Regardless of the first instalment's success, most Bollywood sequels have struggled to make an impact, creating a recurring pattern. This curse has persisted for years without any apparent solution in sight. Genre scarcely matters – whether horror, drama, or comedy – audiences have grown wary of sequel releases due to consistent disappointments over recent years. Yet, Bollywood is known for its surprises. A handful of sequels have managed not only to capture audience affection but also thrive at the box office. Remarkably, some of these sequels even outperform their predecessors, a rarity in the industry. These successes span a diverse range of genres, making the formula for a successful sequel an elusive enigma.
Here are some of Bollywood’s hit sequels
1. Krrish (2006)
India's inaugural superhero film, Krrish, served as the sequel to Koi Mil Gaya. Picking up right where its predecessor left off, Krrish introduces novel storylines and characters. Audiences embraced this sequel, demonstrating a fondness for the concept of an Indian superhero.
2. Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006)
Lage Raho Munnabhai follows the hit film Munnabhai M.B.B.S. The original's dialogues and characters remain iconic over the years due to its remarkable success. Upon its sequel's release, Lage Raho Munnabhai showcased the lead character, Munnabhai, in a new light while retaining his familiar persona. This sequel maintained the humour, heart, and endearing qualities of the original, securing its place among the esteemed roster of triumphing Bollywood sequels.
3. Dhoom 2 (2006)
A Yash Raj Films creation, both Dhoom and its sequel Dhoom 2 are crime thriller movies. Dhoom set the bar high with bike chases, heists, and the classic clash between good and evil. Building on this success, YRF elevated the sequel, introducing more intricate plots, exotic settings, and new characters. Dhoom 2 features Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra reprising their roles as Mumbai police officers, while Hrithik Roshan takes on the role of a suave, tech-savvy thief. These innovative additions propelled Dhoom 2 to even greater heights, surpassing the success of its predecessor.
4. Gangs of Wasseypur 2 (2012)
Considered a rite of passage for Bollywood enthusiasts, Gangs of Wasseypur stands as a true indie gem. Despite its independent nature, the film captured massive attention and unexpectedly resonated with Bollywood audiences. The memorable dialogues and characters have garnered a dedicated fan base. Surpassing expectations, Gangs of Wasseypur 2, the sequel, achieved even greater success than its predecessor. This film also marked a pivotal moment for Nawazuddin Siddiqui, propelling him to become one of Bollywood's most exceptional actors.
5. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)
A prime illustration of a sequel's remarkable success lies in Tanu Weds Manu Returns. This sequel not only captivated audiences but also outshone its predecessor. So significant was the impact of Tanu Weds Manu Returns upon release that it enticed many to watch the original film. While the first instalment was an unexpected hit, the sequel's director skillfully blended compelling storylines, impactful moments, and a harmonious blend of romance, drama, and comedy. The result was nothing short of a resounding triumph.
6. Drishyam 2
A remake of the Malayalam movie of the same name, Drishyam 2 is the sequel to the hit thriller film Drishyam. The film has most of the cast reprising their role, with the addition of Akshaye Khanna who plays a cop. The movie follows the story of the Salgaonkar family, and how they quite closely escape being caught again. Just as thrilling, this one made news for being a thriller that matches up to its predecessor's success.