There is no set formula that can predict success or failure of a Bollywood movie. When Mr Ramesh Sippy made Sholay(1975) little did he anticipate the iconic stature and success of the timeless film. However, when he tried to replicate its success with Shaan(1980), he failed to do so. Despite being a big budget revenge drama with a star-studded ensemble cast the film tanked at box office, quite miserably.
However, when we look at the films that have worked, we find that the a compelling story always ranks above all other aspects. For example, recently when Laapataa Ladies(2023) was released audience loved it, which in turn created a word-of-mouth publicity, pulling people into theatres. And, its budget was merely ₹5 crore.
And if you look into it, low-budget films with a compelling story always manage to capture the hearts of audiences and the numbers at box office.
Here, we bring to you a list of films that were made on a budget of ₹15 crore or less but went on to become massive box office hits.
1. Vicky Donor
Vicky, a young Delhi guy has a rather unusual way of making some extra bucks. He donates his sperm at at sperm bank run by Doctor Baldev. And become the biggest donor of the clinic Life seems pretty chill until he falls in love with Ashima and marries her. However, Ashima is unable to become pregnant and that’s when uncomfortable truths surface.
Made on a budget of ₹15 crore the film made a collection of ₹56 crore worldwide.
2. Kahaani
A heavily-pregnant Vidya Bagchi is on a mission to find her missing husband. She travels all the way from London to Kolkata. Despite the system not helping her, she relentlessly pursues her mission. However, one of her quirks is that she is a cleanliness freak. Always seen scrubbing surfaces to clean them.
The films plot twist shocks you to the extent that you question your whole existence. Made on the budget of ₹8 crore, the film went on to collect a whooping ₹78 crore at the box office.
3. A Wednesday
Sometimes when law and order situation is unable to curb the crimes and criminals, a common man stands upto them. A Wednesday is a story of once such common man who threatens to detonate bombs he planted across Mumbai, if four terrorist are not acquitted from government custody. The terrorist are happy, but their happiness is short lived.
The movie is made on a budget of ₹3.5 crore. It was an overnight success and went on to collect ₹ 30 crore at box office.
4. Tanu Weds Manu
Manu an NRI from London lands in Kanpur to meet a girl Tanu in an arrange marriage set up. Upon reaching her house he finds out Tanu asleep. He falls in love with the sleeping Tanu right there and then. He agrees to marrying her. However, he finds out Tanu purposely took the pills to avoid him. He wants to break the marriage but looks like god(rather the writer) isn’t done with them just yet. Hold your thoughts people, the simplistic NRI and the small town girl have just met.
Made on a budget of ₹15 crore, the film went on to collect ₹56 crore.
5. Jolly LLB
Jolly, a struggling lawyer wants to be successful. He is trying his hands at getting a case that will make him rich. However he lands up with a case where he is representing the victims of a hit-and-run case. But, the opposing party hires an affluent and well-established lawyer Rajpal to fight Jolly. Thereby, already titling the odds in their favour. Jolly must fight tooth and nail to seek justice.
Jolly LLB was made on a budget of ₹12 crore. It went on to collect ₹46 crore.
6. Secret Superstar
A talented young girl wants to pursue music but her father objects it. He wants her nothing to do with music or her guitar. However, she discreetly pursues her passion as she posts her music videos online, anonymously. However, all heel breaks loose when her father comes to know of the truth.
The film was made on a budget of ₹15 crore and collected ₹906 crore worldwide.
7. Newton
What happens when a novice government employee is sent on an election duty? And that too, in a politically sensitive area? His best attempts to hold the code of conduct during election is regularly tested. The film was India’s official entry to Oscars in 2017. Made on a shoestring budget of ₹15 cr the film went on to collect ₹22.80 cr.
8. Laapataa Ladies
Laapataa Ladies needs no introduction. Released in 2023, the film was loved by everyone who watched it. And, a word-of-mouth publicity by the people who watched it created a buzz that made it a success. Even when it was released on Netflix, it was trending #1 in India and top 10 content to watch in other countries. The film is a satirical take on the ‘ghoonghat’ culture in Indian weddings. Two brides get swapped for their veils are similar and it creates a lots of confusion for everyone who tries to locate them.
Made on a shoe-string budget of ₹5 crore, the total collections were ₹25 crore.
9. Mahavataar Narsimha
It out ranked The Lion King(2019) to become the highest grossing animated film in India. The film depicts the devotion of an asura prince Prahalad towards Lord Vishnu. Prahlad’s bhakti irks his father Hirankashyapu, as he thinks lord Vishnu to be his enemy and tries to get rid of Prahalad.
The film was made on a budget of ₹15 cr and went to be the third highest grosser of 2025. It collected ₹298 crore worldwide.
10. Queen
Rani’s love story hits a rock-bottom as her lover and fiancé Vijay refuses to go along with the wedding. Her wedding is cancelled even as the pre-wedding festivities are in process. Even though taken back and heart-broken Rani decides to travel to her honeymoon destinations all alone.
The film was made on a budget of ₹12 cr but went on to collect ₹108 cr worldwide.
Watching these films, we realise that even though they are labelled as “low-budget” films, they do not compromise on the production quality. The focus is mainly on the story and everything else takes a backseat.