It's not been a good year for Bollywood. And hopes for a strong post-pandemic recovery are dissipating without the industry having produced any major box office hits yet.
It's not like the films were lacking in stars or spectacle. Big budget thrillers, such as the 1.5 billion Indian rupees ($18.7 million) Shamshera starring Ranbir Kapoor, have crashed at the register. According to the latest data from Bollywood Hungama, the period action flick has collected 630m rupees so far.
He isn't the only big star with a flop. Ranveer Singh (Jayeshbhai Jordaar), Akshay Kumar (Samrat Prithviraj), Ajay Devgn (Runway 34) and Aamir Khan (Laal Singh Chaddha) have also failed to get audiences back to the cinemas in droves.
Curiously though, this is despite some movies receiving positive reviews and featuring strong performances. Singh's Jayeshbhai Jordaar, for example, which tackles the subject of equal rights for women, was received warmly by critics, and so was Shahid Kapoor's cricket drama Jersey.
The same goes for Devgn's Runway 34, which the actor also directed. Inspired by a true near-disastrous aviation incident, the thriller, also starring veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, has been praised for its edge-of-the-seat plot. Still, it only managed to collect 320m rupees at the box office, against a reported budget of 1bn rupees.
It’s not all doom and gloom for the film industry as a whole, with major support from South Indian films also dubbed in Hindi. Films such as Telugu-language RRR (released in March) and Kannada-language K.G.F: Chapter 2 (April) did roaring business. The controversial Hindi film The Kashmir Files, which has been slammed for spreading Islamophobia, is by far the biggest success this year, earning more than 3.4bn rupees against a 150m rupees budget.
In total, these films have helped India’s overall box office collections to 56.9bn rupees for January to June this year, according to Deadline. This already compares favourably to 2019’s pre-pandemic 111bn rupees annual haul.
As we go well past the halfway mark into 2022, we review some of the biggest Bollywood box office disasters of the year.
'Attack: Part 1' (Released on April 1)
Budget: 800m rupees
Worldwide gross: 227m rupees
Actor and producer John Abraham conceptualised the idea for this film, about a paralysed army officer given a second shot at life via a secret government AI project that turns him into a super soldier. While Abraham, who's more than proven his action hero credentials, was praised for his performance as the lead, the thriller has been criticised for its cliched plot as well as gratuitous scenes of bloodshed.
'Jersey' (Released on April 22)
Budget: 950m rupees
Worldwide gross: 279m rupees
Shahid was looking to repeat the success of his divisive 2019 drama Kabir Singh with another remake of a Telugu film, but couldn't get fans to go watch it. While Shahid was praised for his performance, playing a down-and-out former cricketer who stages a comeback, the movie had to compete with an influx of others that had plots revolving around the same sport, as well as comparisons to the original, which was only released in 2019.
'Runway 34' (Released on April 29)
Budget: 1bn rupees
Worldwide gross: 530m rupees
Based on a real-life incident, Devgn directs himself in this drama about a pilot who faces a long-drawn inquiry despite managing to avert a major disaster. Also featuring high-powered performances by Bachchan, Boman Irani and Rakul Preet Singh, the film was widely praised for its edgy and fast-paced storytelling.
Despite being released during the Eid weekend, Runway 34 was a failure at the box office. Devgn's deal with Amazon Prime Video is likely to have softened the commercial blow.
'Heropanti 2' (Released on April 29)
Budget: 700m rupees
Worldwide gross: 250m rupees
Tiger Shroff's 2014 action romance Heropanti, the remake of a Telugu film, was panned by critics but made a killing at the box office. Looking to replicate the success, producers doubled the budget from its predecessor, drafted Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman to direct the music, and took its setting to a global scale.
All the effort didn't pay off in the end, as the movie received mostly negative reviews, despite acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's presence, and was a near washout at the box office.
'Jayeshbhai Jordaar' (Released on May 13)
Budget: 860m rupees
Worldwide gross: 260m rupees
On the face of it, there was no reason to doubt this comedy would be a hit; with Singh's appeal, a strong supporting cast and an original premise, Jayeshbhai Jordaar had everything going for it. The story of a man who will go to any lengths to save his unborn second daughter, despite the pressure to produce a male heir, Singh's film received mostly positive reviews but could not work its charm with audiences at the cinema.
'Dhaakad' (Released on May 20)
Budget: 850m rupees
Worldwide gross: 37m rupees
One of the biggest flops of the year, Kangana Ranaut's turn as a secret agent hot on the heels of a human trafficking mastermind was largely panned by critics and failed to spur any interest among cinema audiences.
