Sandalwood is seeing a slew of ‘part 2’ films that are in the making, establishing the fetish for sequels in the industry firmly.
A reason for this growing trend is the need to cash in on a tried and tested idea at the box office. The next lot of films coming up include Uppi 2, Huccha 2 and Ayya 2.
Director Mahesh Babu recently took time off from his busy schedule to camp in Shivasamudra to write the script for Chiru 2. He says, “Chiru (it starred Chiranjeevi Sarja and Kriti Karbandha) was well accepted by the audience and so to keep the popularity of the franchise going, I am working on a sequel which will be themed on love.” Mahesh opines that directors who attempt a ‘part 2’ continue from where ‘part 1’ left off. “There are sequels which use the same title as the first film but their story is entirely different. Others opt for a fresh star cast. But it’s using the same title that maintains the popularity of the film.”
Seems like director Om Prakash will top the list of making sequels. He has taken up Huccha 2 with Dhananjay and Ayya 2 with Chiranjeevi Sarja - Huccha had Sudeep in it while Ayya featured Darshan. Upendra says, “I am making a sequel because of the fans. I am led by their choice.”
We also hear that actor-director Kishan will be making a sequel to his directorial debut, Care of Footpath. Talking about this on his micro-blogging site, Kishan says, “Care of Footpath 2 is official.”
Even Sudeep is getting onto the list of forthcoming sequels. He is part of Kempegowda 2 and Bachchan 2. Uday K Mehta, who will be producing Bachchan 2 with Sudeep again, says, “My first film was marketed well and turned out to be a success. So a hit is always anticipated with a sequel. Bollywood has already adopted this formula and has been successful in making ‘part 2s’ like Dhoom 2, Dabbang 2, the Golmaal and Munnabhai series to name a few. Sequels definitely work provided you keep the same tempo of part 1.”
What works for sequels is the memory of the first. Says Mehta, “It is very difficult to re-create the hype a hit film and to keep the interest going with the audience. Out of the 100 films released, only 5 to 6 movies are perceived as being worth watching in the market.
‘‘I am of the thought that there should be a gap of at least two years between installments. The reason being that we have to allow the audience to sink into the first film. And as the clamour around it begin to recede, filmmakers should come out with the next in the series. Only then we can maintain curiosity and make the film seem like a fresh start.”