Hogging all the limelight, 2024 was dominated by some big-budget movies consisting of superstars, but it’s the underdogs—small-budget wonders of Bollywood—that packed the punch. From spine-chilling action like Kill to heartwarming Laapataa Ladies and more, these movies proved that it is always creativity and a good story that outshine big bucks.
Made on shoestring budgets, these Indian gems not only won our hearts but gave us some unforgettable moments too. Here, in this listicle, we give you the roundup of low-budget Indian movies of 2024 that became a roaring success at the box office.
Low-Budget Bollywood Movies
1. Laapataa Ladies
This small-budget Hindi movie from 2024 is set in rural India and revolves around two young brides who get exchanged on trains traveling to their husbands’ homes. This endearing movie has some heartwarming performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan in lead roles. Made on a budget of only Rs 4-5 crore, it went on to collect Rs 25 crore globally. Loved by critics and audiences alike, the movie also became India’s official entry for the Oscars.
OTT – Netflix
2. Munjya
Horror and comedy make a killer combo, and this small-budget Bollywood movie of 2024 proves it right. Munjya, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, stars Sharvari, Abhay Verma, Sathyaraj, and Mona Singh in titular roles. This Hindi-language comedy-horror movie is the third installment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe and centers around the legend of Munjya, inspired by Indian folklore and mythology situated in Maharashtra. Munjya took the theaters by storm upon its release, which came as a surprise as it offered a mix of chills and laughs with a pinch of jump scares. The movie, made on a budget of just ₹30 crores, became a surprise hit, grossing over ₹132.13 crores at the box office worldwide. Munjya becoming a hit proves that you don’t need to spend heavily on CGI to spook people out.
OTT – Disney+ Hotstar
3. Article 370
This low-budget political thriller movie sparked a conversation across the nation as it was based on one of the most contentious issues that had grappled Kashmir for years now—Article 370. Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the movie has been co-written by Jambhale along with Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Monal Thaakar, and Arjun Dhawan. It stars Yami Gautam Dhar and Priyamani, Skand Thakur, Ashwini Kaul, Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Arun Govil, and Kiran Karmarkar in key roles. The movie, made on a budget of just Rs 20 crores, went on to earn Rs 110.57 cr at the box office. Even though critics alleged that the movie distorted facts and ignored the views of Kashmiris, Article 370 packed a punch for its bold narrative and well-executed direction, leading to its success.
OTT – Netflix
4.Srikanth
This humble and simple Hindi drama can be placed in the category of the best low-budget movies in Bollywood in 2024. The biopic based on the life of a visually challenged boy, Srikanth Bolla, who defied all challenges, went to study at MIT, and, with his determination, became a successful industrialist and founded Bollant Industries. Starring Rajkummar Rao in the title role, the movie also stars Jyothika, Alaya F, and Sharad Kelkar. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, Srikanth is produced on a budget of 35 cr and collected 62.92 cr, becoming a moderately successful small movie.
OTT – Netflix
5. Madgaon Express
Next in the list is Madgaon Express, an underrated small-budget gem from Bollywood in 2024 that needs audience attention. This no-brainer and hilarious movie won audiences over with its witty dialogues, an unpredictable plot, and nostalgia of older Bollywood comedy films, making Madgaon Express a moderately commercial success at the box office. The word-of-mouth buzz made the movie a hit upon its OTT release on Prime Video. Madgaon Express is written and directed by Kunal Khemu, who made his directorial debut. It stars an ensemble cast of Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Nora Fatehi, Upendra Limaye, and Chhaya Kadam. Talking about the budget, the movie was made on a budget of Rs 30 cr and could only collect Rs 48.98 cr.
OTT – Prime Video
6.Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video
Another low-budget Bollywood movie from 2024, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video went on to earn well at the box office. Made on a budget of Rs 30 cr, the comedy film registered Rs 55.51 cr, making it a moderately successful movie. Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is set in 90s India that centers around a couple, Vidya and Vicky, and the challenges they face after a VHS tape containing the couple’s intimate moments gets stolen. Although predictable and a little stretchy, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’s relatable humor and a good marketing campaign became the real crowd-pullers. Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video stars Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri as the titular couple, along with Vijay Raaz, Mallika Sherawat, and Archana Puran Singh.
OTT – Netflix