Amitabh Bachchan Rejected This Film: How It Became India's Biggest Box-Office Flop Despite Superstars
Discover the story behind the film Amitabh Bachchan rejected, starring Bollywood superstars, and why it became one of India's biggest box-office flops.

The era of multi-starrer films has long been a staple of Bollywood, often seen as a surefire way to attract audiences. Legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan have been a part of several successful multi-starrer films, and even today, this formula is considered a winning one. Movies like Singham Again, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Stree 2 have garnered immense success, following in the footsteps of iconic films like Sholay, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, and Amar Akbar Anthony that capitalized on star-studded ensembles. However, there are instances when even a multi-starrer film doesn’t live up to expectations. One such film, despite featuring six superstars, failed to make a significant impact at the box office, although it has since gained cult status.
The Burning Train: A Tale of High Hopes and Big Names
In 1980, The Burning Train was released, a movie that starred a lineup of some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Vinod Khanna, Jeetendra, Parveen Babi, and Neetu Kapoor. The film, based on a tragic train accident, revolved around a super-express train that sets out on its first journey from Delhi to Mumbai, only to catch fire on the very first day. The premise of the film was intense, and with such a star-studded cast, it seemed like a guaranteed hit.
However, despite its promising concept and impressive cast, The Burning Train failed to make a lasting impact at the box office. The film, produced by B.R. Chopra and Ravi Chopra, was initially expected to be a huge success, but it earned just 6 crore rupees against a production cost of 5 crore rupees. It was considered one of the biggest box-office flops of that year, disappointing both the filmmakers and the audience.
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Burning Train is the fact that Amitabh Bachchan, who was initially part of the cast, eventually chose to opt out of the project. While it was reported that his schedule did not align with the film’s timeline, the absence of such a major star is considered one of the factors that affected the film's potential. Despite the star power of Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and others, The Burning Train couldn’t sustain its early promise.
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The High Costs of Making The Burning Train
The making of The Burning Train was no small feat. Filming took five years, mainly because the filmmakers wanted to use a real train for the shoot to ensure authenticity. The train was even set on fire during the shooting to add realism to the disaster scenes. The filmmakers rented a real train from the Indian government, but the shoot caused significant damage to the train and other railway properties. This led to a costly loss worth millions. In the aftermath, the Indian government even sought compensation from the producers. However, B.R. Chopra refused to pay, citing that the film’s failure at the box office had left him in debt.
Though The Burning Train failed at the box office, it found a second life when it was later aired on Doordarshan, India’s national television channel. Over the years, the film gained popularity among audiences, becoming a cult classic. Today, it is still remembered fondly by many who grew up watching it on television, and it holds a unique place in the history of Indian cinema.
The Burning Train serves as a reminder that even star-studded films with massive budgets and high expectations can sometimes fail. However, its journey from box-office flop to cult classic highlights how films can find new life in the years following their release. With its dramatic premise, memorable performances, and unique production history, The Burning Train will always be remembered as a film that, despite its failure, earned a special place in the hearts of many viewers.