🍅 71% Critics (RT)
⭐ 6.0/10 (IMDb)
Quick summary: Jigra split critics right down a geographic line — international reviewers were largely positive (71% on Rotten Tomatoes), while most Indian critics rated it around 2 out of 5, agreeing on one thing across the board: Alia Bhatt’s performance is the film’s clear standout.
About Jigra
Directed by Vasan Bala, Jigra released in theatres on 11 October 2024, starring Alia Bhatt as Satya Anand and Vedang Raina as her younger brother Ankur, in his acting debut. The story follows Satya’s relentless mission to rescue Ankur after he’s wrongfully sentenced to death for drug possession in a fictional Southeast Asian country, evolving into a prison-break thriller anchored by sibling loyalty. The film also features Manoj Pahwa, Rahul Ravindran, and Vivek Gomber in key supporting roles.
Critic Reviews: A Clear East-West Divide
| Publication | Rating / Verdict |
|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes (critics) | 71% positive |
| Rotten Tomatoes (audience) | 61% positive |
| IMDb | 6.0 / 10 |
| The Hollywood Reporter | Favorable — no star rating |
| The Indian Express | 2 / 5 |
| High on Films | 2 / 5 |
| Bollywood Hungama | Mixed — cites weak second half |
The pattern that emerges across reviews is striking: Western outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and IndieWire praised the film’s emotional core and Bhatt’s commanding screen presence, with The Hollywood Reporter calling her a fabulously fierce anchor for an otherwise narratively uneven thriller. Indian critics, by contrast, were considerably tougher — The Indian Express and several other domestic reviewers scored it 2 out of 5, pointing to blunted character edges and a story that stretches both patience and credibility by its climax.
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What Worked
- Alia Bhatt’s performance: Universally the most-praised element — reviewers across the board single out her intensity, physical conviction in the action sequences, and emotional range in the film’s quieter, pathos-driven scenes.
- The sibling bond: The emotional throughline between Satya and Ankur was cited as the film’s most affecting element, even by critics who found the plotting weak.
- Vedang Raina’s debut: Widely seen as a promising first outing, with reviewers noting he holds his own against Bhatt despite being a newcomer.
What Didn’t
- Predictable, convenient plotting: The most consistent criticism — several reviews note the twists feel too convenient and the second half drags noticeably.
- Underdeveloped characters: Beyond the two leads, supporting characters were seen as thinly written.
- Tonal inconsistency: Reviews were split on the action sequences themselves — some called them realistic and gripping, others found them excessive and disconnected from the film’s more grounded emotional moments.
Is Jigra Worth Watching?
If you’re watching primarily for Alia Bhatt, the answer is a clear yes — this is widely regarded as one of her more committed physical performances. If you’re looking for a tightly-plotted thriller, expectations should be tempered; even the film’s defenders acknowledge the script doesn’t fully deliver on its premise.
Where to watch: Jigra is available for streaming on Netflix.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What did critics say about Jigra?
International critics were largely favorable (71% on Rotten Tomatoes), while most Indian critics rated it around 2 out of 5, though all agreed Alia Bhatt’s performance stood out.
What is Jigra’s IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes rating?
Jigra holds a 6.0/10 on IMDb and a 71% critics’ score with a 61% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Is Jigra worth watching?
Yes, primarily for Alia Bhatt’s performance — nearly every review, positive or negative, calls it the film’s strongest element.
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