Box office numbers are normally just that, numbers. They are rarely considered as a parameter to determine the quality of a movie. It is evident from that fact that most of the films in the infamous “100 crore club” are nothing more than a one-time entertainment masala. In every generation, there have been certain gems that initially did not get the deserved appreciation from the audience in the theatres. Looking at the other side of the coin, here’s a list of great Bollywood movies that didn’t do well at the box office.
Andaz Apna Apna
Yeah, it’s almost funny that such a hilarious movie tanked at the box office! With some superb performances, the movie has achieved cult status among the youth of the country. In fact, it’s one of those movies you absolutely have to see with your gang of friends!
Swades
It’s a classic case of a movie not doing well because of the lack of glam factor. It was a coming of age tale of an Indian NASA scientist, and how he eventually moves back to the country after seeing for himself how much the nation needed him. The film is nothing short of thought-provoking.
Rocket Singh
The storyline of the movie was actually a genius, and it showed how youngsters in the sales field have to slog it out! With Ranbir giving a skillfully understated performance, the movie still wasn’t able to get big numbers at the box office.
Agneepath
Now we have no idea what was wrong with people in 1990, because how can someone not like a great drama flick with such great action? In fact, the very fact that the movie was worthy of being remade proves the fact that it was quite something.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
The reason why this movie failed at the box office might be because the audience really didn’t get the concept of satire back in the 80s, which is precisely what this movie was. And a confused audience equals a flop movie.
Oye Lucky Lucky Oye
Abhay Deol, Richa Chadda, and Paresh Rawal gave extraordinary performances in this one, and now a few years down the line, the movie is considered to be a great one!
Pyaar Ka Punchnama
This small-time movie, made with six (yes!) Bollywood debutantes was nothing short of brilliant! It depicted today’s youth and their love woes to perfection. Despite being debutantes, each and every actor in the movie suited their characters to perfection.
Lakshya
Perhaps the fact that the movie was actually three hours long worked against it. Because apart from that, we cannot find any sane reason for this movie to be a flop. Both Hrithik and Preity gave commendable performances in this one, and director Farhan Akhtar’s vision was totally banged on!
Dil Se
The audience perhaps found it a tad too serious for their taste and it tanked at the box office. Years down the line, it’s not too tough to call this movie a classic. With outstanding performances by SRK, Manisha Koirala and Preity Zinta, and melodious tunes of A.R. Rehman, the film is must-watch for all movie buffs.
Mera Naam Joker
This was supposed to be Raj Kapoor’s magnum opus and took almost six years to make! Based on the life of a joker, it also marked Rishi Kapoor’s Bollywood debut. The only guess we can make about it is that perhaps it was way ahead of its time, so the audience just couldn’t get it.
