The Filmfare 2025 Best Actress controversy might be over on stage, but Bollywood fans clearly aren’t done talking about it. The big debate? Alia Bhatt walking away with the Best Actress trophy, while Kriti Sanon — who stunned audiences with her performance in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya — was left empty-handed.
The internet, especially Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), hasn’t stopped buzzing. Was Alia’s win for Jigra really deserved, or did Filmfare once again favor its darling over genuine performance powerhouses?
What Actually Happened at Filmfare 2025
At the 70th Filmfare Awards, the Best Actress category was one of the most anticipated. The nominees included some heavy hitters – but all eyes were on Alia Bhatt for Jigra and Kriti Sanon for Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
When Alia’s name was announced, the crowd clapped, sure. But the reaction online? That was another story entirely.
Reddit threads titled “Kriti was robbed again” and “Does Filmfare even watch movies anymore?” started trending within hours.
Alia Bhatt in Jigra: Solid, But Award-Winning?
Let’s be fair – Alia Bhatt’s talent is undeniable. She has proven her acting range repeatedly in films like Raazi, Highway, and Gangubai Kathiawadi. But Jigra? It wasn’t her best outing.
The film, co-produced by Alia herself, followed a protective sister navigating emotional chaos and vengeance – a script that sounded promising but didn’t entirely connect with audiences. Critics called her performance “good, but familiar,” saying it lacked the freshness of her previous roles. Still, the narrative of Alia as Bollywood’s “method queen” continues to dominate award circuits. And that’s exactly what has many fans skeptical – was this another “industry loyalty” win rather than a true merit-based one?
Kriti Sanon in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya: A Risk That Paid Off
Kriti Sanon, on the other hand, took a massive risk. She played SIFRA, a humanoid robot, in a genre that Bollywood rarely gets right – sci-fi romance. Yet, she nailed it.
Her portrayal balanced robotic precision with unexpected emotional warmth. Critics praised her for “bringing life to an emotionless character,” and audiences actually believed in her chemistry with Shahid Kapoor.
The movie was a box-office success too — ₹133+ crore worldwide, making it one of 2024’s top earners. And yet, when it came to the awards night, that performance didn’t seem to matter much. If awards are meant to honor creativity, risk, and acting transformation, Kriti checked every box.
The Internet Weighs In: “Filmfare Doing Filmfare Things”
Let’s talk reactions.
Social media has been ruthless this year
A few highlights:
- “Kriti literally acted opposite thin air half the time and still made us feel something. That’s real acting.”
- “Alia was good, but nothing we haven’t seen before. Filmfare plays safe again.”
- “We all know who’s winning next year already — Alia or her bestie.”
While some fans defended Alia’s consistency and emotional range, the overwhelming tone leaned toward disappointment — that new-age performances like Kriti’s often get sidelined for legacy favorites.
The Pattern No One Wants to Talk About
This controversy isn’t just about one award — it’s about Bollywood’s larger credibility problem with award shows.
Filmfare has a long history of rewarding star power over innovation.
Remember when Kangana Ranaut called out the industry’s hypocrisy? Or when Vicky Kaushal’s subtle performances got overshadowed by flashier ones?
The same pattern repeats: those who take risks often get applause, not trophies.
Kriti Sanon’s 2021 Mimi performance earned her major acclaim (and even a National Award later), yet she still hasn’t been treated as “industry royalty.” Meanwhile, Alia — backed by big-name production houses — remains the go-to face for serious cinema.
Why Alia Still Won — The Realistic Explanation
Let’s set aside emotion for a moment and analyze it logically.
Alia’s win for Jigra likely came down to three factors:
- Reputation Consistency – She’s been delivering top-tier performances for a decade. Even when her films underperform, her acting rarely falters.
- Industry Influence – With Dharma Productions and her own Eternal Sunshine Films behind her, she has serious clout in award circuits.
- Narrative Appeal – Alia represents the “evolved mainstream actress” image — safe, marketable, emotional. Filmfare often rewards that brand.
In short, Alia didn’t win because Kriti failed. She won because the system still prefers predictability over risk.
The Bigger Question: What Do Audiences Want Now?
The Filmfare 2025 controversy reveals a deeper shift — audiences are getting smarter. They notice when art takes risks, when characters feel fresh, when an actor transforms rather than repeats.
Kriti’s role as a robot-turned-lover connected with Gen Z and millennial viewers who crave novelty. Alia’s emotional sister act, while solid, felt “safe.”
And that’s the difference between a good performance and an unforgettable one.
If Bollywood wants to stay relevant, it needs to start rewarding courage — not comfort.
The Verdict
So, who truly deserved Best Actress this year?
If we’re talking about technical brilliance, transformation, and impact — it’s Kriti Sanon, hands down.
But if we’re being brutally real about how Bollywood’s awards ecosystem works — then yes, Alia’s win was predictable… maybe even inevitable.
Either way, one thing’s clear: this year’s Filmfare didn’t just hand out awards — it sparked a full-blown reality check about what the audience values versus what the industry celebrates.
FAQs
A: Fans believe Kriti Sanon’s performance in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya was more deserving of the award than Alia Bhatt’s Jigra, sparking a major online debate about favoritism and credibility in Bollywood award shows.
A: Kriti Sanon was nominated for Best Actress at the 2025 Filmfare Awards but did not win. However, her performance was widely praised by both critics and audiences, making her one of the most talked-about stars of the year.
A: Yes. While many fans still admire Alia’s talent, a section of viewers on Reddit and social media criticized the decision, calling it “predictable” and an example of Bollywood’s ongoing award bias.
