Ever since the pan-India phenomena came into force — particularly post the success of the Baahubali series (2015 & 2017) and KGF Chapter 1 and 2 (2018 & 2022) — the trend of sequels and prequels are on the rise. And the Kannada film industry is not an exception.
The latest is the prequel of Kantara (2022). Helmed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara 2 is in the production stage.
Even Rakshit Shetty’s Sapta Sagaradaache Ello (2023) is made in two parts — Side A and Side B. While Side A hit the theatres recently, Side B is scheduled for release in October.
The next big pan-India project in Kannada that is up for release in the near future is Dhruva Sarja-starrer Martin.
Martin taking its own time
In fact, Martin has been in the making for almost two years now and is one of the most anticipated projects in Kannada. It stars Dhruva Sarja in the lead.
Considering the amount of time the movie is taking to hit screens, there are speculations that it might hit the screens in two parts.
Martin producer Uday K Mehta seems to have his own take on the trend of making prequels and sequels.
“Making a prequel or sequel should be based on the success of a film. That makes sense to me. It’s been two years since we started Martin, and every schedule is taking its own course of time,” he told South First.
“We are working hard to give our best and meet the expectations and the examples set by recent phenomenal successes of Kannada films,” Mehta said.
He added that the shooting of some fighting sequences and songs is pending for Martin.
MARTIN TEASER 💪🏼
PLS Do WATCH , SHARE AND ENCOURAGE US 😊
Jai Hanuman 🙏https://t.co/lhO3dBLG5b— Dhruva Sarja (@DhruvaSarja) February 23, 2023
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On Gadar 2
The recent Bollywood flick Gadar 2 broke several box-office records, including being the fastest Indian film ever to cross ₹500 crore collections. It is now the third Indian film in terms of highest box-office collection.
Analysts predict that it could end up becoming the highest-ever-grossing Indian film if the trend continues in the coming weeks.
In this case, Uday K Mehta pointed out, “It is a sequel to a film that was released 22 years ago. It has set a great example that a sequel or prequel to such films is bound to succeed even if a movie is decades old.”
He hastened to add, “The humungous success it attained and the way it has been embraced by the audience say it all!”
#Gadar2 inches closer to the next milestone: #Baahubali2 #Hindi… Will become the SECOND-HIGHEST grossing #Hindi film TODAY [Fri].
⭐️ Week 1: ₹ 284.63 cr
⭐️ Week 2: ₹ 134.47 cr
⭐️ Week 3: ₹ 63.35 cr
⭐️ Week 4: ₹ 27.55 cr
⭐️ Total: ₹ 510 cr#India biz. Nett BOC. #Boxoffice pic.twitter.com/krZDBSuDg8— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) September 8, 2023
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‘Script work crucial’
According to the producer, script work is one of the biggest challenges while making pan-Indian films.
“When we are making a film for the regional audience, it is much easier to write and make a film to suit the local audience. But, when making for the pan-Indian audience, one has to take into account several factors. Hence, the amount of time that goes into making a pan-Indian film is more when compared to making it for the regional audience,” Uday K Mehta explained.
The story of Martin is written by actor-director Arjun Sarja. He shared that he penned the commercial story of the film exclusively by keeping his nephew Dhruva Sarja in mind.
Directed by AP Arjun, the film features Vaibhavi Shandilya as the female lead and is supported by Anveshi Jain and Sukruta Wagle.
