From Sholay to Gangs of Wasseypur: 7 Bollywood Films That Flopped First But Became Cult Classics Bollywood has a unique relationship with its own failures—films that underperformed at the box office often fade into obscurity, but some defy expectations by evolving into cultural touchstones. These seven films, initially dismissed by audiences and critics, found new life through word-of-mouth, repeated viewings, and their ability to resonate with generations. Their journeys from commercial disappointment to timeless classics highlight the unpredictable nature of cinematic legacy. Sholay (1975) Ramesh Sippy’s epic, often cited as the greatest Hindi film ever made, opened to lukewarm reviews in 1975. Critics called it loud, excessive, and overlong, with a runtime of nearly three and a half hours. The film’s budget of Rs 3 crore was unprecedented, and its opening weekend performance fell short of expectations. However, its survival hinged on the Minerva cinema in Mumbai, where it played continuously for 286 weeks, breaking records and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Lines like “Kitne aadmi the” became ingrained in Indian popular culture, while characters like Jai and Veeru redefined male friendship in Bollywood. Sholay’s eventual gross of Rs 35 crore+ and its television premiere in 1991, which drew the largest single audience in Indian history, cemented its status as a benchmark for Indian cinema. Andaz Apna Apna (1994) Rajkumar Santoshi’s double-hero comedy starring Aamir Khan and Salman Khan was a commercial misfire. With a budget of Rs 4 crore, the film earned only Rs 3.5 crore at the box office, leaving its distributor in significant losses. The film’s absurdist humor and chaotic plotting baffled audiences, with characters like Crime Master Gogo (played by Shakti Kapoor) deemed too over-the-top.#salman_khan #aamir_khan #sholay #ramesh_sippy #minerva_cinema
Aamir Khan finally reacts to Dhurandhar 2, praises Aditya Dhar’s vision: ‘Your passion, vision and hard work…’ Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, publicly acknowledged the team behind Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the sequel to Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, after finally watching the film. In a heartfelt message shared on his Aamir Khan Productions Instagram Stories, Khan praised the director, Aditya Dhar, and the cast for their dedication and creative vision. He highlighted the film’s ability to resonate with audiences, calling it a testament to the team’s “passion, vision, and hard work.” The post included a poster of the film and tags for Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project. Khan’s endorsement added significant industry validation to a film already generating widespread acclaim. Dhurandhar: The Revenge has dominated both the box office and social media, with its box office performance and audience reactions drawing attention from Bollywood’s elite. The film’s success is part of a broader trend, as the original Dhurandhar continues to play in theaters three months after its release, having crossed Rs 13,000 million in total. The sequel is on track to surpass these figures, with its domestic gross nearing Rs 937.32 crore and a worldwide total of Rs 1,492.17 crore. The film’s box office momentum is remarkable, especially considering its production budget of approximately Rs 140 to 150 crore. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar: The Revenge launched with paid previews on March 18 and officially opened on March 19. By day 12, it had already earned Rs 17.80 crore in India, with its second weekend adding over Rs 170 crore domestically.#aditya_dhar #ranveer_singh #dhurandhar_the_revenge #aamir_khan #arjun_rampal
Weekend OTT Watchlist: New Releases and Returning Series Highlight April 3, 2026 Lineup This Friday, April 3, 2026, marks the arrival of a diverse array of original and returning OTT series across platforms, offering audiences a mix of heartwarming dramas, intense thrillers, and comedic courtroom antics. Among the standout additions is Sitaare Zameen Par, a remake of the Spanish film Champions, which stars Aamir Khan as Gulshan, a self-centered basketball coach whose life takes a dramatic turn after a DUI incident forces him to mentor a team of players with disabilities. The film, available on SonyLIV, promises a blend of sports drama and emotional depth. Another highlight is Bloodhounds 2, a high-stakes Korean drama set three years after the first season. The series follows Gun Woo (Woo Do Hwan) and Woo Jin (Lee Sang Yi), who dismantle a loan shark empire only to be drawn back into a brutal underground boxing league led by the ruthless mastermind Baek Jeong (Rain). The action-packed sequel, streaming on Netflix, expands the scope of the original series with darker themes and higher stakes. For fans of courtroom comedies, Maamla Legal Hai returns for its second season on Netflix. The show follows VD Tyagi (Ravi Kishan), a lawyer transitioning from a "jugaadu" legal practitioner to an aspiring judge, while other attorneys at the Patparganj District Court navigate bizarre, real-life-inspired cases. The season introduces new characters and continues to satirize the unpredictable Indian legal system. Netflix also debuts Gangs of Galicia Season 2, a gripping Spanish crime drama following Ana (Clara Lago) and Daniel (Tamar Novas) as they become entangled in a drug war.#rain #netflix #aamir_khan #sonyliv #woodo_hwan
