For over 110 years, Bollywood has been churning out cult classics, narrated in magnificent methods.
The colossal movie trade prides itself on numerous movies, with the target of gratifying audiences.
A few of these movies work wonders with the viewers.
Nonetheless, others don’t succeed as properly on the time of their launch. These movies generally get their dues years after they first hit the screens.
After they ultimately do get appreciated, it may be a pleasure for the trade and followers.
Delving into such photos, we showcase 12 Bollywood flops which grew to become cult classics by incomes rewards later.
Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)
When one discusses cult classics of Indian cinema’s Golden Period, this melancholic movie isn’t forgotten.
Kaagaz Ke Phool is claimed to be impressed by Guru Dutt’s personal turbulent life. Guru Sahab, who additionally directs the movie, stars as Suresh Sinha.
The character is a dejected movie director who suffers downfalls in his profession, marriage and identification. Ultimately, he dies in his director’s chair, a lonely and forgotten man.
This plot eerily resembles Guru Sahab’s personal plight. The ace filmmaker was affected by psychological well being points throughout this time.
When Kaagaz Ke Phool emerged as a flop, it jolted Guru Sahab. He by no means directed a movie once more.
Within the ebook, Guru Dutt: An Unfinished Story (2021), creator Yasser Usman quotes lyricist Kaifi Azmi.
Kaifi Sahab explains the miscommunication between Guru Sahab and the viewers:
“When the movie launched, no one might perceive what he was making an attempt to say. His psychological well being additionally made him unclear.”
Kaagaz Ke Phool has since achieved an amazing following. Movie connoisseurs often place it among the many finest Indian movies ever made.
Writing a bit about Guru Sahab, Saaya Vaidya from ‘Movie Companion’ sheds gentle on the braveness of Kaagaz Ke Phool:
“The allusions to Dutt’s personal life in Kaagaz Ke Phool can maybe be seen as an act of braveness and vulnerability.”
Kaagaz Ke Phool is a cinematic masterpiece. The movie has impressed many films, together with Chup: Revenge of the Artist (2022).
Prem Pujari (1970)
Prem Pujari marks the directorial debut of Bollywood’s evergreen actor Dev Anand.
The Information (1965) star writes, produces and helms this romantic drama. He stars as Lt. Ramdev Bakshi / Peter Andrews / Yoo Thok.
Waheeda Rehman additionally options as his love curiosity, Suman Mehra.
Refusing to kill a butterfly attributable to his non-violence beliefs, Ramdev is the quintessential Dev Anand. Romantic, breezy and charming.
The movie additionally presents the debuts of celebrated actors Amrish Puri and Shatrughan Sinha.
Regardless of this, the movie was a field workplace bomb. Critics on the time panned its sketchy writing and complicated storyline.
The facet that has dazzled viewers within the many years since is composer SD Burman’s wonderful soundtrack.
Numbers comparable to ‘Phoolon Ke Rang Se‘ and ‘Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaaye‘ are jewels amongst Indian music aficionados.
These songs have inspired audiences to revisit the movie. They’ve since loved the basic nostalgia it presents.
Nikhil Sanghotra of ‘Excessive On Movies’ writes an essay about Prem Pujari. He highlights the essence of nostalgia:
“Watching Prem Pujari in 2023 can solely get entertaining you probably have an acquired style for Hindi cinema of the 60s and 70s.
“Or else, the urge to journey the nostalgia practice for you is getting irresistible.”
Prem Pujari is a becoming look ahead to lovers of melodious music and hardcore Dev Anand followers.
Mera Naam Joker (1970)
Raj Kapoor is considered one of Indian cinema’s most revered filmmakers. He made his directorial debut with Aag (1948).
He kicked off the ’70s along with his magnum opus Mera Naam Joker. The movie spent six years in manufacturing and Raj Sahab even invested his private financial savings into its making.
Within the movie, Raj Sahab performs an ageing clown by the identify of Raju.
It additionally options stalwarts together with Manoj Kumar (David), Dharmendra (Mahendra Kumar) and Padmini (Meena Bansal / Meenu Grasp).
When the movie was finally launched, it was a field workplace catastrophe. The debacle plunged Raj Sahab into monetary damage.
The prolonged run time of over 4 hours and its unorthodox storytelling have been attributed to its failure.
