The post-pandemic era in Bollywood was largely sustained by a familiar safety net: the sequel. From Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3 to blockbusters like Gadar 2 and Drishyam 2, following up on established hits was considered a straightforward formula for success. The logic was simple—audiences already knew the world, the characters, and the emotional core, so convincing them to buy a ticket seemed easier. However, 2025 delivered a harsh reality check, proving that change is the only constant. This year witnessed a dramatic slump for sequels, forcing the industry to confront a crucial lesson: brand recall does not automatically translate to brand value.
The 2025 Sequel Report Card: More Misses Than Hits
On paper, 2025's lineup of sequels looked formidable, boasting major stars and beloved franchises. Yet, the box office numbers told a story of widespread underperformance. A glance at the final collections reveals a landscape dotted with disappointments:
- Badass Ravi Kumar – Rs 8.55 crore
- Kesari Chapter 2 – Rs 92.74 crore
- Housefull 5 – Rs 183.38 crore
- Dhadak 2 – Rs 23.42 crore
- Baaghi 4 – Rs 53.38 crore
- War 2 – Rs 236.55 crore
- Jolly LLB 3 – Rs 117.5 crore
- De De Pyaar De 2 – Rs 72 crore
While some figures appear respectable in isolation, they pale in comparison to the benchmarks set by their predecessors and, more critically, to the massive budgets and sky-high expectations. For instance, Housefull 4 had collected Rs 210 crore, making the fifth installment's Rs 183.38 crore a relative underperformance given its colossal star cast and budget. The Baaghi franchise, once a roaring success, saw fatigue set in, with the fourth part earning a meager Rs 53.38 crore. Even highly anticipated films like War 2, despite starring Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr and being directed by Ayan Mukerji, could only muster Rs 236.55 crore in India, far from the first film's Rs 318 crore haul.
The Lone Warriors: Why Raid 2 and Sitaare Zameen Par Worked
Amidst the gloom, two sequels emerged as clear winners, demonstrating the formula for success. Raid 2 collected a robust Rs 173.44 crore, while Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par earned Rs 167.46 crore. Their triumph wasn't accidental. Trade experts point out that these films succeeded because they offered substantial value beyond mere brand name recognition.
Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par, delivered a meaningful story with strong performances and genuine emotional resonance. It felt like a sequel that deserved to exist. Raid 2, on the other hand, amplified the stakes and tapped into the contemporary public mood demanding accountability and justice, creating a powerful connection with the audience.
Expert Diagnosis: Where Did Bollywood Go Wrong?
Industry analysts have pinpointed several core reasons for the sequel debacle of 2025. Renowned trade expert Taran Adarsh warned, "If you're making a sequel or a franchise only to milk the brand then that’s the wrong thing to do. There has to be proper content to it else it will not work."
Exhibitor and distributor Raj Bansal highlighted a fundamental flaw: a severe shortage of good writers and a pervasive herd mentality. "Makers don't want to work on the story, just making some changes in the old script. And the audience today has understood that it is being cheated," he stated. Bansal contrasted this with South Indian cinema, where sequels like Kantara 2 or KGF 2 succeed due to rigorous story development.
Trade expert Komal Nahata offered a straightforward perspective, noting, "The audience is not foolish... they weigh each film as a stand-alone film." This insight underscores that viewers ultimately seek a compelling cinematic experience, not just a familiar title.
The biggest takeaway for Bollywood from 2025 is crystal clear: a sequel is not an inherent safe bet; only a good sequel is. The era of banking solely on past glory is over. As the industry looks ahead, the mandate is for stronger scripts, authentic emotional hooks, and respect for the audience's intelligence—lessons that will define its future far more than any franchise name.