Aamir Khan Praises Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2' Success Despite Not Seeing the Film Aamir Khan expressed his admiration for Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar 2, acknowledging its widespread acclaim without having watched the movie himself. Speaking at the International Film Festival of Delhi, Khan shared, "Haven't seen the film, but I hear only praises." His comments came amid the film's impressive box office performance, which has broken multiple records in just five days of release. The film's success has sparked discussions across the industry, with several prominent figures, including Vicky, Kangana, and Vivek, publicly praising its impact. The International Film Festival of Delhi, a government-backed event, ran from March 25 to 31 in New Delhi. It served as a platform for Indian and international films, featuring screenings, panel discussions, and industry events. Aamir Khan, who was present at the festival, highlighted the significance of his own film Sitaare Zameen Par being screened. He noted, "It's a real pleasure that our film is being screened here. It's a film that Prasanna has directed, and both of us are very happy and proud of it." The festival provided an opportunity for filmmakers to engage with audiences, particularly younger cinema enthusiasts. Dhurandhar 2 has dominated the global box office, with its earnings surpassing the previous record set by its predecessor, Dhurandhar 1. The film's success has also influenced other actors and filmmakers, with figures like Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and Ekta Kapoor joining the race to capitalize on its momentum. The film's intense shoot, which included a dramatic scene where Ranveer Singh's character, Jaskirat, transforms into Hamza, has been highlighted as a key factor in its appeal.#ranveer_singh #dhurandhar_2 #aamir_khan #prasanna #international_film_festival_of_delhi
Aamir Khan’s Ek Din Trailer Out: Junaid Khan & Sai Pallavi’s Love Story Lasts For One Day The trailer for Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Ek Din was released recently, introducing audiences to the bittersweet love story between Bollywood actor Junaid Khan and South Indian actress Sai Pallavi. The film, directed by Sunil Pandey, follows the fleeting romance between Rohan, played by Junaid, and Meera, portrayed by Sai Pallavi. Their relationship, which unfolds over the course of a single day, is depicted as both enchanting and tragically short-lived. The trailer opens with Rohan and Meera standing beneath a Fortune Bell, a mystical object said to grant the wishes of hopeless lovers. Rohan, who works under a superior, explains the bell’s significance to his boss, revealing it as a last resort for those seeking to reunite with their true love. After his superior mocks his lack of luck, Rohan wishes for Meera to fall for him just for one day. The bell fulfills his wish, and Meera, who had previously ignored his existence, approaches him as he desires. The trailer captures their brief moments of happiness as they travel through visually stunning locations, including the snowy landscapes of Japan’s Sapporo region, where the film was shot. However, the narrative quickly shifts to show the challenges they face. Meera eventually distances herself from Rohan, hinting at the impermanence of their connection. The film’s title, Ek Din, symbolizes the transient nature of their love, emphasizing the emotional depth of a relationship that lasts only a single day. Ek Din is a Hindi adaptation of the 2016 Thai romantic drama One Day, which itself explored the idea of love spanning a single day. The film was initially scheduled for release on December 12, 2025, but its premiere was postponed to May 1, 2026.#junaid_khan #sai_pallavi #sunil_pandey #aamir_khan #fortune_bell
Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan's 'Ek Din' Trailer Sparks Fan Hype for Bollywood Debut The trailer for Aamir Khan-backed romance Ek Din, starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, has generated significant buzz ahead of its May 1, 2026, release. The film, directed by Sunil Pandey, is an adaptation of the 2016 Thai blockbuster One Day, and marks Sai Pallavi’s Bollywood debut. Fans have praised the chemistry between the two actors, the emotional storyline, and the soundtrack featuring Arijit Singh. Audiences are particularly captivated by the heartfelt narrative, which unfolds in Japan’s scenic Sapporo. The story follows Junaid Khan’s character, Rohan, a man secretly in love with his colleague Meera, played by Sai Pallavi. A twist of fate grants him a single day with her, deepening their bond and exploring themes of love, connection, and the magic of fleeting moments. The trailer’s emotional beats and authentic locations have been highlighted as standout elements, with fans expressing excitement for the film’s release. Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many celebrating the film’s potential to deliver a meaningful love story. One admirer wrote, “Sai Pallavi’s Bollywood debut! Sweet & charmness!!” Another praised Arijit Singh’s vocals, calling them “touching” and noting his “gem-like” status in the music industry. A third fan remarked, “Beautiful. A film after so long. Real locations, music, characters, and debut of Saipallavi. Everything looks great. May 1st waiting.” Others highlighted the film’s romantic appeal, with one declaring, “Junaid khan super hero material hai.” The film’s production has been a focal point of media attention since its launch, with the initial poster and teaser drawing widespread interest.#junaid_khan #sai_pallavi #sunil_pandey #aamir_khan #sapporo
