Is Salaam Bombay! Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Salaam Bombay! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Salaam Bombay! Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1988, Salaam Bombay! enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on Young Krishna is abandoned at the Apollo Circus by his mother, who informs him that he can only return home when he can afford ₹500 for his brother's bicycle that he destroyed. Under the direction of Mira Nair, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Shafiq Syed, Hansa Vithal, Chanda Sharma. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Salaam Bombay! offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Salaam Bombay! is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7.3/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Crime, Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Salaam Bombay! Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $450,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $7,434,176 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Salaam Bombay! Budget
The estimated production budget for Salaam Bombay! is $450,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Cast of Salaam Bombay!
- Shafiq Syed – Krishna / Chaipau
- Hansa Vithal – Manju Golub
- Chanda Sharma – Sola Saal
- Anita Kanwar – Rekha Golub
- Nana Patekar – Baba Golub
Top Highlights
Shafiq SyedKrishna / Chaipau
Hansa VithalManju Golub
Chanda SharmaSola Saal
Anita KanwarRekha Golub
Nana PatekarBaba Golub
AnjaanChild at the Circus
Amrit PatelCircus Boss
Irrfan KhanLetter Writer
Raghubir YadavChillum
Raju BernadKeera
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, Salaam Bombay! stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salaam Bombay! movie hit or flop?
Salaam Bombay! is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Drama movies.
Is Salaam Bombay! worth watching?
Yes, Salaam Bombay! is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Drama cinema.
What genre is Salaam Bombay!?
Salaam Bombay! is a Crime, Drama movie that Young Krishna is abandoned at the Apollo Circus by his mother, who informs him that he can only return home when he can afford ₹500 for his brother's ...
