As 2025 comes to a subdued close, Bollywood’s year leaves behind a lingering sense of disappointment. There were flashes of genuine brilliance, but they were overshadowed by far too many films where promise slowly dissolved. Big stars, ambitious visions, and towering expectations collapsed into hollow narratives and near-empty theatres. Watching talent, resources, and sincere hopes fall short was disheartening—leaving audiences with little more than regret and unanswered “what ifs.”
Here is our candid look at the five most disappointing Bollywood (Hindi) films of 2025—the ones that hurt the most to see fail. This list reflects the collective dismay echoed in critical reviews, sharp drops in ticket sales, online conversations filled with frustration, and the unmistakable feeling that these films could—and should—have been much better.
Sikandar
An Eid release starring Salman Khan naturally arrives with sky-high expectations. Sikandar was meant to be a full-blown mass entertainer—heroism, punchy action, and the unmistakable Salman Khan swagger that turns screenings into celebrations. Instead, the film felt oddly lifeless from the outset.
The script relied on outdated tropes that no longer resonated, the action lacked urgency, and the emotional moments failed to connect. What should have been a festive, crowd-pleasing experience turned into a sluggish and disconnected watch. Despite massive initial hype, word-of-mouth cooled rapidly, theatres emptied within days, and the film became one of the year’s most talked-about disappointments. It was particularly painful to see an icon like Salman Khan headline a project so far removed from what once made his cinema memorable.
Baaghi 4
Once known for its raw, adrenaline-fuelled action, the Baaghi franchise thrived on Tiger Shroff’s athleticism and stylish combat sequences. By the time Baaghi 4 arrived, that energy felt drained. While the stunts were still technically impressive, they came across as repetitive and mechanical, offering little novelty.
The narrative was wafer-thin, recycling familiar beats without emotional engagement. Tiger Shroff gave his all physically, but even his relentless effort couldn’t mask the creative fatigue permeating the film. Long-time fans left disappointed, and newer audiences found nothing fresh to latch onto. It marked the franchise’s lowest point—a quiet, sad reminder of how easily a once-promising series can lose its spark.
Emergency
Emergency was deeply personal to Kangana Ranaut—her vision, her direction, and her performance shaping a politically charged drama set during one of India’s most turbulent periods. The ambition was unmistakable: to provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and spark conversation. Unfortunately, the execution faltered.
The narrative felt uneven, with inconsistent pacing and a tone that swung between sincere drama and heavy-handed messaging. Performances, including Kangana’s, struggled to rise above the cluttered, agenda-driven writing. While controversy surrounded the film throughout its journey, the more damaging response was audience indifference. What could have been a compelling, conversation-starting film ended up feeling distant and unconvincing—a disappointing outcome for a project so passionately pursued by its creator.
Son of Sardaar 2
The original Son of Sardaar worked because of its boisterous Punjabi humour, family-centric chaos, and Ajay Devgn’s easy charm. The sequel attempted to recreate that same spirit by leaning heavily on nostalgia. However, the magic was missing. The jokes felt forced and outdated, comic timing was inconsistent, and the writing lacked freshness.
What was intended to be a light-hearted family entertainer turned into a tiring experience, with punchlines landing flat more often than not. Despite sincere efforts from Ajay Devgn and the cast, the film never found its rhythm. It was particularly disappointing given the goodwill carried by the original, making the sequel feel like a missed opportunity rather than a celebration.
War 2
War 2 was poised to be a defining chapter in the YRF Spy Universe—a slick, high-stakes showdown between two powerhouse performers. Expectations were immense: Hrithik Roshan’s precision, Jr. NTR’s intensity, and large-scale action mounted with visual finesse. Yet, when the film released, it felt oddly fatigued. The script leaned heavily on familiar spy-thriller tropes, the pacing dipped midway, and while the action was polished, it rarely delivered truly jaw-dropping moments. The chemistry between the leads surfaced in flashes but never fully ignited. Despite its scale and star power, War 2 failed to recreate the electric thrill of its predecessor, settling into mediocrity when it had the potential to be iconic.
As the year draws to an end, these films remain as lingering regrets. They arrived with stars, scale, and genuine promise, yet never quite found their light. Bollywood delivered undeniable highs in 2025, but these lows serve as a sobering reminder of how fragile cinematic success can be. Here’s hoping 2026 brings fewer disappointments—and more films that truly connect, inspire, and endure.
