Sequels to hit films aren’t anything new. However, in the Covid-19 era, when theatres need patrons to fill maximum number of seats, this tried and tested formula could just do the trick.

A host of instalments are in the making, and some are set to release in theatres this year itself. Sample this long list: Satyameva Jayate 2 (SJ2), Ek Villain Returns, both starring John Abraham, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (BB2) with Kartik Aaryan, Badhaai Do with Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, and more.

Citing past examples of how much power a franchise or instalment holds, trade expert Atul Mohan says, “Housefull, Golmaal are highly successful films, and all their parts worked. Similar was the case with Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish. What will help in the current scenario is that you already have a popular title, so it’ll make an instant connection with the audience. Marketing will also be easy, but the content of course will do the talking.”

Anees Bazmee, who is helming BB2, says there are both advantages and disadvantages to a sequel. He adds, “There’s already a positive frame of mind. People have expectations, so there are chances of the film working. The downside could be that, while a normal film is judge on it’s own merit, the sequel is always judged in comparison with the first one. If the second one is not a bigger hit, people say ‘kami reh gayi’.”

While Bunty Aur Babli 2 will see Saif Ali Khan alongside Rani Mukerji, Hungama 2 will have an ensemble cast of Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Meezaan and Pranitha Subhash.

Abraham, who leads the show in SJ2, says, “The film must be entertaining. If it has that and is in a commercial masala space, so be it. Milap (Milan Zaveri, director) makes mass films, and I love his conviction.”

Zaveri feels sequels are awaited at the box office. “The goodwill of the first part ensures excitement. I’m confident, we will give audiences double the action, dialogue-baazi and heroism,” he quips.

Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi however believes sequels aren’t a guaranteed hit formula. “If it’s a badly made film, and doesn’t connect with people, it will go nowhere. The simple reason why any franchise like Dhoom, Munnabhai does well, is because people really connect to those characters. They have great memories. Beyond that, there is nothing else sequels can do,” he reasons.