It has since been termed as a ‘misunderstood masterpiece.’
Sharing his ideas on the movie, Roktim Rajpal causes that the story was authentic in depicting the ache of a circus performer:
“Mera Naam Joker was arguably the primary film to concentrate on the lifetime of a circus performer, exploring the ache of the person behind the masks.”
The discharge of the movie within the Soviet Union supplied some respite, owing to Raj Sahab’s great fan following.
This implies that India’s introduction to world cinema could have revived the movie.
For Mera Naam Joker, Raj Sahab additionally gained the Filmfare ‘Greatest Director’ award in 1972.
Des Pardes (1978)
The aforementioned Dev Anand explores Indian immigrants within the UK by way of this dramatic movie.
Des Pardes is a movie that has good performances and gorgeous picturisation ingrained into it.
Dev Anand options as Veer Sahni, who takes Gauri (Tina Munim) below his wing. She aids him in finishing his duties.
Sadly, the movie didn’t run marvellously when it was launched.
Over time, nevertheless, the film has garnered appreciation for its distinctive premise. The movie additionally underlines Dev Sahab’s penchant for making socially related photos.
An IMDB evaluation describes the movie as “a lot forward of its time.” It recommends the film to those that get pleasure from smart cinema:
“I like to recommend this movie to all Dev Anand’s followers and even to these individuals who have a style of smart movies.”
These phrases recommend that viewers get pleasure from Des Pardes for its courageous storyline.
Dev Sahab needs to be lauded for making such a movie at a time when movies thrived on violence and resentment.
For the primary time, Dev Sahab selected to work with a comparatively new composer Rajesh Roshan. The music director creates some unforgettable tunes in Des Pardes.
The movie can also be the debut of vivacious ’80s actress Tina Munim. Audiences swooned over her in subsequent classics together with Karz (1980) and Souten (1983).
Silsila (1981)
Fantastically directed by the legendary Yash Chopra, Silsila is among the first Bollywood movies to showcase extramarital love.
It tells the story of Amit Malhotra (Amitabh Bachchan), who’s untrue to his spouse Shobha Malhotra (Jaya Bachchan).
He cheats on her along with his previous lover Chandni (Rekha). In flip, Chandni is subsequently untrue to her husband, Dr VK Anand (Sanjeev Kumar).
It’s this plot which was the principle motive for Silsila failing to impress audiences.
Pamela Chopra, the director’s spouse, opens up on why the movie flopped. She thinks that Yash Ji didn’t persuade audiences when he had two characters have interaction in an affair:
“The wedding is a really, very sacred establishment in India.
“When the director created sympathy for the 2 lovers who have been keen to go outdoors their marriage and proceed their love affair, he didn’t carry the viewers with him.”
Moreover, within the ’80s, rumours have been rife that Amitabh was dishonest on his real-life spouse Jaya with Rekha.
Viewers didn’t recognize seeing such a state of affairs play out onscreen as properly.
As instances have modernised, Silsila has gathered popularity of its heart-wrenching story and wonderful appearing. The music can also be melodious and memorable.
Yash Ji has additionally gone on report to state that this was his favorite out of his personal movies.
Silsila is a best choice for highly effective, majestic viewing.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)
Kundan Shah’s Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro is a cult basic that satires Indian corruption.
The black comedy has an ensemble forged. This contains Naseeruddin Shah (Vinod Chopra), Ravi Baswani (Sudhir Mishra) and Om Puri (Ahuja).
Vinod and Sudhir should resolve the thriller of a peculiar physique. Of their journey, marked by hilarious occasions, they painfully uncover the loss of life of justice and fact.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro went in opposition to the same old motion style audiences of the time loved. The names of huge superstars additionally remained absent from the credit.
The movie had a really mature storyline and folks have been maybe not able to digest such an essential plot.
Nonetheless, with time, tastes additionally mature. The movie is counted amongst Bollywood’s best choices, crammed with drama, humour and wit.
It’s a spotlight of Kundan’s filmography, which incorporates hits like Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994) and Kya Kehna (2000).
A ‘Flickside’ evaluation of the movie speaks glowingly concerning the film. It feedback on the identifiable theme and the unethical tradition portrayed in it:
“The theme is one thing individuals can establish with.
“It’s concerning the a lot deeper, a lot worse tradition of quid professional quo stemming from the collusion of unethical gamers.”
