2017 has certainly been an eye-opener for makers and superstars of Bollywood. The year has proved that the audience will reject a film if it fails to impress them, despite big names. Tubelight is the biggest example of that since it became Salman Khan‘s first flop film in the last seven years. In fact, other big films like Jab Harry Met Sejal, Jagga Jasoos and Rangoon also fall in the same category. They had star power but didn’t manage to strike a chord with the audience. On the other hand, small budget films with strong content have found their place in the hearts of the audience. These films not only received rave reviews from critics but also made their mark at the box office. (Also Read: Hansal Mehta expresses his grief on Newton crashing out of Oscar’s race)
Here are five films which proved small budget and strong content has taken over stardom in 2017…
Toilet – Ek Prem Katha
Despite featuring a big star like Akshay Kumar, director Shree Narayan Singh’s message-driven film, Toilet – Ek Prem Katha was made on a small budget of Rs 24 crore. Due to positive word-of-mouth and tax exemption in some states, the film went on to collect Rs 134.22 crore and is currently the fourth highest grosser of 2017 after Baahubali 2, Golmaal Again and Judwaa 2.
Secret Superstar
Zaira Wasim‘s musical drama Secret Superstar opened to an average response as it had clashed with Golmaal Again. But the film’s strong content came helped it sustain at the box office for a longer period. Made on a modest budget of Rs 15 crore including P and A, the film earned Rs 63.31 crore at the ticket windows.
Hindi Medium
Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar-starrer, Hindi Medium, had a low buzz when it released alongside Arjun Kapoor‘s Half Girlfriend. But the relevant plot of the film found an instant connect with the audience, which was witnessed in the form of box office collections. The film, which was mounted on a shoe-string budget of Rs 21 crore, managed to do a business of Rs 69.59 crore at the box office.
Fukrey Returns
The box office collections of Fukrey Returns has literally surprised everyone including trade experts and makers. Despite being a sequel, the buddy comedy was made on a controlled budget of Rs 22 crore. The film has collected Rs 50.30 crore in just seven days. which itself can tell you its success story. Since there is no big release this week, we can expect the film to cross the Rs 70 crore mark at the box office.
Newton
Rajkummar Rao‘s Newton might have failed to fetch an Oscar for the country but is one of the most profitable ventures of the year. Made on a minimal budget of Rs 9 crore, the movie raked in Rs 22.80 crore in its lifetime theatrical run.
In 2018, we have small films like Pari, Mukkabaaz and Hichki but do you think it will perform well at the box office? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.