Alia Bhatt’s latest release Jigra, directed by Vasan Bala, has left fans and moviegoers in shock after recording her lowest box office opening in the past ten years. Despite high expectations and a promising trailer, the film only managed to collect ₹4.25 crore on its first day, a sharp contrast to the actor's previous blockbusters like Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva and RRR, which opened to much higher figures. As the film struggles to find its footing, an unexpected theory has taken social media by storm — some netizens are blaming Alia’s husband, Ranbir Kapoor, for the film's poor performance.
Jigra’s Box Office Struggles
Jigra was expected to be another high point in Alia’s career. The trailer, which showcased her as the fierce and determined Satya, garnered praise for her powerful performance. In the film, Alia’s character takes it upon herself to rescue her younger brother, played by Vedang Raina, from a foreign prison. The emotional intensity and performances were widely appreciated, and fans were excited to see Alia step into an action-oriented, tigress-like role, similar to what Jr NTR hinted at during their past conversation.
However, despite positive to mixed reviews and Alia being hailed as a ‘Lady Superstar’, the film's box office performance has been underwhelming. With a first-day collection of ₹4.25 crore, Jigra ranks as Alia’s worst opening in a decade. Her last lowest opener was Highway in 2014, which made ₹3.42 crore. To add to the woes, reports of empty theatres during Jigra screenings have been circulating, further dampening the film’s box office prospects.
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The ‘Ranbir Kapoor Curse’ Theory
While many factors could contribute to Jigra’s underperformance, a viral Reddit thread has sparked a bizarre debate, blaming none other than Alia’s husband, Ranbir Kapoor. Fans have started to believe in what they’re calling the ‘Ranbir Kapoor curse,’ suggesting that his relationships with Bollywood actresses have had a negative impact on their careers during the time they were dating.
<One Reddit user commented, “She got the Ranbir Kapoor curse… previously experienced by his exes,” referring to actresses who allegedly faced career setbacks while dating Ranbir. Another harsh comment added, “That man really is a panauti (unlucky charm) and brings such bad luck to his girlfriends/wife. Good luck, Alia!!”
Ranbir’s Exes: Career Slump to Resurgence
Several users have pointed out that Ranbir’s previous girlfriends, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, also faced professional challenges during their relationships with him. However, after their respective breakups, both actresses experienced a career resurgence. One user cited Deepika Padukone’s post-breakup success with Cocktail (2012) and how it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career. Similarly, Katrina Kaif received praise for her performance in Zero (2018), which came after her split from Ranbir.
The idea of a ‘Ranbir Kapoor curse’ may sound far-fetched, but it has sparked conversations among Bollywood enthusiasts, who are now watching Alia’s career closely to see how she fares after the box office disappointment of Jigra.
What’s Next for Alia?
Despite the underwhelming start, Alia Bhatt remains one of the most talented and sought-after actors in the industry. While Jigra may not have met expectations, Alia’s fans are optimistic that she will bounce back, just as she has done before. With upcoming projects in the pipeline, including international collaborations, her star power is unlikely to dim anytime soon.
As for the Jigra box office debate, only time will tell if the film picks up in the coming weeks or if it becomes a rare misstep in Alia Bhatt’s otherwise stellar career. For now, the ‘Ranbir Kapoor curse’ theory may just be a quirky internet conspiracy — but one that’s caught everyone’s attention.