The Sequel Economy: Bollywood's gamble on familiar franchises

In the ever-evolving landscape of Hindi cinema, 2025 stands out as a pivotal year, marked by an unprecedented surge in sequels and franchise films. This trend, often referred to as the "sequel economy," underscores Bollywood's strategic pivot towards familiar narratives and established universes in an attempt to rejuvenate box office revenues and re-engage audiences.


A Lineup Dominated by SequelsThe upcoming months are set to witness a deluge of sequels, each aiming to capitalize on the success of its predecessor:

• War 2: Slated for release on August 14, this high-octane action thriller brings back Hrithik Roshan as Agent Kabir, now facing off against Jr. NTR. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film is a significant addition to Aditya Chopra's spy universe.
  
  
  
• Housefull 5: This comedy franchise returns on June 6, featuring a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film promises the signature slapstick humor that fans have come to expect.
  
  
  
• Jolly LLB 3: Set for a September 19 release, this legal drama sees Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi reprising their roles as rival lawyers, with Saurabh Shukla returning as the quirky judge.
  
  
  
• Baaghi 4: Tiger Shroff returns in this action-packed sequel, scheduled for September 5. The film introduces a new antagonist, played by Jackie Shroff, adding a fresh dynamic to the series.
  
  
  
• De De Pyaar De 2: Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh reunite in this romantic comedy, with R. Madhavan joining the cast. The film is expected to release on November 14.
  
  
  
• Sitaare Zameen Par: A spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed "Taare Zameen Par," this film, starring Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh, explores themes of inclusivity through a sports comedy lens.
  
  
  
• Thama: Part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, this film introduces a vampire narrative with Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead. Scheduled for a Diwali release, it continues the studio's trend of blending horror with humor.
  
  
  
• Son of Sardaar 2: Ajay Devgn returns in this sequel, which promises more action and comedy. The release date is yet to be announced.
  

• Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: This romantic comedy, directed by Shashank Khaitan and starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, is set to release in the second half of the year. The film is considered to be an extension of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania.
  
  
  
• Metro... In Dino: An ensemble cast featuring Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, and others come together in this Anurag Basu directorial, exploring urban relationships. The film is an extension of Metro directed by Basu which featured Irrfan Khan, Konkana Sen Sharma, Shilpa Shetty and Dharmendra

• Alpha with Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor will be the latest addition in Aditya Chopra's Spy Universe which is slated to release in December this year.
  
  

The Rationale Behind the Sequel SurgeThe inclination towards sequels is not arbitrary. In 2024, Bollywood experienced a 7% decline in box office collections compared to the previous year. This downturn has been attributed to various factors, including the rise of streaming platforms, changing audience preferences, and the underperformance of original content. Sequels, with their built-in fan bases and proven track records, offer a semblance of financial security in an unpredictable market.

Moreover, the success of southern Indian cinema, particularly Telugu-language films, has demonstrated the potential of high-octane action and emotionally resonant storytelling. Bollywood's response has been to emulate these elements, often within the framework of existing franchises.



Potential Risks and the Need for InnovationWhile sequels offer certain advantages, they are not without risks. An overreliance on familiar narratives can lead to creative stagnation, alienating audiences seeking fresh content. Furthermore, not all sequels guarantee success; the failure of a high-profile sequel can result in significant financial losses.

Industry insiders have voiced concerns about this trend. Director Anurag Kashyap, for instance, has criticized Bollywood's focus on profit over creativity, leading him to distance himself from the industry. Such sentiments highlight the need for a balanced approach that values both commercial viability and artistic innovation

The Road AheadThe performance of these upcoming sequels will be instrumental in shaping Bollywood's future trajectory. Success could reinforce the current strategy, leading to more franchise-based content. Conversely, underwhelming results might prompt a reevaluation, encouraging investment in original stories and diverse genres.

Ultimately, the sustainability of the sequel economy hinges on the industry's ability to blend familiarity with novelty, ensuring that while audiences are drawn in by recognizable titles, they stay engaged through compelling storytelling and fresh perspectives.