Vikramaditya Motwane's 2018 vigilante action film, "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero," starring Harshvardhan Kapoor, may not have set the box office on fire upon its initial release, but it has since cultivated a dedicated cult following. Motwane himself has reflected on the film's journey, acknowledging its theatrical struggles while appreciating its enduring appeal.
The film, co-written by Motwane with Anurag Kashyap and Abhay Koranne, tells the story of Sikandar "Siku" Khanna (Harshvardhan Kapoor) and his friends who create "Insaaf TV," a YouTube channel dedicated to exposing corruption and injustice in their city. As they escalate their efforts, they adopt the persona of masked vigilantes, but face increasingly dangerous consequences. "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" tackles themes of corruption, social responsibility, and the challenges of idealism in the face of apathy.
Upon its release on June 1, 2018, "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its gritty, realistic action and relevant themes, others found it long and somewhat boring. Commercially, the film underperformed, failing to recoup its ₹21 crore budget, earning only ₹4.75 crore at the box office.
Despite the initial setbacks, "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" found a new life through streaming platforms and word-of-mouth. Over time, it resonated with a growing audience, particularly young viewers, who connected with its themes of fighting injustice and holding those in power accountable. The film's continued relevance to contemporary social issues has solidified its cult status.
Motwane has attributed the film's initial failure to a lack of effective marketing. He suggested that the film did not find its target audience during its theatrical run. However, he also acknowledged that the film might have been ahead of its time, with audiences now more receptive to unconventional superhero stories that focus on grounded realism rather than larger-than-life spectacle.
Harshvardhan Kapoor has also expressed his gratitude for the film's cult following, noting that the "audiences didn't turn up" initially, but the film has "become cult over time thanks to fan love." He added that the film feels more relevant today with the way the world has changed.
The film's cult status is also fueled by its unique approach to the superhero genre. Unlike mainstream Bollywood superhero films, "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" presents a more realistic and gritty portrayal of vigilantism. It draws inspiration from DC films and Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" trilogy, creating a darker and more morally ambiguous world.
In February 2025, Motwane expressed his desire to re-release "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" in theaters, citing the growing trend of re-releasing films and the audience's enjoyment of seeing their favorites on the big screen again. He believes the film's themes are even more relevant today and that it deserves a second chance to connect with a wider audience.
"Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" stands as an example of a film that found its audience after its theatrical release, proving that a film's initial performance does not always determine its lasting impact. Its journey from box-office disappointment to cult classic highlights the importance of word-of-mouth, streaming platforms, and the enduring power of relevant storytelling.
