In Bollywood, success isn’t just about having A-list stars or extravagant sets. Sometimes, even the most anticipated movies with sky-high budgets fall flat, shocking both audiences and the industry. These films had all the right ingredients, top directors, huge promotions, and star-studded casts — yet ended up as some of the biggest disasters in Hindi cinema.
1. Bombay Velvet
Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet (2015) was meant to be a cinematic masterpiece, a blend of noir, jazz, and 1960s Bombay glamour. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Karan Johar in a negative role, the film was one of the costliest projects of its time.
However, despite its stunning visuals and ambitious storytelling, the film turned out to be a colossal failure. The audience found it slow, confusing, and emotionally distant. What was supposed to be Ranbir’s big win turned into one of Bollywood’s most expensive box-office flops.
2. Joker
Helmed by Shirish Kunder, Joker (2012) was a sci-fi comedy that aimed to deliver something “out of this world”, quite literally. Featuring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha, the film revolved around aliens, crop circles, and a forgotten village.
While the concept was quirky, the execution missed the mark. Audiences couldn’t connect with the bizarre storyline, and critics were equally unforgiving. Despite Akshay’s charm, Joker tanked miserably, proving that not every experiment lands well.
3. Raavan
Mani Ratnam’s Raavan (2010) had everything going for it, breathtaking cinematography, A.R. Rahman’s music, and real-life couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead. Yet, the film failed to strike a chord with the masses.
While critics praised its visuals and ambition, many felt the story lacked emotional grip. The film’s attempt to modernize the epic Ramayana narrative didn’t resonate with viewers, making it one of the most talked-about disappointments of the decade.
4. Thugs of Hindostan
When Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan came together for Thugs of Hindostan (2018), expectations were sky-high. The action-adventure, also starring Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh, promised grandeur and visual spectacle.
But after its release, it became clear that the film’s massive budget couldn’t hide its weak writing and overdone action sequences. Critics panned it for being hollow and uninspired, and audiences quickly lost interest. Despite breaking opening-day records, the film sank soon after, becoming one of Bollywood’s costliest failures.
5. Kalank
While not mentioned as often, Kalank (2019) deserves a spot on this list. Starring Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Madhuri Dixit, and Sanjay Dutt, it was marketed as a grand period drama. The film dazzled visually but lacked an engaging story. Despite a star-packed cast, it underperformed, proving that beauty alone can’t save a weak script.
Sometimes, it’s not about budget or cast, it’s about storytelling. These films remind us that audiences connect with emotion, not excess. Even in an age of spectacle, simplicity and strong writing still win hearts.
Highlights:
- Even star-studded films can collapse without strong storytelling.
- Thugs of Hindostan and Bombay Velvet remain among Bollywood’s costliest flops.
- Grand visuals and big names alone don’t guarantee box office success.
