The films Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006) remain etched in the minds of cinegoers. Around 17 years later, the hit trio of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty are coming together for its third part. Similar is the case with Indian, (1996), which is being revisited for a second part after 27 years. Gadar (2001), which saw actor Sunny Deol rise to ranks of a superstar, is also getting a sequel.

However, there is ample proof of adaptations and sequels not working out — Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021), which came out 16 years after the first part, Namaste England (2018) and Love Aaj Kal (2020), both of which were revisited 11 years after the release of the original. All of these disappointed, both critically and commercially. Despite this, is it a safe bet or a risky proposition to be revisiting film brands that were established decades ago?

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who successfully revisited Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) through Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 last year, says nothing is “safe” in this day and age. “People’s moods change every day. Aisa bol hi nahin sakte ki any film will work 100%. It’s just your gut feeling and experience. Iss tarah ki films ko revisit karna mehnat ka kaam hai. It’s a huge responsibility because the previous film has had such goodwill,” he adds.

Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Omkara (2006) and Desi Boyz (2011) are also on the list of films to be revisited. Producer Anand Pandit, who has backed these films, says: “Some stories are eternal, like Omkara. We have to tell it differently. But, if you bring, say, Sholay 2 today, it will not work. You can’t experiment with the main story. If it’s a franchise like Dhamaal or Masti, you can bring any story as ultimately, you just want to bring smiles on people’s faces. There is no connection with the first film as such. The name is just for recollection.”

The love for the story is what made director Anil Sharma revisit Gadar. “People gave the original so much love, it’s the public’s film. Maine kabhi pressure liya nahin. Public dekhegi, mere haath mein kuchh nahin hai. Business side of things is important, but so is the craft,” he says.

But, exhibitor Akshaye Rathi feels a story needs to be plated differently, if revisited. “The audience has changed completely. The older one is great to borrow from, but the content that comes out in the new version needs to be like old wine in a new bottle. You have to repackage and modernize it. As long as that can be done, why not [revisit]?” says Rathi.