From Mughal-e-Azam and Pakeezah to Lagaan, Tumbbad, Manikarnika and Brahmastra, these Bollywood films overcame delays, financial troubles, casting changes, injuries and production setbacks to finally reach audiences successfully against odds.
Vaishnavi Gavankar
July 11, 2026 / 19:01 IST
Mughal-e-Azam to Tumbbad: Bollywood movies that were completed against all odds
- Bollywood films face major production challenges.
- Issues include financial woes, casting, and delays.
- Some films took over a decade to complete.
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Making a film is never an easy process. From financial problems and production delays to casting changes, injuries and creative differences, several Bollywood movies have faced major challenges before reaching theatres. Some productions took years, while others were nearly abandoned midway. Yet, the filmmakers and actors refused to give up. Here are some memorable Bollywood films that were completed against all odds.
K Asif’s historical epic Mughal-e-Azam remains one of the most ambitious films ever made in Indian cinema. The movie <a href="https://mrmoviez.com/avengers-doomsday-trailer-release-date-and-time-reportedly-revealed/” title=”Avengers: Doomsday trailer release date and time reportedly revealed”>reportedly took more than a decade to complete, with production beginning in the 1940s and the film finally releasing in 1960.
The project faced repeated casting changes, financial difficulties and delays caused by its massive scale. The film’s elaborate sets, costumes and battle sequences demanded enormous time and recame a landmark in Hindi cinema
Pakeezah had one of the longest and most emotionally difficult production journeys in Bollywood. Directed by Kamal Amrohi and starring Meena Kumari, the film took around 14 years to reach the big screen.
Production was affected by the troubled relationship between Amrohi and Meena Kumari. Filming remained suspended for several years before the actress agreed to return and complete the project. Her declining health added another challenge. Pakeezah was released in 1972 and later earned the status of a timeless classic.
Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan was considered a major risk when it was being made. The film combined cricket, colonial history and a running time of nearly four hours. Several producers were reportedly unwilling to back the project before Aamir Khan decided to produce it himself.
The team filmed in the difficult weather conditions of Bhuj, Gujarat. Managing a large cast, complicated cricket sequences and an unconventional story made production demanding. Lagaan eventually became a critical and commercial success and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
Tumbbad faced years of delays, changing producers and financial uncertainty before its release in 2018. The atmospheric horror film reportedly took several years to complete because the makers wanted to shoot important portions during the monsoon.
The film underwent creative changes and extensive post-production work. Despite its difficult journey, Tumbbad received widespread praise for its visual storytelling, mythology and production design. It later developed a strong cult following.
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi faced considerable turmoil during production. Director Krish left the project before its completion, after which lead actor Kangana Ranaut stepped in to direct several portions.
The film also went through reshoots, scheduling problems and casting changes. Actor Sonu Sood exited the project, leading to the recasting of his role. Despite the controversies, Manikarnika was completed and released in 2019.
Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva
Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra took several years to make because of its extensive visual effects and large-scale action sequences. The production was also interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed shooting and post-production.
Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, the fantasy adventure finally released in 2022. Its completion showed how persistence, technology and long-term planning can help filmmakers overcome even the most complicated production challenges.
Vaishnavi Gavankar is a senior entertainment journalist with over 8 years of experience covering Bollywood, Television, OTT platforms, and regional cinema.
first published: Jul 11, 2026 07:00 pm
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