‘Stree 2’, ‘Gadar 2’, ‘OMG 2’ Box Office Success and the Rise of Franchise Films: Insights from Industry Experts

“Stree 2,” starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and Pankaj Tripathi, was released on Independence Day and became an instant hit, breaking multiple box office records. The film opened to an impressive Rs 54 crore, including Rs 7-8 crore from paid previews, and continued its strong performance over the weekend. This success follows the pattern set last year when “Gadar 2” and “OMG 2” dominated the Independence Day box office, with “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2” also emerging as a massive hit.

The success of “Stree 2” highlights the growing trend of franchise films and shared universes in Bollywood, with upcoming releases like “Singam Again,” “WAR 3,” and “Housefull 5” set to continue this momentum. Industry experts, including producers, writers, and analysts, have weighed in on the factors contributing to the success of these films and the challenges they face.

 

Brand Value and Expectations

Taran Adarsh, an industry expert, notes that sequels and franchise films benefit from pre-existing brand value, which helps draw audiences on the first day of release. However, he emphasizes that these films must surpass the expectations set by their predecessors. “Sequels come with expectations, and they need to outperform the first and second parts to be successful,” says Adarsh.

Writer-director Milap Zaveri adds that the success of a franchise is often built step by step, as seen with “Stree 2.” He credits Dinesh Vijan and his team for carefully crafting the film and creating a world that resonates with audiences. Zaveri points out that successful franchises, whether in Hollywood or India, benefit from established recognition, reducing the need for extensive marketing efforts compared to new films.

 

The Importance of Content

Despite the advantages of brand value, content remains king. Film exhibitor and distributor Akshay Rathi argues that high-quality, entertaining content is the primary driver of a film’s success. He cites examples like “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” which succeeded because they delivered engaging narratives. “Audiences are drawn to content that respects their time and provides value,” says Rathi.

Producer Ramesh Taurani echoes this sentiment, stating that a strong script is essential for a sequel’s success. He emphasizes that even with established brand value, a poorly written script can lead to a film’s downfall. Taurani adds that while brand equity helps reach a wide audience, it is the quality of the content that determines a film’s longevity.

 

Challenges and Risks

Creating sequels and franchise films comes with its own set of challenges. Amar Kaushik, the director of “Stree 2,” admits that making a sequel can be nerve-wracking, as the stakes are high, and there is a need to satisfy fan expectations. He highlights the importance of maintaining the originality of the film while introducing new elements and characters. Kaushik also stresses the significance of teamwork in bringing a successful sequel to life.

Rathi points out that not all universe films are guaranteed success. He references “Roohi,” which failed to replicate the success of “Stree” despite being part of the same horror-comedy universe. According to Rathi, while associating a film with a particular universe can create buzz, it is ultimately the entertainment value that determines a film’s success.

 

The Future of Franchise Films

Despite occasional setbacks, the franchise and universe film trend is here to stay. Rathi suggests that the success of films like “Munja” and “Bhediya” demonstrates the resilience of well-crafted franchise films. He believes that even when one film in a franchise disappoints, it does not necessarily spell the end for the series, as seen with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ability to bounce back after less successful entries.

As the popularity of sequels and franchise films continues to grow, audiences can expect more universes to be announced and new additions to existing ones. The key to sustained success will be the ability of filmmakers to innovate while staying true to the elements that made the original films resonate with audiences.