Mukesh Bhatt responds to Divya Khosla Kumar’s claim that Alia Bhatt’s Jigra was copied from his film Savi, 'People create controversies for media attention'

Producer Mukesh Bhatt has reacted strongly to Divya Khosla Kumar’s recent claim that Alia Bhatt’s Jigra was inspired by his film Savi, which was produced under Vishesh Films and T-Series. In a recent interview, Bhatt dismissed the controversy, calling it unnecessary and rooted in publicity tactics.

“Alia Bhatt doesn’t need to steal from me”

Addressing the comparison between Savi and Jigra, Mukesh Bhatt said he doesn’t believe there is any question of Alia Bhatt or the makers of Jigra lifting the film’s idea.




“I don’t think Alia Bhatt is so bankrupt that she has to steal from me,” he said firmly while speaking to Lehren Retro. “Alia is too big a person to do all this. She’s smart, sensible, decent — a very good girl. She can’t even dream of doing something like this. I can claim this because I know her.”

He added that while stories may appear similar on the surface, that doesn’t make them copies. “The plot may be similar, but the presentation is totally different. That’s what matters.”

“This isn’t the first time similar themes have appeared”

Bhatt pointed out that Indian cinema has always had multiple films exploring the same theme, without them being termed copies or rip-offs. He cited how extramarital affairs were the central theme in Arth, Silsila, and Ye Nazdeekiyan — all released around the same time.

“Now will you say someone stole someone’s idea? No. The story may sound similar, but the films were completely different in treatment,” he explained.

“Everyone has drawn from the same source — Bangkok Hilton”

The producer also clarified that the base template for many such rescue-thriller stories comes from the classic miniseries Bangkok Hilton.

“All these films were inspired by Bangkok Hilton. The template started from there, and people have changed genders, relationships, and dynamics over the years,” he said.

He pointed out that his film Gumraah, produced for Yash Johar, was also inspired by the same source. Similarly, Savi was adapted from The Next Three Days, for which he had officially bought the rights.

“People create controversies for attention”

Without naming Divya Khosla Kumar directly, Bhatt hinted that her comments were more about publicity than genuine grievance.

“To get attention in the media, people create controversies,” he said. “If a film comes and goes, what will they say? They need something to talk about.”



According to Bhatt, the similarity in themes is simply a coincidence — not a case of copying.

“In the history of cinema, when one classic comes out, at least fifty tributaries follow,” he concluded. “That doesn’t mean it’s theft.”

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