Despite an international team of action directors choreographing stunt sequences, this high-octane film was removed from many screenings within a week of its release, making it one of the once-acclaimed actress's lowest grossers yet.
'Anek' (Released on May 27)
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Ayushmann Khurrana plays an undercover officer in the political thriller 'Anek'. All photos: Benaras Media Works -
'Anek' is set in India's North-East, a region barely explored by Bollywood. -
Reuniting with 'Article 15' director Anubhav Sinha, Khurrana plays an undercover officer sent on a mission to the North-East where insurgency is still rife in some parts. -
Andrea Kevichusa, a model from Nagaland, makes her Bollywood debut in the film. -
Director Sinha says Khurrana has put everything into portraying undercover officer Joshua. -
Kevichusa plays a boxer in 'Anek'. -
'Anek' is set in India's North-East where, because of its borders shared with Myanmar, China, Tibet and Bhutan, people from the region have a close affinity culturally to East and South-East Asia. -
Director Anubhav Sinha, centre, with his 'Anek' stars Andrea Kevichusa and Ayushmann Khurrana.
Budget: 300m rupees
Worldwide gross: 100m rupees
Ayushmann Khurrana's thriller had everything going for it: an award-winning director known for his gritty works and a plot set in India's North-East, a region barely explored in Bollywood films.
But Anubhav Sinha, who co-wrote and directed the movie, loses the plot with Anek, and tries to provide simplistic solutions to complicated political issues he clearly doesn't understand. Audiences and critics saw right through this deception, with many giving it a miss.
'Samrat Prithviraj' (Released on June 3)
Budget: 1.5bn rupees
Worldwide gross: 900m rupees
When he's not making movies on social causes, Akshay Kumar plays beloved historical characters that are all but geared for box office success. But alas, this big-budget historical film, based on the life of Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan, failed to bring audiences to the theatres or please critics.
Many reviewers slammed it for its stale retelling of a great warrior's story, with one even saying it "unfolds like a straightforward sequence of Wikipedia entries".
Within a week of its release, The Times of India was reporting that shows in some cinemas had to be cancelled owing to zero occupancy, all but sealing the fate of this highly-anticipated release, which also featured the Bollywood debut of Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar.
'Rashtra Kavach Om' (Released on July 1)
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Sanjana Sanghi and Aditya Roy Kapur in the Bollywood action film 'Rashtra Kavach Om'. All photos: Zee Studios -
In the film, Aditya Roy Kapur plays a soldier who loses his memory while on a mission. -
Kapur says he had to bulk up for his physically demanding role. -
Sanjana Sanghi plays Kavya who joins Kapur's Om on a mission. -
The actress says she relished the opportunity to throw a few punches in the film. -
Aditya Roy Kapur says the film is more than just an action movie. -
Prakash Raj in the film. -
Jackie Shroff plays Om's father in the film. -
Aditya Roy Kapur and Prachee Shah Paandya on set. -
Jackie Shroff as Dev Rathod. -
Director Kapil Verma on set. -
Sanjana Sanghi is best known for her role in 'Dil Bechara', Bollywood's remake of 'The Fault in Our Stars'. -
Ashutosh Rana also stars in the film. -
'Rashtra Kavach Om' was predominantly shot in Mumbai during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. -
Aditya Roy Kapur is primarily known for his romantic films. -
Sanjana Sanghi in the film. -
Kapur says the action in 'Rashtra Kavach Om' is 'on a whole different level'. -
Prakash Raj in the film. -
Kapur had to train for four months before filming began.
Budget: 400m rupees
Worldwide gross: 90m rupees
Speaking to The National ahead of its release, actor Aditya Roy Kapoor said he was hoping fans would come to see the Bollywood film for its all-guns-blazing action but stay for its emotional storyline.
Not many seem to have heeded that invitation, as this flick, about a soldier who goes on an all-out battle to clear his father's name, didn't really register any interest. Popular sentiment is that it's senseless and unreal.
'Shamshera' (Released on July 22)
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Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor returns to the big screen after four years with the action spectacle 'Shamshera'. Photo: Yash Raj Films -
Set in 1871, Kapoor plays a Robin Hood-style warrior who leads a team of rebels to fight British oppressors. Photo: Yash Raj Films -
'Shamshera' will be Kapoor's first film as an action star. Photo: Yash Raj Films -
Vaani Kapoor plays Shamshera's love interest Sona in the film. Photo: Yash Raj Films -
Kapoor as protagonist Shamshera. Photo: Yash Raj Films -
The film's lead stars. Photo: Yash Raj Films -
Vaani Kapoor and Dutt, who plays the villain, attend the trailer launch of 'Shamshera'. AFP -
Kapoor and Dutt at a promotional event. AFP -
Vaani Kapoor, Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor. AFP -
'Shamshera' has been four years in the making, its release has been delayed multiple times by Covid-19. Photo: IMDB
Budget: 1.5bn rupees
Worldwide gross so far: 470m rupees
With an eye-popping budget, all eyes were on this long-awaited action spectacle as many were pinning their hopes on some much-needed spark at the box office. But Ranbir's foray into action hero territory seems to have bitten the dust, with very few takers.
