Cult Bollywood Movies that Bombed at Box Office

Cult Bollywood Movies that Bombed at Box Office: A great movie is characterized by its story-line and how beautifully it is presented on the screen. But what makes a move hit? Not necessarily the aforementioned. I personally believe branding and positive word-of-mouth plays an important role in determining a movie’s fate, economically.

Not all the films get the attention they deserve. And sometimes the movies are way ahead of the times. But when they really sink in, we can’t help ourselves but appreciate the brilliance of such films. Thus, these box-office bombs gain a “cult” status.

These are some cult Bollywood movies you won’t believe were flops when they were released.

 

1. Jaane Bhi do Yaaro (1983)

It was released in the time when heroes singing songs and fighting for their love interests was what people loved watching the most. Satires were uncommon back then. A dark comedy about Indian politics, news media and business was a little too overwhelming for people at that time.

 

2. Andaz Apna Apna (1994)

It was released alongside movies like Mohra and Hum Apke Hai Koun! Despite its big star-cast, it didn’t garner many views. But with time more people grew on liking the film. It is so popular now that the film’s dialogues are part of our everyday language.

 

3. Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008)

The movie is not just the story of notorious adventures of Superchor Lucky, but also depicts betrayal in business and a dysfunctional family. When it was released, this national award winner didn’t get a big response but now has its name in the list of cult Bollywood movies.

 

4. Udaan (2010)

Udaan is a coming-of-age drama about standing up for yourself and letting go. We don’t see Bollywood making movies about teenagers and youngsters very often. This movie hits you hard as it picks up on the emotional struggles of 17-year-old and the relationship with an abusive father.

 

5. Sadma (1983)

This movie is one of the finest romantic tragedies that Indian cinema has witnessed. Everyone praised Sridevi’s performance as an amnesiac woman. Maybe it’s the lack of glamour and masala that this movie was mercilessly branded a commercial failure upon release.

 

6. Maqbool (2003)

This Indian rendition of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, is pure brilliance. This film is so dark and haunting that it is actually beautiful. In an era of happy endings, the world was not ready for this smorgasbord of emotions.

 

7. Mera Naam Joker (1970)

Mera Naam Joker was heavily criticised for its length and was a flop during its initial release. Now, it is regarded as one of the best films made in Bollywood. Both critics and public love this movie.

 

8. Dil Se (1998)

We never thought this SRK movie that gave us Chaiya Chaiya could be a flop. However the movie is just amazing and later won loads of awards. The specialty of this film is its non-linear writing and strong performances.

 

9. Silsila (1981)

The film on the surface had everything it takes to make a film hit, yet it failed commercially. Infidelity was highly frowned upon at that time and people couldn’t accept to watch it in a movie. But with time people opened their hearts for this film and it gained a cult following later.

 

10. Lamhe (1991)

Another unconventional Yash Chopra movie, Lamhe is considered one of the greatest Hindi movies of all times. Sridevi’s double role was praised by critics all over the world. However, the movie’s subject was too bold for the people of early 90s.

 

11. Lakshya (2004)

Lakshya is a journey of an ambition-less youngster and finding his true goal in life. We all have felt lost because of no aim in life. Hence, the film is so relatable for today’s youth. It is arguably one of Hrithik’s best performance till date.

 

12. Nayak (2001)

Can you believe Nayak, the movie we’ve loved and seen countless times growing up was a Box-Office flop? The main reason was lack of publicity. The movie has a very unique concept. I bet everyone has imagined the things they’d do if they become CM for one day, while watching this movie.

 

13. Shaan (1980)

Shaan is ornamented with great actors like Amitabh Bacchan and Shashi Kapoor but what makes this movie stand apart is the iconic ‘Shakaal’. He is hands down the first hi-tech villain of India. The movie was initially disregarded by people all over India, and only after lots of re-runs it recovered its total budget.

 

14. Swades (2004)

I still can’t believe how a cinematic gem like Swades can be flop. This movie based on the true-life story of an NRI man, is one of a kind and there can never be anything like it. The movie later received the love it deserved and is now acclaimed a cult classic.  

 

15. Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001)

Everybody Loves Maddy! However, everyone didn’t love the movie when it was released. It was only because of a lot of screenings on television that the movie developed a cult following among today’s youth.

 

The bottom-line is “No movie is good or bad. It’s just a matter of how you perceive it.”

Most of these movies are available on Netflix , Amazon Prime and Hotstar. Also check out Some Hilarious Names of Bollywood Movies