Bollywood churns out hundreds of movies a year, some are excellent and some are awful but some are soo bad that they are good. These movies are termed Brain Rot Movies. They generally have convoluted, absurd plots, over-the-top performances, and lack of coherence.
These films fail to impress critics and audiences alike at the time of their release and tend to gain momentum after a few years due to online culture. Prime examples of such films are Tees Maar Khan, Bhagam Bhaag, and De Dana Dan, amongst several other Akshay Kumar starrers from the late 2000s.
Why do these brain rot movies initially fail?
When it comes to movies, especially in Bollywood, timing and audience expectations can significantly impact a film’s performance. Bollywood has always had strong tropes—family dramas, love stories, and hero-centric action flicks—so when filmmakers experimented with wild, nonsensical storylines or eccentric characters, the viewers rejected them. Audiences in the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s were largely accustomed to conventional storylines and “safe” filmmaking, and these offbeat films didn’t fit the mould.
Secondly, Critics often labelled these movies as chaotic or poorly made, and their negative reviews deterred many potential viewers. A film that is slammed as “brainless” or “nonsensical” doesn’t typically encourage people to buy a ticket, leading to poor box office performance. At the time of release, films like Gunda (1998) or Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002) were panned for their laughably bad dialogues, inconsistent storylines, and bizarre special effects.
The Cult Status Phenomenon of Brain Rot Movies: What Changed?
While these movies failed to draw in crowds during their initial releases, they have since developed a dedicated fanbase. So what contributed to their resurrection? Over time, audience tastes have evolved, and many now view these movies through a more ironic lens. What was once seen as ridiculous and poorly made is now seen as “so bad it’s good.” Modern viewers appreciate the unintentional humour and campiness of these films. The absurdity that once seemed like a detriment is now celebrated for its sheer entertainment value.
With the rise of the internet and meme culture, these brain-rot movies found a second life. Movies like Gunda and Jaani Dushman have been clipped and turned into memes that circulate on social media platforms. Fans share iconic scenes, dialogue, and over-the-top action sequences, creating an online community that revels in the absurdity of these films. A once-forgotten scene can suddenly become viral, igniting interest in the movie and turning it into a cult classic.
Bollywood’s brain rot movies may have failed to find their footing when they first hit theatres, but their journey from flop to cult classic showcases the unpredictable nature of audience tastes. These films, once ridiculed for their absurdity, have found new life thanks to changing cultural perspectives, nostalgia, and internet culture. Today, they stand as a testament to how time can reshape our understanding of what makes a movie “good” or “bad.” After all, even the most nonsensical movies can become timeless entertainment in the right context.
