A look at the top 10 Indian films from 2024–25 that failed at the box office despite star power, hype, or high budgets.
While 2024-25 brought some cinematic gems, it also delivered a handful of high-profile disappointments. These are Indian films that arrived with big expectations—but left audiences cold.
1. Bade Miyan Chote Miyan
A big-budget action film starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, it was expected to be a summer blockbuster. However, it was panned for a recycled storyline, weak humor, and generic action sequences. The audience felt like they had seen it all before.
2. Ganapath (Part 2)
The first part already received mixed reviews, but the sequel failed to generate any excitement. Despite a futuristic setting, poor visual effects and an underwhelming story led to audience disinterest.
3. The Crew
Starring a powerful female cast including Kareena Kapoor and Tabu, this film looked promising. However, it suffered from weak writing and inconsistent pacing. The screenplay lacked emotional engagement, leaving even fans underwhelmed.
4. Tejas
Kangana Ranaut’s patriotic aviation drama failed to soar. While the premise was noble, it was criticized for lacking realism and a tight script. Over-patriotism without strong storytelling hurt its reception.
5. Yodha
This high-octane action film starring Sidharth Malhotra had slick promos but lacked soul. With a predictable plot and average performances, it failed to stand out in an already action-saturated market.
6. Merry Christmas
Despite the anticipation around the pairing of Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif, the film’s slow pace and unconventional narrative didn’t click with mainstream audiences. Its artistic tone wasn’t for everyone.
7. Emergency
Kangana’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi in this historical drama was surrounded by political buzz. But viewers felt it lacked balance and leaned too heavily on personal narratives instead of nuanced storytelling.
8. Maidaan
Ajay Devgn’s sports drama about Indian football’s golden era had the right ingredients but suffered from long delays and marketing misfires. Poor timing and limited buzz at release hurt its box office chances.
9. Mission Raniganj
While it was based on a heroic real-life rescue, the film was criticized for melodrama and sluggish storytelling. Despite a solid performance by Akshay Kumar, it failed to emotionally connect with audiences.
10. Crakk
An extreme sports action film with high-energy stunts, it tried to offer something new but was marred by weak execution. The story couldn’t keep pace with its visuals, leaving the audience disengaged.
Why These Films Flopped
Some recurring reasons:
- Weak screenwriting: Even star-studded casts couldn’t mask poor narratives.
- Genre fatigue: Repetitive action films and patriotism-themed dramas wore thin.
- Marketing misfires: Many films failed to create enough pre-release buzz or misjudged their audience.
- Mismatch in expectation vs delivery: Promising trailers didn’t match the final product.
Final Thoughts
Box office success is never guaranteed—audiences today expect substance along with spectacle. These films prove that hype alone can’t save a movie lacking strong storytelling and emotional resonance.
Which film disappointed you the most in 2024–25? Share your views on dhyanshworld.com and join the conversation!
