Veteran film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared his thoughts on the disappointing box-office performance of ‘Jigra’, directed by Vasan Bala and featuring Alia Bhatt. With Alia's history of delivering impactful performances, fans had high hopes for this collaboration. However, upon its release, ‘Jigra’ failed to attract audiences, resulting in it being her worst opening film in a decade.
Taran Adarsh critiques Karan Johar's choices
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Taran Adarsh explained why the film produced by Karan Johar failed to resonate with the audience.
Taran Adarsh said, “You want to make a commercial film, reach a wider audience, but then you choose a director whose sensibilities don’t align with that goal. What is Dharma Productions known for? I genuinely want to tell Karan and Apoorva that Dharma Productions began with Dostana, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Zeenat Aman, directed by Raj Khosla. It was a massive hit—a true commercial, masala film.”
Talking about Karan's achievements in Bollywood and what contributed to them, he added, “When Karan Johar started out, it was with a love story, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, followed by Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. This is your core strength. But when you stray from this to make metro-centric films that reflect a certain worldview, they may not suit the commercial expectations for that particular project. The failure of such films is inevitable.”
Taran Adarsh on Jigra debacle
Taran claimed that Karan Johar is focusing on making films for the elite rather than appealing to the broader audience. He said, “Cater to the masses, not just the elite. If you make films for just 5-6 select cities, a flop is certain. Several exhibitors have told me they don’t run as many Hindi films anymore—they’re showing South Indian films because that’s what audiences want. Those films have that “masala” element. We used to make these kinds of masala films. The 70s and 80s were the era of masala movies, and one hit would follow another.”
Breaking down why Jigra failed at the box office, he said, “The masses want to watch your films; they are the ones who make you a superstar. But you shifted away and started making metro-centric films. Who wants to watch these? Who are you catering to? The Bandra-to-Versova crowd? Are you seeking approval from critics who expect to see Hollywood in Bollywood? Tell those critics to pack up and go to Hollywood if that’s what they want.”
Alia Bhatt films
On the work front, Alia Bhatt has YRF’s spy thriller ‘Alpha’ lined up, along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’, where she stars alongside her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal.