Bollywood films are released every Friday and we witness all kinds of genres in them. Some are commercial and some are off-beat. Some are mega-budget projects and some are small content-driven. And some are the most UNEXPECTED BLOCKBUSTERS, which no one thought would have the biggest box office collections. Yes, these were the films that people thought might come and go in a jiffy, but they stayed, entertained, and earned big profits.
Here is taking look at such Bollywood films that turned out unexpected hits in cinema during recent times:
1 Raid– is a period crime thriller film featuring Ajay Devgn, Ileana D’cruz, and Saurabh Shukla. The film is inspired by the real-life Income Tax raids that were conducted by the officers of the Indian Revenue Service in the 1980s. The film caught the attention of the moviegoers and was declared an unexpected hit. The film had nothing for the masses, but its content forced the moviegoers to like the movie, and the movie was declared a super hit.
2 Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety– The movie surpassed all expectations and gave shocking numbers at the box office. The same cast and crew had earlier made Pyar Ka Panchnama, which was also liked by the audience. This time the movie was about bromance, and the audience loved it. The film broke all the notions about small-budget films, and went on to become the second highest grosser of 2018, after Padmavat.
3 Golmaal 4– The Golmaal series came out with their 4th installment. This one was a mix of horror, drama, and comedy. There were two new fresh faces in the franchise, Parineeti Chopra and Tabu. And they did not fail to disappoint. Considering how movie series flop after their 2nd and third installment, this one went on to become a big blockbuster. Tusshar Kapoor who now only features in the Golmaal series and Kunal Khemmu who was not seen for a long time, surprised us with their comic timing.. While the movie received mixed reviews, the audience made it a blockbuster.
4 Hindi Medium– Irrfan Khan and Pakistani actress Sab Qamar starrer film crossed Rs 100 Cr and became the fifth film to enter the coveted club of Rs 100 Cr in 2017. The movie also became the third film to be released in China after Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Secret Superstar that year. The film was a satirical take on the Indian education system and how running a school is growing into a money-making business, making lower-class parents and children suffer.
5 Secret Superstar– A film from the house of Aamir Khan productions, with an unknown star cast, took the country by storm, and it became highest highest-grossing Hindi film of 2017. In China, it became the second highest grosser after Dangal (2016).
6 English Vinglish– This was Sridevi’s comeback in cinema after a long time and people had their fingers crossed. The phenomenal actress that she was in the 80s, people had their expectations high. And the lady did not disappoint. Taking areal life problem on how people treat someone who don’t know English won the audience’s hearts and the fabulous collection said it all.
7 ABCD 2– Based on the true journey of fictitious dance group, this movie revolves around the ups and downs faced by an Indian troupe from Mumbai suburbs. While dance movies made earlier never got big audience, but this movie proved otherwise.
8 Dum Laga Ke Haisha– It became one of the few Hindi films, which earned more in second week than the first weekend. It also recorded highest 5th weekend in 2015. In Bollywood films, people flock around in movie halls to se an actress who is good looking, a couple of item songs and dancing around trees. But this movie proved that body and face of an actress does not have to be at par with other leading ones if the content is good.
Most of the above mentioned films were having low budget, but because the content of the films were different from the regular Bollywood films, the audience liked them and they became unexpected blockbusters.
Waiting for your views on the this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
11th November 2023.
WISHING ALL MY READERS A VERY HAPPY DEEPAWALI FESTIVAL.
Next blog will be after the festival holidays.