There have been several instances, in all fields, where a certain element is introduced to the world but it flies under the radar or is even outright berated or jeered, even though it might be pioneering, exploring, or unlocking a new genre that nobody could articulate.
This is especially prevalent in the field of cinema. Some movies, when released, would receive poor reception and slip under the radar, only for them to be revived and become culture-defining artifacts that may bring about a shift in the status quo, of perception, tradition, or metaphysics itself.
Also prevalent, there are films which have developed and still retain a passionate following for the film itself, regardless of its performance, whether it be a box office success or a bomb.
Here in this article, we look at movies, both Bollywood and otherwise, that made an impression long after they were released.
1. Swades – We The People
This film, when it was released, didn’t receive mainstream attention. It barely reached breakeven worldwide. Now, whenever it is talked about, it isn’t without praises for the heavy social message that is delivered in it. Now more than ever, it is relevant regarding the issues of brain drain and emigration. Aamir Khan reportedly even rejected the film because its “3-hour narration” was quite boring. In hindsight, after watching the film, I did understand it somewhat, but the message it conveys far outweighs the length of the film itself.
2. Lagaan
Released in 2001, Lagaan is a three-hour experience that stunningly captures the weight, the stakes, the resilience, and the endurance of the villagers against the British Raj. It did perform really well at the box office and globally and received critical acclaim. From my own experience, many people happily indulge in this three-hour meticulous and teetering-on-the-edge piece of film. This film, is notably also written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker – who would go on and also direct Swades a few years later.
3. 3 Idiots
Subjectively, this film is partially responsible for the brutal reality check of undergrad life hitting even harder because it showcases how minds, when given enough room to breathe, can create wonders. How people may not always be the jack and master of all trades, but rather find contentment and happiness in doing what they love. Because if you work doing something you love, you don’t have to go to work a single day in your life. The trio of Farhan, Raju, and Rancho, iconic as they are, always remains a delight to watch. Also, the original trio, Ryan, Alok, and Hari, are respected, as the movie is loosely based on Chetan Bhagat’s book 5 Point Someone.
4. Delhi Belly
Another iconic trio of roommates, but rather overlooked. The veteran of the 2010s era movies, Imran Khan-starrer Delhi Belly, is also a wild experience, with it being the origin of iconic moments, “Loondry” pronunciation being one. It gave a brief reprieve or direction to the rock music industry in India for its song “Bhaag D.K. Bose,” firing on all cylinders, carrying on Rock On!!’s music direction.
5. Rock On!!
Farhan Akhtar-led movie is also often forgotten but rather an exhilarating experience, an actual movie about music, rock music if you must, without being a musical. Equally good are the cinematography, with respect to 2008, and its music portfolio. It ignites something that is only felt, never expressed. Like when you finally understand what CHIHIRO is about.
6. Battleship
Switching over to Hollywood, we have a rather surprising entry, because you would think that due to its CGI, VFX, and the year of its release, 2012, it would be a box office success, but due to poor marketing decisions by Hasbro, it wasn’t. Now, Battleship is evergreen, always rewatchable anytime, anywhere. Hopper and Nagata, with the help of NOAA, bombing the ET mercenaries? Oh, it’s brilliant.
7. Fight Club
Brad Pitt famously admitted to his co-star Edward Norton, “this’ll be the best movie I’ll ever be in,” when it was getting booed at the Cannes Film Festival. Now, David Fincher’s adaptation of the book by the same name, written by Chuck Palahniuk, is the example that often pops up when describing or discussing cult classics, a staunch following, because it raises questions about identity itself. What is it to be someone? What is identity itself? But remember. The first rule of Fight Club? You don’t talk about Fight Club. The Second Rule about Fight Club? Is that you don’t talk about Fight Club.
8. Star Wars V – The Empire Strikes Back
Alongside the revelation in Fight Club, this movie, chronologically 5th but released 2nd in the Star Wars franchise, also gave the biggest reveals that would later become even more magnified and hindsight introspections, more frequent, with the release of the Prequels. Now marked as the turning point in the Skywalker saga of Star Wars, this movie also has a staunch following, considering that it was way ahead of its time when it was released in 1980.
9. The Lord of The Rings
Ranked amongst the greatest trilogies ever made, The Lord of the Rings is a trilogy that has set numerous records, and still has a passionate following even today. Nominated for 30 Academy awards, it won a staggering 17. The adventures of Sam, Frodo and the character of Gandalf is still beloved and fiercely defended as well. And objectively – no movie, let alone a trilogy has came close ever since.
10. Blade Runner 2049
Another great piece of cinema by Dennis Villeneuve, this movie has a almost cyberpunk and dystopian-esque genre that has instigated internet-wide discussions and forums dedicated to it. Many people now revere and adore this film, most notably resulting in self-aware jabs at selves, such as they referring to themselves as Ryan Gosling, as in – “I am him”, “I am Ryan Gosling”.
Other mentions include Pulp Fiction, Clockwork Orange, and Wes Anderson films.
