Tamil cinema has witnessed a growing trend of sequels, especially following the success of blockbusters. Filmmakers often choose to develop sequels to capitalize on the popularity of the original film, leveraging its established fan base, brand value, and commercial appeal. The approach ensures higher anticipation and pre-release buzz, significantly reducing the promotional effort needed to draw audiences to theaters.
“A sequel gives me the chance to delve deeper into their journeys and emotions, offering something more for the audience,” feels Lokesh Kanagaraj.
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While CV Kumar, producer of ‘Pizza’ and ‘Soodhu Kavvum’ franchises, says, “Franchises sell better than original films because they already have an established fan base. People are more likely to come back for a sequel, knowing the characters and the story. It’s a safer investment.”
Advantages of Sequels
One of the primary advantages of creating a sequel is its built-in audience. Fans of the original film eagerly await a continuation, leading to strong pre-release bookings. This ensures a solid opening weekend at the box office, crucial for a film’s financial success. Sequels also allow filmmakers to expand the universe of the original story, introducing new characters or delving deeper into existing ones. This often attracts not just returning viewers but also new audiences curious about the evolving narrative.
Moreover, sequels provide an opportunity to refine and build upon the strengths of the first movie. Directors and writers can address criticisms of the original and enhance storytelling, visuals, or action sequences. From a production standpoint, sequels are a safer bet for producers as they come with reduced risk due to the already-established goodwill of the first installment.
“A sequel is always challenging because it has to meet the expectations set by the original. But it also gives us the opportunity to build upon what worked and improve the rest”, ‘Singam’ star Suriya expressed his views on the sequels.
Disadvantages of Sequels
However, sequels are not without challenges. One significant drawback is the high expectations from fans. If the sequel fails to live up to or surpass the original, it risks backlash, which can tarnish the reputation of the franchise. Critics and audiences often compare sequels to their predecessors, and underwhelming follow-ups can negatively affect box office performance and the credibility of the filmmakers. Creative stagnation is another issue. Sequels often face criticism for lacking originality, with some relying heavily on the success formula of the original instead of offering fresh ideas. This can result in a loss of novelty, making the film feel repetitive or uninspired.
Additionally, the pressure to deliver a sequel may force filmmakers to rush production, compromising the quality of storytelling or technical execution. Financially, sequels usually come with higher budgets due to audience expectations for grandeur, increasing the risk if the movie fails to perform.
In conclusion, while sequels to blockbusters in Tamil cinema offer undeniable advantages such as commercial viability and audience loyalty, they also come with risks, including heightened expectations and creative challenges. Success depends on a fine balance between honoring the original and delivering an innovative, engaging continuation.
These statements showcase how Tamil filmmakers view sequels as both a commercial opportunity and a creative challenge. ‘Jailer 2’, ‘Sardar 2‘, ‘Indian 3’, ‘Thani Oruvan 2’, ‘Kaithi 2‘, ‘Sarpatta 2’, ‘Mookuthi Amman 2’, and ‘Thupparivalan 2’ are the major sequels that await Kollywood fans in the upcoming days, and let’s wait to see how filmmakers manage to meet the expectation.
