In Bollywood, it is common to find multiple films sharing the same name. While some titles have gone on to achieve cult status across generations, others seem to carry an air of misfortune. One such title is “Kasam”, a word meaning oath or promise in Hindi. Over the decades, several filmmakers have tried to use this title, often in very different genres but with one strange similarity – most of them turned out to be failures at the box office.
Let’s revisit the six notable films linked to this title and how they fared….
1. Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973):
Directed by Chetan Anand, this war drama was based on the 1971 India-Pakistan war. With powerhouse performers like Raj Kumar and Vijay Anand, expectations were high, especially since Chetan Anand had earlier delivered the classic Haqqeeqat (1964). Unfortunately, despite its patriotic theme and war backdrop, the film failed to connect with audiences. It lacked the emotional resonance and storytelling impact that its predecessor carried, making it a major disappointment.
2. Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999):
Over two decades later, Veeru Devgan, father of Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn, directed another film with the same title. This time, the cast included Bollywood heavyweights Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Manisha Koirala and Sushmita Sen. Despite its star power and a patriotic narrative, the film struggled with weak writing and patchy execution. It opened with curiosity but quickly faded, ending as an average performer at best.
3. Tumhari Kasam (1978):
This romantic drama directed by Ravi Chopra starred Jeetendra and Moushumi Chatterjee. With music by Rajesh Roshan, the film had all the ingredients of a Bollywood family entertainer. However, it received lukewarm reviews and failed to make a mark commercially. Its predictable storyline and lack of fresh elements made it unappealing to audiences who were being drawn to more dynamic cinema at the time.
4. Kasam (1988):
Directed by Umesh Mehra, this film featured Anil Kapoor and Poonam Dhillon in lead roles. The soundtrack, composed by the ever-popular Bappi Lahiri, added some sparkle. But despite the music and star presence, the film bombed at the box office. Its weak script and outdated treatment were widely criticised, and it is remembered today more for its failure than its content.
5. Kasam (2001):
Packed with a talented cast including Sunny Deol, Naseeruddin Shah, Chunky Pandey and Neelam, this action-drama was another attempt to revive the “Kasam” legacy. Unfortunately, it ended up being a forgettable affair. The film’s direction and storyline were considered outdated and it failed to attract audiences who were now leaning towards more polished and innovative narratives in the early 2000s.
6. Sanam Teri Kasam (2016 & 2025 re-release):
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This romantic tragedy introduced Harshvardhan Rane opposite Mawra Hocane. Released in 2016, it was made on a budget of around ₹18 crore but flopped, earning far less than expected. However, fate took a surprising turn when it was re-released in 2025. This time, the film struck a chord with younger audiences and managed to gross ₹53 crore, transforming its legacy from failure to sleeper success.
From patriotic dramas to intense romances and action-packed thrillers, the title “Kasam” has traveled across genres but rarely found success. While most films with this name were box-office disasters, the re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam shows that sometimes, timing makes all the difference.
Yet, the title remains largely synonymous with missed opportunities and Bollywood’s strange history of “unlucky” names. What are your views in this regard? Share your opinion with us.
