‘Jigra’ Box Office Collection Day 18: Alia Bhatt Starrer Struggles with Rs 25 Lakh on Third Monday, Likely to Wrap Up at Rs 35 Crore
Alia Bhatt’s latest release, Jigra, directed by Vasan Bala, continues to face challenges at the box office. Despite Bhatt’s star power, the film has struggled to find a sizable audience in India, recording only Rs 25 lakh on its third Monday, marking a sharp decline from its Sunday collection of Rs 65 lakh, according to data from Sacnilk. The film’s cumulative domestic collection now stands at Rs 31.25 crore, and even reaching a Rs 35 crore lifetime collection appears unlikely.
Initial Expectations and Mixed Results
Jigra generated initial interest thanks to Bhatt’s lead role and Vasan Bala’s reputation as a director of niche yet critically acclaimed films. However, despite a loyal fan following, the film has not been able to resonate with a broader audience. Industry insiders had compared Jigra’s box office potential with recent niche releases like 12th Fail and Laapataa Ladies, both of which managed modest box office runs despite limited reach. However, with a reportedly larger budget, Jigra required higher returns to make a mark as a theatrical success.
The performance of Jigra domestically has been particularly disappointing given its strong start and Bhatt’s fanbase. Its niche themes and treatment have limited its appeal to a smaller demographic, particularly as large-scale commercial blockbusters continue to dominate the market. The film’s performance has consistently dipped since its release, and with significant upcoming releases poised to capture audience attention, Jigra may struggle further in the coming days.
The Impact of Upcoming Diwali Releases
With major Diwali releases like Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 slated for release on November 1, Jigra faces significant competition. These two high-profile films are expected to command audience attention and box office space, creating an even tougher landscape for Jigra and other mid-range releases like Rajkummar Rao’s Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. This clash could cut short Jigra’s already challenging box office run, limiting its earning potential as the Diwali festival season traditionally boosts blockbuster releases.
Financial Outcome and Overseas Success
Despite its lackluster performance in Indian theaters, Jigra has managed to secure its financial standing through digital and satellite rights. By leveraging these platforms, the film has reportedly recuperated a significant portion of its budget, preventing it from becoming a financial loss for the producers. Additionally, Jigra has performed better in the overseas market, especially in regions where Bhatt’s popularity as a Bollywood star adds considerable value.
The film has earned approximately $3 million (about Rs 25 crore) internationally, according to Box Office India. This overseas collection underlines Bhatt’s appeal in international markets, where audiences often appreciate Bollywood films with distinct storytelling styles and global narratives. Jigra’s reception abroad could play a crucial role in helping the film cover its expenses, even if it does not perform well domestically.
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A Challenge to the Star-Driven Model
Jigra’s box office struggle reflects an industry trend where star power alone cannot guarantee box office success, especially for films with unconventional themes. The response to Jigra indicates a shift in audience preferences towards either high-energy commercial entertainers or uniquely resonant narratives. Films like 12th Fail and Laapataa Ladies, despite limited releases, have fared better given their content-driven approach and lower budget, contrasting with Jigra’s relatively higher budget requirements.
Bhatt’s performance in Jigra has been well-received, and the film has been lauded by some critics for its unique approach. However, for broader audience appeal, the film might have required a more mainstream approach or marketing strategy to draw in viewers accustomed to commercial Bollywood fare.
Conclusion
While Jigra may not achieve blockbuster status in Indian theaters, it has underscored Alia Bhatt’s value as a global star capable of attracting overseas audiences. The film’s performance suggests that niche, content-driven films in Bollywood still face stiff competition from high-budget commercial projects. With the approaching Diwali season and the anticipated releases of Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Jigra’s box office journey may be nearing its end in India.
Yet, despite its challenges, Jigra’s financial stability through digital and international markets highlights alternative paths to recovery for films struggling in domestic theaters.
