Despite being great, some movies end up as box office failures and are ignored when they make their big-screen debut, only to be rediscovered later by a new audience and become cult classics.

Advertisment

Here are five Bollywood films that found their audience long after leaving cinemas.

Also Read: Hollywood movies that went from box office bombs to cult classics

Nayak: The Real Hero (2001)

Advertisment
Nayak
Nayak Photograph: (X/primevideo)

A remake of the Tamil blockbuster Mudhalvan, this movie followed a journalist who was made Chief Minister of a state for a day. It was a box office failure but later achieved cult status after its TV debut. A sequel is now in the works.

Tumbbad (2018)

Advertisment
Tumbbad
Tumbbad Photograph: (X/Netflix)

This brilliant folk horror movie struggled at the box office due to poor marketing, its unique style, and complex themes. However, it found its audience through OTT platforms and even received a theatrical re-release, becoming the most successful re-release in Indian cinema history.

Also Read: Panchayat 4 is coming soon! Check when will Sachiv Ji will return to Phulera, release date inside

No Smoking (2007)

No Smoking
No Smoking Photograph: (X/ErosIntl)

This thriller failed to make an impact in theatres due to mixed reviews and its dark tone, grossing only ₹3 crores ($350K) against a budget of ₹20 crores ($2.3 million). However, word of mouth helped it gain cult status, and it is now considered one of the best Indian thrillers ever made.

Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018)

Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota
Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota Photograph: (X/RSVPMovies)

This action-comedy about a man who cannot feel pain struggled to find an audience due to poor marketing and a limited release. Despite this, it received critical acclaim and became a cult classic after its release on OTT platforms. Today, it is regarded as one of the best martial arts movies made in India.

Also Read: Val Kilmer was confined to his bed in his final years, was ‘very frail at the end’

Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)

Manorama Six Feet Under
Manorama Six Feet Under Photograph: (X/primevideo)

Directed by Navdeep Singh, this movie follows an amateur detective investigating a murder in a remote village. Though it was critically well received, it failed to connect with audiences due to its slow pace and unconventional narrative. However, it gained cult status after airing on TV and is now widely regarded as a must-watch.

Also Read: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 teaser: Ten brand new adventures teased