Overhyped Bollywood movies that massively underperformed

Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Bombay Velvet was marketed as a stylish period film with a noir vibe. Set in the 1960s, it boasted a star-studded cast, including Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, and promised a unique cinematic experience. The film was also expected to break new ground in terms of storytelling, visuals, and its take on Mumbai's glamorous underworld. While the film had immense visual appeal, it failed to connect with audiences. The narrative was slow and convoluted, and it struggled to balance its artistic aspirations with the expectations of mainstream cinema. The result was a niche film that never found its footing with the broader audience. Despite critical acclaim for its visuals, Bombay Velvet was a major box office disappointment, marking a rare misfire for director Anurag Kashyap and actor Ranbir Kapoor.

Zero promised an exciting new chapter in Shah Rukh Khan's career, with him playing a dwarf — a role that intrigued both fans and critics. Directed by Anand L Rai, known for his emotional films, the movie generated immense buzz, thanks to its star-studded cast and unique premise. While SRK's performance was commendable, the movie’s execution was flawed. The narrative was uneven, with a slow second half that lost its charm, and the film’s tone was inconsistent, shifting from quirky to serious in ways that didn’t feel organic. Despite SRK’s star power, the film couldn’t resonate with the audience on an emotional level. The film massively underperformed at the box office and was widely regarded as a commercial failure, leaving fans disappointed.

The film, an official remake of the iconic Forrest Gump, featured Bollywood's perfectionist, Aamir Khan, in the lead role. His portrayal of a character with intellectual disabilities in a story spanning several decades piqued the interest of many. The movie was also anticipated due to its association with a globally beloved classic and high expectations from Aamir’s impeccable track record. Despite its emotional core, Laal Singh Chaddha failed to resonate with the audience, particularly the younger demographic. The pre-release boycott campaigns, a slow narrative, and inconsistent pacing ultimately marred its potential. Even though the film garnered attention for its unique premise, it couldn’t live up to the pre-release buzz and performed poorly at the box office. The film ended up being a rare commercial disappointment for Aamir Khan, who’s often considered a surefire box-office draw.

Adipurush was one of the most highly anticipated films of 2023, thanks to its star-studded cast and high-octane mythology-based storyline, inspired by the Ramayana. Prabhas, after the success of Baahubali, was expected to carry this film to similar heights, while the VFX and visual spectacle made it look like a massive event film. Despite the grand visuals and the immense hype, the film faced a backlash for its poor CGI, which many found subpar for a film of its scale. The dialogues, especially some controversial ones, received heavy criticism for being cringe-worthy, and the storytelling failed to create the emotional connection expected from a mythological epic. The film underperformed critically and failed to meet the commercial expectations, with a swift public backlash.

Roy featured a star-studded cast and was marketed as a stylish thriller. The trailers teased an intriguing mystery with beautiful cinematography, a haunting soundtrack, and a love triangle that drew comparisons to classic romantic films. The film was slow, with a confusing narrative that failed to engage the audience. The characters were not fleshed out properly, and the film's tone was inconsistent. The mystery angle never quite came together, leaving audiences disappointed. Roy couldn’t live up to its initial promise and underperformed at the box office, despite its star cast and visually appealing marketing.

After a long hiatus, Ranbir Kapoor made his much-awaited comeback with Shamshera. The film was marketed as an epic action film set in the British colonial era, with a larger-than-life storyline and high-budget action sequences. The film’s promotional material suggested it would be a mass entertainer. Despite the big-budget production, the film struggled with a lack of a compelling script. The plot was predictable, the character development was weak, and the film didn’t quite capture the raw energy expected from such a grand scale. Shamshera ended up being a commercial and critical failure, disappointing both the audience and industry expectations.