7 Indian Movies That Turned Out To Be Unexpected Blockbusters in 2023 & Proved Content Is King

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, 2023 became a defining year that challenged preconceived notions about box office success. Amidst the fervor of grand promotions and star-studded releases (some of them turned out to be disasters), emerged a selection of films that rewrote the rules of triumph. These cinematic outliers, often devoid of extravagant publicity, rose from obscurity to become unexpected blockbusters. In a resounding affirmation of ‘Content Is King,‘ these eight Indian movies of 2023 defied industry norms, captivating audiences with their substance and narrative prowess. Let’s explore the unanticipated triumphs and the transformative power of exceptional storytelling that propelled these movies into the echelons of unprecedented success.

12th Fail

Budget: 20 Crores | Box Office Collection: 34 Crores

Genre: Biographical Drama

Directed, written, and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, “12th Fail” astoundingly brings to the screen the awe-inspiring true story of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS Officer Shraddha Joshi. Based on Anurag Pathak’s 2019 non-fiction book, this Indian Hindi-language biographical drama chronicles Sharma’s astounding journey from abject poverty to attaining the prestigious Indian Police Service rank. Starring Vikrant Massey alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee, the film remarkably surpassed expectations, transforming into a noteworthy success despite initial doubts about its potential.

2018

Budget: 15 Crores | Box Office Collection: 180 Crores

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller

Set against the backdrop of the devastating 2018 Kerala floods, this gripping disaster film portrays the resilience of diverse individuals confronting the calamity. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph and starring Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, and Vineeth Sreenivasan, the movie surpassed all expectations by earning 180 Crores despite modest projections, solidifying its unexpected blockbuster status.