In an intriguing cinematic showdown, Alia Bhatt’s Jigra and Divya Khossla’s Savi present tales of women undertaking daring jailbreaks to save their loved ones. While both films share a similar premise, the narratives diverge significantly in execution and storytelling, leading to polarized reactions from audiences and critics alike.
The Plotlines: Jigra and Savi
Jigra, directed by Vasan Bala, follows the story of Satya, portrayed by Alia Bhatt, as she ventures into a fictitious Southeast Asian country to rescue her brother from prison. The film aims for an emotional resonance, gradually developing the brother-sister bond before plunging into a thrilling rescue mission. Critics have praised Jigra for its intricate character development and emotional depth, while others have noted that it struggles to balance its ambitious narrative, leading to mixed reviews and disappointing box office figures since its release last week.
In contrast, Savi, directed by Abhinay Deo, features Savitri (played by Divya Khossla), a simple housewife in Liverpool, who teams up with a middle-aged ex-con (Anil Kapoor) to break her husband out of prison after he is wrongfully accused of murder. From the very first scene, Savi plunges the audience into action, maintaining a fast-paced narrative that leans heavily on suspense and thrill.
The Controversy: Allegations of a Rip-Off
As the two films emerged, the similarities in their plots raised eyebrows, leading to accusations from Divya Khossla that Alia Bhatt may have inflated Jigra's box office figures by purchasing tickets herself. This claim has sparked debates online, with many wondering if Khossla’s response stemmed from her own film’s lackluster performance in comparison to Jigra. The accusations and ensuing drama have further fueled speculation about the originality of Jigra's storyline, with some viewers suggesting that it borrows heavily from Savi.
Despite the surface-level similarities in premise, Jigra and Savi showcase different narrative structures and thematic focuses. While Jigra builds up emotional stakes and character arcs before the action unfolds, Savi opts for an immediate plunge into the chaos, catering to audiences craving instant thrills.
Critical Reception and Box Office Performance
The reception of both films has been a study in contrasts. Jigra garnered praise for its emotional core and performances, particularly Bhatt’s, but has faced criticism for pacing issues and narrative coherence. Its box office performance reflects a divided audience, with figures falling short of expectations. Conversely, Savi has struggled to gain traction, possibly overshadowed by the buzz surrounding Jigra.
The unfolding drama between Khossla and Bhatt has amplified the spotlight on both films, drawing attention to the similarities in their plots. Yet, while both stories feature women on daring missions, their distinctive approaches to storytelling set them apart in the broader cinematic landscape.
As Jigra and Savi continue to navigate their respective journeys in theaters, the discourse surrounding them serves as a reminder of the complexities of storytelling in cinema. While both films delve into the theme of female empowerment through action and resilience, their differing narrative styles and emotional undertones offer unique viewing experiences. In the end, the real challenge lies not just in the similarities of their plots, but in how each film carves out its own identity within the ever-evolving world of cinema.