Filmmakers build on cinematic universes with prequels
Indian 3 will be a back story to the two released Kamal Haasan films, a prequel to Kannada hit Kantara is in the works. Jigarthanda DoubleX, a 2023 Tamil-language action drama, was a spiritual successor and prequel to Jigarthanda released in 2014. Trade experts say the trend tries to cash in on the formula of franchises that are a bigger draw after the pandemic than new and fresh stories.
“It only makes sense to extend a successful franchise as it increases the depth and equity of an existing brand. Once you have a powerful IP (intellectual property), chances are the awareness among the ticket-buying public will be high," independent exhibitor Vishek Chauhan said. Also read | Cluttered Independence Day weekend on the cards for movie theatres The theatrical business, especially after the pandemic, has been driven by brands and franchises, Chauhan said, with hits like Gadar 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Sooryavanshi emerging as some of the first hits after the reopening of theatres.
Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan that became the first Hindi film to cross the ₹500 crore mark in domestic box office collections, too, was part of producers Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe. The latest Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine, released late July, has crossed the ₹100 crore mark, having earned ₹115 crore at last count. Calling it a move that is more than welcome, Chauhan said the trend of prequels and spinoffs is the way forward.
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