From allegations of fake collections to plagiarism, Vasan Bala breaks silence over Jigra controversies

Still from Jigra

Alia Bhatt's latest release 'Jigra' directed by Vasan Bala has been in the news and favourite among netizens to discuss. The film which was among the most anticipated films of the year had a disappointing start at the box office. Even the Dussehra holiday did not do much benefit for the film that opened to largely polarised reviews. A week after its release director Vasan Bala has addressed the controversies surrounding the film during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India.

Divya Khossla Kumar accused makers of plagiarism

Divya, actress and wife of T-Series head Bhushan Kumar, accused the makers of copying the plot of her last release titled 'Savi'. She even attacked the makers by posting an Instagram story where she shared a picture of 'Jigra' playing in an empty theatre. She also accused the lead actress of buying tickets herself and faking the box office collections. Her Instagram story led to much speculation and chatter on social media groups of cinema enthusiasts.

Reacting to Divya's accusations, Bala said, "About the first, Savi (2024), came out when we were editing the film. It is already out there. Everyone can watch it and make up their minds. I don't really want to bring down anyone or add more fuel. "

Talking about the accusations of false box office numbers, the director said, "With the false bookings, that, I think, is a distribution question. I don't think it is that murky at all, but anyone who can investigate and bring out anything is more than welcome."

Addressing Bijou Thaangjam's casting mismanagement accusation

The North-Eastern actor had accused the team of mismanagement. He claimed in a post on X that he was selected for a role in the film but was made to wait indefinitely. Expecting a last-minute call to be on set, Thaangajam said that he had to let go of several other opportunities.

He wrote, "I understand how big production houses operate. The director is undeniably talented, but the way they handled this entire situation was deeply unprofessional. For actors like me from the Northeast, it felt particularly dismissive, almost discriminatory. My time was wasted, and I missed out on other opportunities just because they expected I'd be available at a moment's notice".

Responding to the same, Bala said, "With Bijou, I found out this morning what happened because I don't remember seeing his face or audition. He was never told that he was shortlisted. I think they checked his availability. It is normal procedure to call and ask for availability. He probably assumed he got the part. But I am sure there is always a better way of dealing with things. If he has felt bad, then I apologise because these things happen. And also, you want to be a part of something, so I do not blame him. It is easy to be bitter, and there are enough right reasons to be bitter about as well."

Bijou responded to Bala's statement by sharing proof of his communication with the casting team who had asked him to wait for a call to be on set. Sharing the proof, he wrote, "Sharing a screenshot of my convo with the casting team for clarity. With over a decade in the industry,I know the struggles of daily rejections. 'PROBABLY ASSUMING' is incorrect. I respect ur stature but I was addressing the mismanagement we often experience".