Emergency Struggles at Box Office Day 5 as Kangana Ranaut’s Film Falls Behind Alia Bhatt’s Jigra

In the competitive world of Bollywood, where every Friday brings a new round of cinematic showdowns, the battle for box office supremacy is as fierce as ever. Kangana Ranaut’s latest film, Emergency, which was expected to make waves, is struggling to maintain momentum on its fifth day. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt’s Jigra continues to dominate the charts, leaving Emergency trailing behind.
Let’s delve into why Emergency has stumbled and how Jigra has managed to stay ahead, capturing the audience’s attention and, crucially, their wallets.
A Tale of Two Films
Both Emergency and Jigra are high-profile films, backed by strong marketing campaigns and immense star power. Kangana Ranaut, known for her bold roles and unapologetic approach to cinema, directed and starred in Emergency, a politically charged film based on one of India’s most turbulent historical periods. It promised to be an eye-opener, diving deep into the controversial events of the 1975 Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

On the other hand, Jigra, starring Alia Bhatt, takes a completely different route. The film is a heartwarming yet intense drama centered on resilience, family bonds, and self-sacrifice. Alia’s nuanced portrayal of a young woman fighting against societal odds has resonated deeply with audiences, drawing praise from critics and casual moviegoers alike.
A Harsh Reality Check
When Emergency hit theaters, it carried massive expectations. Kangana’s fans and political drama enthusiasts had pinned their hopes on the film. However, the numbers tell a sobering story. By Day 5, Emergency has struggled to cross even the modest benchmarks set for it. Trade analysts suggest the film’s collections are hovering around ₹18–20 crore, which is disappointing for a film of this scale.
In stark contrast, Jigra has been riding a wave of success. With strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews, it has managed to rake in approximately ₹40–45 crore in its first five days. The difference is stark and highlights the challenges Emergency is facing in connecting with a wider audience.
What Went Wrong for Emergency?
- Limited Appeal of the Subject Matter
While Emergency is undoubtedly a brave and ambitious project, its niche subject matter may have limited its appeal. Political dramas often struggle to resonate with younger audiences who are looking for entertainment rather than a history lesson. The heavy themes and serious tone of the film may have deterred casual moviegoers. - Mixed Reviews
Critics have given Emergency a mixed reception. While Kangana’s performance has been widely praised, the film’s narrative pacing and execution have faced criticism. Some viewers felt the storytelling lacked the emotional depth needed to make the political drama truly impactful. - Tough Competition from Jigra
The release of Jigra alongside Emergency was perhaps the biggest hurdle. With Alia Bhatt’s growing popularity and her knack for delivering back-to-back hits, Jigra had a head start in attracting audiences. The film’s universal appeal and relatable themes worked in its favor. - Marketing and Promotion
Though Emergency had a strong promotional campaign, it lacked the buzz needed to sustain interest. Alia Bhatt’s Jigra, on the other hand, benefited from a well-executed campaign that effectively built anticipation, especially on social media.
The Winning Formula of Jigra
The success of Jigra can be attributed to several factors:

- Emotional Connect
At its core, Jigra is a story about love, sacrifice, and determination. These universal themes strike a chord with a wide audience base, making the film accessible to people from all walks of life. - Alia Bhatt’s Star Power
Alia Bhatt has cemented her position as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. Her ability to choose diverse roles and deliver powerful performances has earned her a loyal fanbase. In Jigra, her portrayal of a fiercely independent woman fighting against all odds has been hailed as one of her best performances to date. - Strong Word-of-Mouth
Positive reviews and audience recommendations have played a crucial role in Jigra’s success. Social media buzz and glowing testimonials have helped the film maintain steady footfalls at the box office. - Family-Friendly Content
Unlike Emergency, which is targeted at a mature audience, Jigra appeals to families. Its PG-friendly storyline has made it an ideal choice for a weekend outing, further boosting its numbers.
The Road Ahead
Despite its slow start, Emergency isn’t entirely out of the game. Kangana Ranaut’s fanbase continues to support the film, and there is still hope that it might gain traction over time, especially in metropolitan cities where audiences are more likely to appreciate its subject matter.
However, the real challenge lies in sustaining interest. The coming weeks will see new releases, which could further impact Emergency’s performance. Kangana and her team may need to consider strategies like reducing ticket prices or leveraging digital platforms to give the film a second life.
On the flip side, Jigra is poised to continue its successful run. With no major competitors on the horizon, Alia Bhatt’s film could easily cross the ₹100 crore mark, cementing its place as one of the biggest hits of the year.
Lessons from the Clash
The contrasting performances of Emergency and Jigra offer valuable insights into the ever-evolving dynamics of Bollywood:
- Audience Preferences Are Changing
Viewers today are gravitating toward relatable, emotionally charged stories rather than heavy, message-driven films. Filmmakers must strike a balance between meaningful content and engaging storytelling. - Star Power Isn’t Everything
While both Kangana and Alia are major stars, Jigra’s success proves that the story and execution matter just as much, if not more, than the actor headlining the project. - The Importance of Timing
The timing of a release can make or break a film. A less crowded release window might have given Emergency the breathing space it needed to find its audience.
Conclusion
The box office battle between Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency and Alia Bhatt’s Jigra has highlighted the unpredictable nature of Bollywood. While Emergency struggles to find its footing, Jigra has emerged as the clear winner, capturing hearts and ruling the charts.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, these clashes remind us that no amount of star power or hype can replace the magic of a well-told story. Whether it’s a historical drama or a heartfelt family saga, the audience ultimately decides what’s worth watching—and Jigra has proved its worth in every sense.