It’s take three
Number three must be the favourite digit of filmbuffs and filmmakers worldwide. And that’s because, after a successful run of sequels of films last year, their third parts are on the anvil. Hollywood has already taken a successful lead with Spiderman: 3, which garnered good revenue across continents.
The other third versions that Hollywood is preparing are: Shrek 3, Rush Hour 3, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Worlds End, etc. But apna Bollywood is not far behind, as it too is preparing its third sequel of Munnabhai and Koi Mil Gaya.
Besides, there are rumours of a Dhoom:3 as well. So is making sequels of a hit film becoming a safer bet for filmmakers and will they be third time lucky? LT tries to explore this trend.
As per script-dialogue writer Atul Tiwari of Mission Kashmir, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero, Agnivarsha, Drohkaal fame, making sequels is no alien concept to the entertainment industry.
“The trend has been quite prevalent in the West, and is now gradually picking up in our entertainment industry as well,” avers Tiwari, who, though doesn’t attribute it to dearth of fresh ideas.
“Rather making sequel to any movie is just an effort to fully exploit the hit subjects and characters. Actually, filmmakers don’t want to waste their popular characters, so they keep on making the sequels,” he explains.
And what’s wrong in that asks Rakesh Roshan who is planning a sequel to last year’s mega hit Krrish that will be third part of his film Koi Mil Gaya. “Frankly, I find nothing wrong in carrying forward the characters ahead in the form of series.
Audiences are wise today and no filmmaker can befool them by cashing in on the characters with a lousy storyline. Even while making a sequel, it’s for filmmakers to make sure that the storyline is captivating enough for the audience, and only then the film can be a hit,” opines Roshan.
Agrees Boman Irani aka Dr Asthana and Lucky Singh of Munna Bhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munna Bhai respectively, as he says, “Audience can relate better to an already popular character of a film.
Munna Bhai MBBS was a hit but its sequel Lage Raho… became even bigger hit as viewers were already familiar with Munna Bhai. Once the character was successful in pulling the crowd to theatres, it was the story of the movie that worked on people for making it a hit.”
Meanwhile, experts feel that sequels are no short cut to success. Trade analyst Komal Nahata maintains that making a series of a successful film is not an easy task. “Filmmakers have to work even harder while making the sequel.
They have to put their best efforts for proving their mettle at the box-office again. And if the filmmaker fails in doing the same, then the disapproval of the film by audiences becomes a major disappointment for him after the success of earlier series,” says Nahata.
But sequel aren’t usually a matter to worry. Film distributor Praveen Trikha maintains that sequels are usually a winner at BO.
He says, “Undoubtedly sequels like Krrish, Phir Hera Pheri, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dhoom-2, etc did very well at the BO, and so many filmmakers are planning next versions of successful films.
The trend is working in Indian market and such series also would prove to be a profitable venture for filmmakers and actors.” Well, three cheers for all filmbuffs!
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