7 Low-Budget Movies Like Hanuman Ansh And Obsession, You Need To Watch Right Now

Big-budget films often rely on stars, grand sets and expensive visual effects. But several smaller films have found a much bigger audience with simple stories and strong word-of-mouth.

From regional hits to psychological thrillers, films like Hanuman Ansh, Obsession, Tourist Family, among many others have made an impact without massive production costs.

7 Low-Budget Movies You Need To Watch Right Now

1. Hanuman Ansh

Based on the life of spiritual figure Neem Karoli Baba, Hanuman Ansh has emerged as one of 2026's biggest low-budget success stories. It opened slowly but gained momentum through word-of-mouth.

Despite not having a major star in the lead, the devotional drama went on to become a major box-office success. So far, it has grossed Rs 400 crore worldwide.

ALSO READ - Hanuman Ansh Twitter Review: Audiences Praise Neem Karoli Baba Biopic For Its Spiritual Story

2. Bethlehem Kudumba Unit

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit follows Ashley, played by Mamitha Baiju, who returns after studying abroad. She meets Justin, played by Nivin Pauly, an older man she had fallen in love with before leaving. Family opposition and their age gap had kept them apart. Ashley's return brings those old feelings back.

The Malayalam romantic comedy recovered its entire production budget in its first week. It later earned more than 10 to 12 times its initial cost.

3. Backrooms

Backrooms comes from 20-year-old filmmaker, musician and YouTuber Kane Parsons. The psychological horror film follows a therapist who enters a mysterious dimension after her patient suddenly disappears.

She sets out to find and save him. According to Box Office Mojo, Backrooms has earned more than $197.5 million in North America. Its overseas collection has reached $203.45 million in 84 days.

4. Tourist Family

Tourist Family is a Tamil slice-of-life comedy drama starring M. Sasikumar, Simran, Mithun Jai Sankar and Kamalesh Jagan. Directed by Abishan Jeevinth, the 2025 film found success as a sleeper hit.

Made on a budget of just Rs 7 crore, the movie earned more than Rs 90 crore worldwide. Its worldwide run put its profit over the budget at around 1200%, turning it into a major success.

5. Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate

The Gujarati devotional movie Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate is another example of a small investment leading to huge box-office returns. The film was reportedly made for around Rs 50 lakh. It earned more than Rs 120 crore worldwide. 

Positive word-of-mouth and its devotional subject helped it attract audiences. The movie's success also made it one of the biggest hits in Gujarati cinema.

6. Su From So

Set in the village of Marlur near Someshwara, Su From So follows Ashoka, a carefree young man whose innocent crush takes an unexpected supernatural turn. Rumours soon spread that he is possessed by a ghost named Sulochana. The villagers then try to drive the spirit away. What follows is a mix of comedy, chaos and spiritual twists.

The Kannada movie became a sleeper hit in 2025 and earned Rs 125 crore worldwide.

ALSO READ - Did You Know Obsession's Inde Navarrette Has An Unexpected Link To Indian Filmmaker?

7. Obsession

Released on May 29, Obsession is a psychological horror thriller directed by 26-year-old filmmaker Curry Barker. The story explores unhealthy relationships, emotional control and the consequences of manipulating another person's feelings.

Obsession has recorded Rs 3,851.14 crore in worldwide gross, including Rs 100.96 crore from India and Rs 1,505 crore overseas, across 65,360 shows, according to Sacnilk.