The evaluation additionally commends the effortlessness of the movie:
“Regardless of a critical topic as its central theme, the clever comedy within the film is easy and satisfying with every watch.”
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro actually makes for thought-provoking, participating viewing.
Agneepath (1990)
This gritty revenge saga showcases a rugged Vijay Deenanath Chauhan (Amitabh Bachchan). He’s on a quest for justice in opposition to gangster Kancha Cheena (Danny Denzongpa).
Amitabh experiments along with his well-known baritone voice, making it extra raspy and dry.
Commerce analyst Komal Natha says that this experimentation let the movie down:
“The most important undoing of the movie is Amitabh Bachchan’s voice.
“Additional the blending not being clear, his dialogues are incomprehensible at locations.”
The music of the movie was additionally fairly forgettable for its time.
The producer of Agneepath is Yash Johar. His son, Karan Johar, shares a curious incident. He recounts how he grew to become cool in school, attributable to his father producing Agneepath:
“[Agneepath] was a cult type of movie, the place individuals thought it was type of cool. I’d proudly say: ‘It’s my movie.’ You’d acquire mates, then.”
Karan’s recollections present the influence of the cult basic which failed when it initially hit cinemas.
In 2012, the film was remade. The brand new Agneepath featured Hrithik Roshan as Vijay Deenanath Chauhan.
Hrithik was sceptical of taking up the function because of the basic standing of the unique.
However, the 2012 adaptation created waves on the field workplace. That might not have been doable with out its authentic supply materials.
For that, the 1990 authentic Agneepath ticks all of the bins for a Bollywood cult basic.
Lamhe (1991)
After the stupendous success of Chandni (1989), Yash Chopra reunited with Sridevi for Lamhe.
Lamhe showcases a sensuous Sridevi in a double function. She performs mom and daughter within the roles of Pallavi Thakur Bhatnagar / Pooja Bhatnagar.
The film additionally options Anil Kapoor as Virendra ‘Viren’ Pratap Singh / Kunwarji. A part of the film notably presents him with out his trademark moustache.
Viren loves Pallavi and is heartbroken when she passes away in a automobile accident.
Viren later falls for Pallavi’s daughter Pooja. After a collection of twists and turns, Viren and Pooja are free to be collectively.
This didn’t go down properly with viewers in 1991. Rachel Dwyer penned a biography of Yash Ji, entitled Yash Chopra (2002).
Within the ebook, Rachel feedback that this will have been due to the obvious incestuous plot line of Lamhe:
“It had a poor box-office response (particularly the repeat viewers), due to its supposed incest theme.”
Regardless of this, the movie obtained widespread essential acclaim. It gained the Filmfare ‘Greatest Movie’ accolade in 1992.
On the identical ceremony, Sridevi additionally gained the gong for ‘Greatest Actress.’
Lamhe usually options on lists of one of the best Bollywood movies. It could not have labored within the ’90s, however it’s hailed for its greatness and romance.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
This iconic comedy hilariously exhibits Aamir Khan (Amar Manohar) and Salman Khan (Prem Bhopali). They play two hapless conmen.
The movie is crammed with humorous sequences and rib-tickling dialogues. Aamir’s “Oh, my!” juxtapositioned with Salman’s “Oh, wow!” equals spine-tingling viewing.
Given how a lot the movie is liked, it might be shocking that the film was a catastrophe when it launched.
In a 2023 media interplay, Aamir is reminded of his ‘massive hit’, Andaz Apna Apna. Aamir responds:
“No, no, it was an enormous flop within the theatre!”
Aamir goes on to say that it picked up on residence leisure.
It’s value noting the a number of delays within the movie’s manufacturing. It had been brewing for 4 years. The film additionally didn’t obtain good publicity.
Competitors from 1994 blockbusters Hum Aapke Hain Koun and 1942: A Love Story didn’t assist both.
Well-known singers of the time together with Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, and Alka Yagnik are lacking from the movie’s album.
Aditi Mittal, of ‘Indian Specific’ divulges how everybody has their very own reminiscences of the movie:
“Everybody has their very own model of the way it impacts them, what traces they bear in mind probably the most.
“A title that actually implies ‘to every their very own’, this movie has lastly discovered its personal place in Indian cinema.”
