The success of a film urges the directors to cash in on its fortune and turn it into a franchise! Bollywood has, over the time, become so obsessed with sequels that almost every film these days has a successor to follow. But making a sequel to a successful film requires a strategic thought as it not only doubles up the expectations of the audience but also increases the risk of losing the brand value. After all, it’s not always possible to recreate the magic of the original! While there are many sequels that proved to be a bad decision for the filmmakers, there are those which managed to attract a bigger success and smashed the previous records! Here is a list of 10 sequels that did better than their predecessors:
1. Dhoom, Dhoom 2 and Dhoom 3
Bikes, Speed, Action and a cool thief- Dhoom had all that a film requires to be a hit amongst the audience! It gave John Abraham the break he needed and made him a star overnight. Dhoom 2 turned out to be bigger and better! The cool thief turned hot as Hrithik Roshan raised the bar even further. And when Aamir Khan entered the game in the third part, the brand broke all the past records at the box-office. Dhoom proved to be one of the most successful franchises of Bollywood!
2. Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai
Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi made an inspiring pair that will remembered for years ahead. Munnabhai was an epic movie that showcased the brilliance of Rajkumar Hirani as a director. A kind of film that carries tremendous repeat value even today! The follow-up was equally side-splitting as Munna and Circuit managed to amuse the audience once again in Lage Raho Munnabhai. The third sequel is eagerly awaited!
3. Hera Pheri and Phir Hera Pheri
One of the most rib-tickling comedies of Bollywood, Hera Pheri was a massive hit at the box-office. It was an unusual comedy that captured the hearts of the audience. Paresh Rawal was the real star of the movie though Akshay and Sunil Shetty delivered an equally stellar performance on their part! The trio made a smashing return on the silver screen with the sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, which too delivered a good show!
4. Aashiqui and Aashiqui 2
Aashiqui became a huge success way back in 1990 and gave the Bhatt camp a different identity altogether. It was a romantic musical drama film that not only became a blockbuster but also one of the highest grossing films of that time. More than 20 years later, Aashiqui 2 outshone the success of its predecessor. The music of the film broke all the past records and almost became an anthem of love. Aashiqui 2 can be regarded as one of the most successful sequels ever made in Bollywood!
5. Golmaal, Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3
Rohit Shetty’s laugh-riot comedy, Golmaal took the audience on a joyful ride of insane fun and laughter. It was a mad film that left the audience in splits and turns. What followed was a boisterous series of endless entertainment! The sequels, Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3 did even better than the previous one. Golmaal has now become a brand name that has a cult following in India.
6. Dabangg and Dabangg 2
Salman Khan’s films don’t really need a sequel to become a franchise. Each and every movie is a brand in itself. Salman’s home production Dabangg became the highest opening week grosser film of Bollywood. A sensational blockbuster, it gave him the identity of an iconic police officer. The songs were a hit too! With Dabangg 2, the franchise became even more strong, leaving the audience in awe of the actor!
7. Housefull and Housefull 2
Yet another comedy series, Housefull was first released in the year 2010 with Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh as the main leads. Though the film received mixed reviews upon release, it eventually became a blockbuster on the box-office. The second instalment was released in 2012 and had a huge star-cast in the show. Housefull 2 was a major hit amongst the audience.
8. Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish and Krrish 3
Rakesh Roshan’s Koi Mil Gaya was a considerably unique science fiction film that was based on the concept of extra-terrestrial life. Being the first of its kind, the film received much appreciation from the audience as well as the critics. Its successor Krrish gave India its very own super-hero and became a film of global significance! The third instalment went a step ahead in terms of its concept and became much popular amongst the younger generation.
9. Singham and Singham Returns
Another popular franchise from Rohit Shetty’s production house, Singham is known for its spectacular action sequences and a thrilling storyline. Released in the year 2011, it became one of the highest grossing films of the year. The much awaited sequel to the film, Singham Returns was released on the Independence Day last year. The film received an equally positive response and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
10. Tanu Weds Manu and Tanu Weds Manu Returns
Anand L. Rai’s Tanu Weds Manu makes a gleaming entry on the list as the sequel to the film becomes a massive hit in just two weeks of its release! The first instalment, released in the year 2011 was much liked by the audience and eventually became a hit. Its sequel is doing much better than the original and has already entered the 100 crore club in India.
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