In recent years, particularly after the pandemic, a noticeable trend has emerged in films: the rise of sequels. In 2022 and 2023, several sequels achieved remarkable success. KGF: Chapter 2, the follow-up to the 2018 hit KGF: Chapter 1, became a pan-India sensation, breaking records and grossing over Rs. 1,200 crore worldwide. Similarly, Drishyam 2, a sequel to the 2015 thriller Drishyam, amassed both critical acclaim and strong box-office returns. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, a spiritual sequel to the 2007 horror-comedy, and Gadar 2, which hit theatres 22 years after the first part, also did well.

According to Ormax Media data, franchise films accounted for 17% of the Indian box office in 2019, but by 2023, this figure had risen to 45%. “The most anticipated Hindi films among regular theatregoers in India include Stree 2, Pushpa 2 - The Rule, Hera Pheri 3, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, War 2 and Singham Again,” Sanket Kulkarni, head of business development (theatrical), Ormax Media, tells us, adding that the trend also applies to Tamil and Telugu films.

“Sequels, by their very nature, bring with them a sense of continuity and established connection with characters,” says director Amar Kaushik, who is gearing up for the release of Stree 2. Elaborating, Kaushik says, “When a sequel is announced, viewers feel connected to the franchise because they have already loved the first part. The audiences think of such films as their own. Log expect karte hain sequel se, ki jitna maza unhein first part dekh kar aaya tha, next part bhi utna hi interesting bana hoga aur paise vasool honge.”

Seeing characters that they have loved, and looking forward to new journeys for them, makes it compelling for audiences, notes Gadar 2 director Anil Sharma. “So, the allure lies in revisiting familiar worlds and characters they’ve grown to love,” says Sharma, adding that that’s exactly why “characters and film ka essence same hona chahiye, jo pehle part mein tha, bas”.

The financial aspect of making sequels is a significant driving force behind the proliferation. “When a sequel is made, financing and selling become much easier. Studios and investors are more willing to back a project with a proven track record, just as audiences are more inclined to watch a continuation of a beloved story. These factors make sequels an attractive proposition for everyone involved,” says Sharma.

Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi opines, “[For industry stakeholders, too], sequels are a sure shot recipe for success as filmmakers build on the popularity of a movie that’s already touched the hearts of the people.”

The lineup of upcoming films is dominated by sequels — Stree 2, Singham Again and Raid 2 — demonstrating that sequels are a mainstay in the cinematic landscape.

Stree 2

Pushpa 2 - The Rule

Singham Again

Raid 2

War 2

Indian 2

Welcome To The Jungle

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

Border 2

Hera Pheri 3

Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1

Bhediya 2

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There’s no set formula for a sequel. The first thing is to see if you have a story left [from the first part]. There should be honesty. I took 5-6 years to come up with a sequel [to Stree] because I think not just the audience, but even I, should feel excited about the story and the graph of the characters. I believe that all filmmakers who are making a sequel should maintain the essence of the first film and its characters.

-Amar Kaushik director (Stree and Bhediya)