Who needs a sky-high budget when you’ve got a killer story? Some of Bollywood’s biggest hits were made on a shoestring but still packed a punch at the box office. These 10 underdog films proved that heart, hustle, and a solid script can outshine even the glitziest blockbusters!
1. Kaahani (2012)
Budget: ~8 crores | Box office: ~104 crores
With a modest budget and no typical Bollywood frills, Kaahani proved that a gripping story and stellar acting can create box-office magic.
Imagine a pregnant woman going around the crowded city of Kolkata to search for her missing husband while also sharing secrets that would just blow one’s mind. Well, that’s Kaahani!
Vidya Balan’s powerful performance and a story full of jaw-dropping twists made this movie an exciting ride that left people speechless. Suspense? That is very much the case. The finale? That’s another knockout punch.
Where to watch Kahaani? You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Aashiqui 2 (2013)
Budget: ~12 crores | Box office: ~100 crores
Love, break-ups and so much soulful pain-inducing-this is Aashiqui 2. Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor brought scorching chemistry to a love story that was inspiring and tragic in equal measure.
Right from hauntingly melodic music to earth-shattering emotional peaks, this film makes everyone believe in the kind of love, one should fight for-broken heart and all.
Despite being a low-budget romantic drama, Aashiqui 2 struck a deep chord with its soulful music and heart-wrenching love story, turning it into a massive hit.
3. Stree (2018)
Budget: ~20 crores | Box office: ~180 crores
A ghost story with a dash of comedy? Fine and sign us up! Stree puts everyone upside down in this horror genre with its crazy funny yet spookish tale of revenge by a ghost in the weird town of Chanderi. Rajkummar Rao’s charm, Shraddha Kapoor’s mystery, and those unforgettable one-liners make this spooky adventure a pure riot – and a total box-office winner from a shoestring budget.
Where to watch Stree? You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
4. The Lunchbox (2013)
Budget: ~12 crores | Box office: ~130 crores
What happens when a lunchbox reaches the wrong recipient but brings a warm-hearted connection? The Lunchbox is a gentle, soulful film about love, longing, and in what looks like a roundabout way, people touching each other’s lives.
Featuring Irrfan Khan quietly mastering it all and Nimrat Kaur graciously, this small-budget indie gem, The Lunchbox, quietly stole hearts worldwide and proved that good food and great storytelling never go unnoticed.
Where to watch The Lunchbox? You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
5. Hindi Medium (2017)
Budget: ~14 crores | Box office: ~102 crores
What would you do to get your child into the best school? In Hindi Medium, Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar hilariously navigate a middle-class couple’s desperation to fit into a world of status and privilege.
Packed full of relatable laughs, emotional punches, and a mirror held up to society,
With its sharp humour and social relevance, Hindi Medium emerged as an underdog hit, showing that modest beginnings can lead to big wins.
6. Chhichhore (2019)
Budget: ~30 crores | Box office: ~150 crores
Chhichhore (2019) revolved around college days, friendships forever, and a strongly sent message- to accept failure. Sushant Singh Rajput and his gang of misfits took us through a roller coaster ride, giving us laughter and tears all at the same time. It’s not just a film, but a celebration of all the high and low in life which takes us through all these smiles and tears left out. A heartfelt, nostalgic drama made on a moderate budget, Chhichhore became a sleeper hit by winning over audiences with its relatable charm.
Where to watch Chhichhore? You can stream it on Disney+ Hotstar.
7. Badhaai ho (2018)
Budget: ~30 crores | Box office: ~135 crores
When an unexpected pregnancy strikes a middle-class family, only chaos and comedy can come to their rescue! Badhaai Ho was that one film that gave us hilarious family drama, Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao’s lovable chemistry, and Ayushmann Khurrana’s perfect mix of awkwardness and heart. With its unconventional story and limited budget, Badhaai Ho broke the mould and found its way into audiences’ hearts—and box-office records.
Where to watch Badhaai Ho? You can stream it on Disney+ Hotstar.
8. Tanu weds Manu (2011)
Budget: ~20 crores | Box office: ~100 crores
If a stiff-upper-lipped fella falls in love with a girl who likes to live life on the edge, you know sparks-and a ton of bedlam-are going to fly! Tanu Weds Manu gave us the lovable Madhavan and the feisty Kangana Ranaut as Tanu, making it a comedy where tears flow almost as freely as laughter does. Made with a modest budget, Tanu Weds Manu became a runaway hit thanks to its quirky characters and a love story full of chaos and charm.
Where to watch Tanu Weds Manu? You can stream it on JioCinema.
9. Queen (2014)
Budget: ~12 crores | Box office: ~100 crores
Who needs a partner when you’ve got Europe and a solo honeymoon? Queen is the ultimate feel-good journey of self-discovery, led by Kangana Ranaut’s unforgettable performance as Rani.
This heartwarming story of finding independence and joy after heartbreak struck a chord with audiences everywhere, leaving them inspired and cheering for Rani’s transformation.
This low-budget gem, Queen, redefined success with its empowering narrative and Kangana Ranaut’s brilliant performance, becoming a box-office triumph.
Where to watch Queen? You can stream it on Netflix.
10. AndhaDhun (2018)
Budget: ~30 crores | Box office: ~100 crores
A blind pianist, a murder mystery, and a series of jaw-dropping twists—Andhadhun had us hooked from the get-go. Ayushmann Khurrana was brilliant as Aakash, who gets tangled in a web of lies and danger in this darkly comic thriller.
With suspense that keeps you guessing till the very end, this film redefined what a “killer” movie could be. Even with a small budget, Andhadhun stunned audiences with its clever storytelling and went on to become a dark horse at the box office.
Where to watch Andhadhun? You can stream it on YouTube Movies.
*Budget and Box Office Collections are based on online sources and may not be exact.
Which one is your favourite?