Set in 1871, during the British rule of India, Ranbir plays a Robin Hood-style warrior who leads his tribe to freedom.
"Shamshera is a mess that needs more than just star power to come to its rescue," India Today said in its review, while Bollywood Hungama faulted it for its "outdated script and predictable plot".
'Laal Singh Chaddha' (Released on August 11)
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Bollywood star Aamir Khan's ambitious film 'Laal Singh Chaddha', a remake of the Oscar-winning film 'Forrest Gump', has finally been released after much delay. Photo: Paramount Pictures -
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Aamir Khan in 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. Photo: Paramount Pictures -
A few weeks before its release, the hashtag #BoycottLalSinghChaddha began to gain popularity on social media. A clip from an interview that Khan, one of Bollywood's most successful stars, did in 2015, was widely shared. In the interview, the actor spoke about his concern for the rising cases of violence against minorities in India — including cases of Muslims being lynched for consuming beef. AFP -
Vehicles drive past a poster of 'Laal Singh Chaddha' in Mumbai. AFP -
Aamir Khan pays his respects at the Golden Temple while filming 'Laal Singh Chaddha' in Amritsar. AFP -
Khan during the trailer launch of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in Mumbai in May. AFP -
Known as 'Mr Perfectionist', Khan is known for producing and starring in critically acclaimed blockbusters such as 'Dangal' (2016), 'PK' (2013) and the cult film '3 Idiots' (2009). AFP -
Khan, who is not on social media, was forced to reiterate his patriotism as calls for the boycott of his latest film spread. 'I feel sad that some of the people believe that I am someone who doesn't like India,' he told local media. 'That's not the case. Please don't boycott my film. Please watch my film.' AP Photo -
Khan eats panipuri at the trailer preview of 'Laal Singh Chaddha' in Mumbai. AP -
Aamir Khan in character on the set of 'Laal Singh Chaddha' in 2021. Photo: IMDb -
Aamir Khan greets fans while on set. Photo: IMDb -
In the 'Forrest Gump' remake, Khan takes on the role of the titular character Laal Singh Chaddha. The original's classic line 'Run, Forrest, run' is 'Run, Laal, run' in the Bollywood version. Photo: Paramount Pictures -
Khan bought the rights of 'Forrest Gump' in 2018 to make 'Laal Singh Chaddha', which also features actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, Telugu star Naga Chaitanya as well as a cameo by superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Photo: Instagram / @kareenakapoorkhan
Budget: 1.8bn rupees
Worldwide gross so far: 1.1bn rupees
Not too long ago, Bollywood star Aamir Khan had the reputation of being the man with the Midas touch. As an actor and producer, he starred in and championed many blockbusters. Khan's directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par, was critically lauded and was India's entry to the Oscars in 2009. In the midst of all this, he hosted a hugely successful Oprah Winfrey-style TV show, Satyamev Jayate, about India's social issues, which ran for three seasons from 2012 to 2014.
A lot was riding on Laal Singh Chaddha, not only because Bollywood was hankering for a box office hit after a depressing first half, but also because Khan hadn't been seen in a film since the 2018 big-budget disaster Thugs of Hindostan, a rare blip in his career.
But, despite Khan's earnest attempt, the movie received mixed reviews from critics and failed to gather masses at the cinemas. Calls for a boycott of the film, instigated by right-wing Hindu nationalists, did not help its case. Khan, who is Muslim, became a target of trolls after a 2015 clip in which he spoke about his concern about violence against minorities in India was widely shared.
