Hansal Mehta hails Jigra as Alia Bhatt starrer starts streaming on Netflix; calls it better than “trash peddled as blockbusters”

Alia Bhatt’s Jigra, despite receiving critical acclaim, struggled to make a mark at the box office. However, the film has found a second chance at success following its Netflix release on December 6, 2024. The film, directed by Vasan Bala, has been earning praise from viewers and industry veterans alike, including celebrated filmmaker Hansal Mehta.

Hansal Mehta Applauds Jigra’s Unique Approach
Taking to Twitter, Hansal Mehta shared his glowing review of Jigra, highlighting its distinct storytelling and the creative risks it takes. “Very late in the day but finally saw ‘Jigra’. It’s full of Jigra. Vasan’s Jigra. Alia’s Jigra. Karan’s Jigra. The film consciously avoids a melodramatic bhai-behen setup, doesn’t set up its protagonists in a manipulative way, it makes Satya almost like an impenetrable fortress, somebody without the cover of romance or relationships – yet we feel. Not necessarily in the way mainstream cinema forces us to feel but through a narrative that is unrelenting, free of essential tropes and carries the filmmaker’s signature.”

He also lauded the film’s music by Achint, calling it “terrific” and integral to the film’s mood. In a sharp critique of contemporary blockbusters, he added, “This is good filmmaking, far removed from what trash gets peddled in the name of ‘giant blockbusters.’”

Very late in the day but finally saw ‘Jigra’. It’s full of Jigra. Vasan’s Jigra. Alia’s Jigra. Karan’s Jigra. The film consciously avoids a melodramatic bhai-behen setup, doesn’t set up its protagonists in a manipulative way, it makes Satya almost like an impenetrable fortress,… pic.twitter.com/Gzjqi7jHWt
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 7, 2024

Alia Bhatt’s Powerful Performance
In Jigra, Alia Bhatt plays Satya Anand, a fiercely determined sister who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect her brother, Ankur, played by Vedang Raina. Bhatt’s emotionally charged performance and Bala’s unconventional storytelling have been widely appreciated. The supporting cast includes Manoj Pahwa and Vivek Gomber, who bring depth to the film’s narrative.

Despite its ambitious premise and critical acclaim, Jigra faced stiff competition during its theatrical release, primarily from Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri’s Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, which emerged as a commercial success. Both films are now streaming on Netflix, providing audiences with a chance to compare the two diverse cinematic offerings.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta calls out OTT industry as All We Imagine As Light struggles for digital release: “Harsh reality of making independent films in India”