Actor and filmmaker Divya Khosla Kumar has stirred controversy by accusing Alia Bhatt of manipulating box office numbers for her latest film Jigra. This accusation came on October 12, 2024, just a day after the film’s release. Divya’s claims are particularly pointed as they arise amid a competitive clash at the box office, with Jigra facing off against her husband’s production, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Waala Video.
In a subtle response, Karan Johar shared a cryptic Instagram post, just hours after Divya’s remarks, stating, “Silence is the best speech you will ever give to fools.” While he did not directly address the controversy, the timing of his post seemed to suggest that it was a veiled reaction to Divya’s accusations against Alia.
Divya took to Instagram to express her concerns, posting a photo of an empty cinema hall that she claimed was screening Jigra. In her post, she stated, “Theatre was totally empty… all theatres going empty everywhere.” She further accused Alia of buying tickets herself to inflate the film’s reported earnings. Divya wrote, “#AliaBhatt really has a lot of #Jigra to buy her own tickets and announce fake collections,” adding hashtags like #TruthOverLies and #WeShouldNotFoolTheAudience.
The feud between Divya and Alia appears to be fueled by more than just box office numbers. There are allegations that Jigra bears similarities to Divya’s own film, Savi, which features a storyline about a woman attempting a jailbreak. While acknowledging these similarities, Divya has emphasized that each film has its unique narrative journey.
Jigra, directed by Vasan Bala, opened with disappointing figures, reportedly earning around ₹4.25 crore on its first day. This lukewarm reception is notable as it marks one of the lowest openings for Alia in her decade-long career. The film’s performance is particularly concerning given that it was expected to do better during the festive season of Dussehra.
Divya’s comments come in the wake of discussions about the changing landscape of Bollywood, especially regarding women-centric films. Kangana Ranaut also weighed in with a cryptic post about the struggles faced by female-led projects in the industry.
In response to Divya’s accusations, Karan Johar, co-producer of Jigra, offered a cryptic reply on social media. He refrained from directly addressing the allegations but hinted at the importance of integrity in filmmaking. His response seemed aimed at maintaining his reputation amidst growing scrutiny over box office manipulations.
Industry Reactions
The backlash against Jigra has sparked conversations within the industry about authenticity and transparency regarding box office reporting. Many insiders have begun questioning whether inflated numbers are becoming a common practice among filmmakers looking to boost their films’ perceived success.
While Divya’s attack on Alia has garnered significant media attention, it also raises questions about the competitive nature of Bollywood and how personal rivalries can spill over into public discourse. The industry is known for its fierce competition, and this incident highlights how quickly tensions can escalate.
Audience Response
Viewers have taken to social media platforms to express their opinions on the matter. Some support Divya’s claims, arguing that transparency in box office reporting is crucial for maintaining audience trust. Others defend Alia, suggesting that every film has its ups and downs and that public scrutiny can be harsh.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how both films will perform in the coming weeks. The box office dynamics will likely influence future projects and how filmmakers approach marketing and audience engagement.
