Bollywood Set for Overkill as 50 Sequels Lined Up Over 2 Yrs

Experts say that there is a strong sentiment from theatre owners and distributors for sequels and franchise films

- Lata Jha

Bollywood is ready to build on the franchise model like never before, with almost 50 sequels in the works and set for release in 2025 and 2026. Although theatre owners and distributors are receptive to the idea of sequels and franchise films in the manner of Marvel films, there is scepticism in some quarters and experts have warned of an overkill.

"There is already an overdose (of sequels). These franchise films obviously come with a strong brand and IP (intellectual property) and make for a sensible or de-risked kind of decision from producers, but it remains to be seen if there is strong interest from audiences for all of them," said Rahul Puri, managing director of Mukta Arts and Mukta A2 Cinemas.

Puri added that in the case of recent Marvel films, the feedback is that audiences have got sick of the movies and series that require previous titles to be watched to make sense of something new.