It’s arduous to consider that such a movie was a field workplace failure. Followers get pleasure from it the world over, as considered one of Bollywood’s most liked cult classics.
Lakshya (2004)
Lakshya is an epic coming-of-age warfare drama. Hrithik Roshan stars as Captain Karan Shergill.
His journey begins as an aimless, lazy younger man who transforms into an inspiring soldier. The movie additionally options Preity Zinta as decided journalist Romila ‘Romi’ Dutta.
Lakshya is memorable for its story, route and Hrithik’s wonderful efficiency.
Discussing the preliminary failure of the movie, ‘Desimartini’ opines that the distinction of scenes contributed to its poor field workplace returns:
“The movie’s first half was so contrasting to its second half that it did not impress the viewers as a standalone film.”
They additional state that the disjointed promotions barely talked about the Kargil warfare or the military.
Moreover, Hrithik and Preity aren’t in glamorous roles. This went in opposition to their fashionable pictures on the time.
These components might have been alienating for followers at the moment.
Furthermore, Lakshya appeared a misfit amongst different 2004 hits together with Hum Tum, Veer-Zaara and Dhoom.
Dwelling leisure and a renewed sense of content material consumption have change into a saving grace.
In 2019, director Farhan Akhtar visited the IMA (Indian Navy Academy).
There, 70% of the cadets informed him they joined the forces after watching Lakshya.
There might be no higher praise than that.
Swades (2004)
In Swades, audiences see Shah Rukh Khan ship a terrific efficiency as area scientist Mohan Bhargav.
A invaluable NASA worker, a homesick Mohan returns to India and helps energy a poor village by lighting a bulb.
The movie offers with a number of themes. For instance, it tackles patriotism, ladies empowerment and selflessness.
Swades obtained rave evaluations from critics. Jitesh Pillai praises the center of the movie:
“It is a gutsy and excellent movie.
“Swades is undoubtedly the No 1 film of the 12 months.”
The viewers sadly didn’t share the identical sentiments. In a scene, Mohan, whereas referencing India, declares:
“I don’t agree that our nation is one of the best on this planet.”
This lack of respect in the direction of one’s motherland turned the viewers in opposition to the movie.
Importantly, the movie introduced SRK in a non-romantic avatar, which individuals didn’t recognize.
In 2004, SRK additionally delivered romantic hits comparable to Fundamental Hoon Na and Veer-Zaara. The selection of what to look at was clear, as audiences routinely gravitated to the romantic star.
Swades has gone on to amass recognition for SRK’s nice appearing and the movie’s fearless storytelling.
In one other scene, Mohan accepts water from a toddler on a railway platform, regardless of his immunity considerations. The scene conveys a lot via so little.
SRK reprises his function as Mohan in Brahmastra: Half One – Shiva (2022). Thereby, proving the legacy of Swades.
Tamasha (2015)
Blue-chip filmmaker Imtiaz Ali directs Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone on this flop-turned-classic.
Ranbir performs Ved Vardhan ‘Don / Hero’ Sahni, who falls in love with Deepika’s Tara ‘Mona Darling’ Maheshwari.
Their love story sees Ved and Tara discover their true identities. Tara encourages Ved to do what makes him comfortable and never fear concerning the opinions of others.
Upon launch, Tamasha was unfavourable with followers and critics alike. Anupama Chopra slams the lazy writing:
“The writing additionally will get lazy — Imtiaz settles for stereotypes and simplistic resolutions.”
Through the years, the vivid creativeness of Tamasha has been recognised.
Shikhar Verma writes a nostalgic piece about the movie. He’s appreciative of its ‘tribute’ facet:
“Imtiaz Ali has weaved his magic wand once more. He has made a movie that may be a good little tribute to life itself.”
Tamasha is unapologetic, brash and emotional. It’s a disgrace that it didn’t succeed at its time.
Nonetheless, it’s comforting for all concerned that Tamasha has ultimately had its dues.
Moviemaking is a subjective enterprise. Some movies work higher than others.
A number of movies are forward of their instances, conveying themes and tales which can be initially unpleasant with audiences.
With altering instances, mature viewing and extra acceptance, these movies can get a renewed sense of life.
Individuals see them for the gems they are surely. Because of this, they obtain the standing of cult classics.
They need to be celebrated and remembered.
