Cult classics in disguise: Bollywood movies that became beloved over time

At the time of its release, Andaz Apna Apna barely made a ripple at the box office. Overshadowed by other big-budget films and plagued by limited promotions, the quirky comedy starring Aamir Khan and Salman Khan was seen as a commercial dud. But over the years, it became a cult classic—thanks to TV reruns and meme-worthy dialogues like "Teja main hoon, mark idhar hai!" Today, it's hailed as one of the funniest Bollywood comedies of all time.

Another film ahead of its time, Lakshya was a coming-of-age war drama directed by Farhan Akhtar, starring Hrithik Roshan in a role that saw him evolve from a directionless boy to a focused army officer. While it didn’t roar in theatres, its introspective storytelling, strong performances, and breathtaking cinematography slowly earned it a loyal fanbase. Today, it's considered one of Hrithik’s most underrated gems.

Ranbir Kapoor’s quiet, sincere performance as a young salesman challenging corporate corruption wasn’t what audiences were expecting post his Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani phase. Rocket Singh flopped at the box office, but over the years, it's become a sleeper favourite—especially among young professionals who relate to its workplace ethics and startup hustle.

When Shah Rukh Khan stepped away from his typical romantic hero image to play an NRI scientist who returns to rural India, audiences weren’t quite ready. Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, was critically appreciated but underwhelmed at the box office. Years later, with India’s growing interest in socially driven narratives, Swades found its place as a poignant, realistic story that tugs at the heartstrings—and SRK’s most grounded performance.

Though Tumbbad received critical acclaim, it didn’t get the commercial attention it deserved initially. But once it hit OTT platforms, audiences were spellbound by its atmospheric horror, rooted mythology, and rich visual storytelling. It became a benchmark for how horror-fantasy should be done in Indian cinema. Today, it’s often cited as a masterpiece and a genre-defining film.