Hindi comedy movies that flopped at the box office
Sometimes, a film's box office performance doesn't tell the whole story. Explore Hindi comedy movies that didn't find success in theaters but might still offer laughs.
The world of cinema is unpredictable, and box office results don't always reflect a film's true merit or potential to entertain. This is especially true for comedy, which is highly subjective.
Many Hindi comedies, despite featuring big stars or having interesting concepts, have tanked at the box office for various reasons – be it poor timing, ineffective marketing, or simply not connecting with the audience upon release. However, some of these films find a new life later through television airings, streaming platforms, or word-of-mouth, garnering a cult following or simply being rediscovered as enjoyable watches.
Exploring these box office bombs can be a treasure hunt for comedy fans looking for something off the beaten path. You might find genuinely funny moments, memorable characters, or even appreciate the bold attempts made by filmmakers, even if the execution wasn't perfect or didn't resonate with the masses at the time. A film's failure isn't always a reflection of its quality, and sometimes, a flop comedy is just the kind of lighthearted escape you need.
7. Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (2001)
This multi-starrer comedy thriller features a cast including Saif Ali Khan, Fardeen Khan, Sonali Bendre, Twinkle Khanna, and Aftab Shivdasani. It's a remake of the successful Telugu film 'Money'. The plot involves a group of friends who hatch a kidnapping plan for money, leading to a series of chaotic and comedic events as things spiral out of control. The film blended elements of dark comedy, crime, and romance. While it had a decent ensemble cast and a plot full of twists, it didn't achieve significant box office success upon its release, becoming another example of a remake not quite hitting the mark.
6. Neal 'N' Nikki (2005)
Produced by Yash Raj Films, Neal 'N' Nikki was an attempt to capture the young, NRI audience with a romantic comedy set in Canada. Starring Uday Chopra and Tanishaa Mukerji, the film followed the misadventures of two free-spirited individuals who cross paths before one of them is set to enter an arranged marriage. The movie tried to be stylish and cool, featuring contemporary music and fashion. Despite the backing of a major production house, the film didn't resonate strongly with viewers and is often cited as one of YRF's less successful ventures in the romantic comedy space.
5. Guddu Ki Gun (2015)
Taking a walk on the wild side, Guddu Ki Gun is an adult comedy starring Kunal Kemmu. The film has a rather unique and bizarre premise involving a casanova appliance salesman who wakes up one morning to find his 'gun' has turned to gold. This surreal concept drives the plot, leading to various comedic (and often risqué) situations as he tries to deal with his predicament and the attention it brings. It was one of the earlier Bollywood films to fully embrace the adult comedy genre, attempting to push boundaries with its quirky narrative and humor, though it didn't find widespread commercial success.
4. Chandni Chowk to China (2009)
This action-comedy starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone ambitiously blended Bollywood masala with martial arts, attempting to appeal to both Indian and international markets. The film was partly shot in Bangkok and featured Chinese actor Gordon Liu (known for Kill Bill) in a key role. The story follows a simple cook from Chandni Chowk who is mistaken for a martial arts expert and taken to China. While it had moments of Akshay Kumar's signature comic timing and action sequences, the film received a mixed reception globally and didn't perform as expected at the box office, especially considering its scale and cross-cultural ambitions.
3. Himmatwala (2013)
A remake of the 1983 Jeetendra-Sridevi blockbuster, Sajid Khan's Himmatwala starred Ajay Devgn and Tamannaah Bhatia. The director was quite vocal about wanting to recreate the masala magic of the 80s, complete with larger-than-life action, melodrama, and comedic interludes. The film transplanted the story of a man returning to his village to avenge his father's humiliation into a modern context, while trying to retain the retro feel. Despite Ajay Devgn's star power, the film struggled to connect with contemporary audiences, proving that sometimes, recreating nostalgia is a tougher act than it looks.
2. Tees Maar Khan (2010)
Directed by Farah Khan and starring Akshay Kumar as a con artist named Tees Maar Khan, this film was a much-hyped release. It boasted a massive scale and the chartbuster item number "Sheila Ki Jawani" featuring Katrina Kaif, which was a cultural phenomenon at the time. The movie is a heist comedy, following the protagonist's elaborate plan to steal ancient artifacts. Despite the star power, the catchy music composed by Vishal-Shekhar, and Farah Khan's signature style, the film didn't quite hit the mark with critics or audiences, making it a notable example of a big-budget project that didn't live up to expectations.
1. Humshakals (2014)
Get ready for a triple dose of confusion and comedy (well, the attempt at it!) with Humshakals. Directed by Sajid Khan, this film famously features its lead actors – Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, and Ram Kapoor – in triple roles. That's nine characters played by three actors! The premise revolves around doppelgangers leading to hilarious (or perhaps bewildering) situations. Filmed partly in London and Mauritius, the movie leaned heavily into slapstick and over-the-top gags. It's one of those films that became more talked about for its reception and the sheer absurdity of its plot than its box office success.
