Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt’s latest film, Jigra, has struggled to make an impact at the box office, drawing criticism from actress and filmmaker Divya Khossla. In a pointed Instagram story, Khossla highlighted her visit to a screening at Citi Mall PVR, noting that the theater was completely empty. Her post read, “Went to Citi Mall PVR for Jigra show. The theatre was 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.”
In a subsequent interview with Hindustan Times, Khossla elaborated on her concerns about the film’s inflated box office figures, stating, “Today, when I speak up, Mr. Karan Johar uses derogatory language to shut me down. Is it right to call a woman a fool for pointing out unethical practices?” She argued that Bhatt, being an established actress, should not resort to such tactics. “True heroism is in speaking against wrongdoing. Let the audience decide based on merit, not money and power,” Khossla asserted.
Khossla expressed frustration over the apparent discrepancy between Jigra’s reported box office figures and the reality of empty theaters. “We are creative people; we are not in a share market. By giving fake box office numbers, certain media persons also highlight bad films. These people decide which film will be declared a hit as tickets are bought and fake collections are announced,” she explained.
In response to the backlash, Karan Johar took to his own Instagram story, delivering a veiled comment that read, “Silence is the best speech you will ever give to fools.”
Khossla was quick to respond, stating, “Truth will always offend fools opposed to it. When you are so accustomed to stealing what rightfully belongs to others, you will always seek shelter in silence. You will have no voice, no spine.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, the discussions surrounding “Jigra” highlight ongoing concerns about transparency in the film industry, leaving audiences to question the integrity of box office reporting.
