jigra and publicly clashing with co-producer Karan Johar, who responded to her allegations by posting: “Silence is the best speech you will ever give to fools” on his social media. To which, Khossla quickly retaliated with another Story: “Truth will always offend fools opposed to it.”
Khossla highlighted her concern with corporate bookings and manipulated box office numbers: “After Covid, smaller production houses have shut down, and only those with money survive. I saw an empty theatre, yet Jigra’s opening figures were inflated. That needs serious correction.” She claims that false numbers are put out for certain films. “We are creative people, we are not in a share market, and by giving fake box office numbers, certain media persons also highlight bad films. When good films work, no one talks about that. These people decide which film is will be declared a hit- as tickets are bought and fake collections are announced. And that’s why only those people will be able to survive here, who have money. New talent, will never be able to enter.”
Khossla claims “Jigra is a copy” of her film Savi, a jailbreak story. Savi, which released earlier this year, was based on The Next Three Days (2010), for which her team bought the rights.
She notes that “both films share the same story line”, but her project “was in production first”. Savi was a jailbreak story about a wife who is out to rescue her husband, jailed in a high-security prison. She is helped by Anil Kapoor’s character. Jigra too is a jailbreak story, where a sister sets out to rescue her brother who will soon be executed, from a prison. She is helped by two people along the way. The treatment of both the stories is different.