'Raksha Bandhan' (Released on August 11)
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From left, the cast of Bollywood film 'Raksha Bandhan', Smrithi Srikanth, Sahejmeen Kaur, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb, during an interview in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
In 'Raksha Bandhan', Akshay Kumar plays a brother who makes a promise to marry off his four sisters before he settles down. Pawan Singh / The National -
Akshay Kumar, right, with 'Raksha Bandhan' director Anand L Rai. Photo: Zee Studios -
'Raksha Bandhan' is named after the Hindu festival in which sisters honour their brothers. Photo: Zee Studios -
Akshay Kumar plays cricket on the set of 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios -
Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, who were last seen together in the 2017 hit 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha', reunite for 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios -
Director Anand L Rai and Akshay Kumar on set. Photo: Zee Studios -
'Raksha Bandhan' director Anand L Rai says he wanted to do a simple story with a strong emotional core. Photo: Zee Studios -
From left, Deepika Khanna, Sahejmeen Kaur, Sadia Khateeb, Akshay Kumar and Smriti Srikanth in 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios -
A still from 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios -
Akshay Kumar says 'Raksha Bandhan' is the best film he's ever done. Photo: Zee Studios -
Director Anand L Rai, Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar and writer Himashu Sharma. Photo: Zee Studios -
Bhumi Pednekar and Akshay Kumar in a still from 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios -
Bhumi Pednekar, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb. Photo: Zee Studios -
Akshay Kumar dances in the film. Photo: Zee Studios -
Kumar on set with director Rai. Photo: Zee Studios -
Akshay Kumar plays the character Lala Kedarnath in the film. Photo: Zee Studios -
The film is also a personal one for Kumar, 54, whose sister Alka Hiranandani is one of the producers. He's dedicated the film to her. Photo: Zee Studios -
Kumar and Pednekar in the film. Photo: Zee Studios -
After a three-decade-long career and more than 100 films, Akshay Kumar is still one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood. Photo: Zee Studios -
The cast of 'Raksha Bandhan' promote their film in Kolkata. AFP -
Akshay Kumar during an interview in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Smrithi Srikanth, Sahejmeen Kaur, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Akshay Kumar with fans during a promotional event in Kolkata. AFP -
Akshay Kumar promotes his film in Kolkara. AFP
Budget: 700m rupees
Worldwide gross so far: 540m rupees
Speaking to The National ahead of the film's release, actor Akshay Kumar called this family entertainer his "best film ever". Named after the Indian festival that honours the relationship between brothers and sisters and released on the day of the festival, a public holiday in India, the film opened to mixed reviews, with some criticising it for its overly-sentimental and preachy storyline.
Kumar plays Lala, the son of a snack shop owner who makes a vow to his dying mother that he will only settle down after he has married off his four younger sisters. With his sisters having their own plans for the future, it throws Lala's singular life mission into a tailspin, including his budding romantic relationship.
Featuring a number of fresh faces, the film reunited Kumar with director Aanand L Rai, who he worked with in Atrangi Re (2021), as well as actress Bhumi Pednekar, whom he starred with in the 2017 comedy Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
But despite strong performances by Kumar, Raksha Bandhan failed to charm cinemagoers, who were content with celebrating the festival at home with their families.
— Box office data via bollywoodhungama.com. A version of this story was first published on August 1, 2022
Top 17 new Indian shows and movies coming to Amazon Prime Video - in pictures
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Amazon has announced 41 new titles spanning several genres and Indian languages to be launched over the next two years. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
The poster for the coming series 'Hush Hush' starring Juhi Chawla, Ayesha Jhulka, Soha Ali Khan, Karishma Tanna and Shahana Goswami in the lead. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
'Adhura' is a supernatural horror series starring Rasika Dugal, right. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
Telugu superstar Naga Chaitanya in 'Dhootha'. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
Set in a small town, 'Dahaad' is an action thriller with Sonakshi Sinha playing a police officer who sets out to hunt down a serial killer. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor makes his streaming platform debut with 'Farzi'. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
'The Village' is one of the first Indian series to be based on a graphic novel. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
Madhuri Dixit Nene plays an overbearing mother in the comedy 'Maja Maa'. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
'Jubilee', starring Prosenjit Chatterjee, is set in the 1940s and looks at the birth of Bollywood. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
Punjabi hip-hop star AP Dhillon will be the focus of the documentary film 'This is AP Dhillon'. Photo: ap.dhillxn / Instagram -
Tanya Maniktala in 'PI Meena'. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
The poster for 'Bambai Meri Jaan' starring Kay Kay Menon in the lead. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
Satyadev Kancharana, Akshay Kumar and Jacqueline Fernandez in 'Ram Setu'. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
The poster for 'Gulkanda Tales' starring Kunal Khemu. Photo: Amazon Prime Video -
The poster for 'Jee Karda' starring Tamannaah Bhatia, Suhail Nayyar, Aashim Gulati, Anya Singh, Hussain Dalal, Samvedna Suwalka and Sayan Banerjee. Photo: Amazon Prime Video
