Tamil cinema and its obsession with sequels…

A city-based theatre owner claims Aranmanai 4 is one title that could help determine the financial fate of Tamil cinema this summer.

This is a clear indication that the producers would rather play it safe and release successful and well-received sequels rather than take a chance on fresh content.

Sundar C, in press interactions, mentioned that the making of the sequel has been anything but easy. He added, his team began the sequel with a bigger goal and it was his responsibility to take it forward.

In the latest interview, the filmmaker noted, “When you become a commercial filmmaker, you have to be ready for the criticism. You need to develop a thick skin because commercial films are not going to get favourable reviews.”

Aranmanai 4 review: Tamannaah shines in the best instalment in Sundar C’s horror franchise

Why do sequels work?

Tamannaah in ‘Aranmanai 4’. (X)

Currently, in today’s world, a movie’s shelf life is largely determined by how well it performs at the box office during its opening week, which makes sequels a safe bet.

The main reason behind directors opting to create sequels is that the characters are largely well-known. Thus, there’s no need to re-introduce them.

Additionally, franchises have an unparalleled recall value.

Theatre-goers are aware that, in the case of sequels, they won’t be disappointed because they already know what to expect.

One of the greatest benefits a franchise brings is the immediate connection a sequel makes with the viewers.

A proven hit’s brand equity carries great financial value, which is why there are more takers for sequels.

The element of surprise is another factor.

A big reason for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (released in 2017) being the best of all is that SS Rajmouli left the audience hanging in the original. There was plenty of time for fans to speculate about what the filmmaker might have planned. It’s a brilliant ruse to maintain the excitement until the steam runs out.

The idea is that if you get the same people on board, the ‘magic’ should work again.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan’s ‘Indian 2’ to be released in June

Why don’t sequels work?

A poster of the film ‘Indian’. (X)

The trade believes that for a sequel to succeed, it must have a connection to the original narrative and incorporate characters from the first instalment.

“That’s the reason why I have mixed feelings about Indian 2,” says another tracker, adding, “I don’t think half the cast is retained as the original.”

Nevertheless, a prominent producer of the latest Tamil franchise film, who wished to remain anonymous, claims that fan bases and star worship are the main forces behind producers’ decision to keep creating sequels.

However, critics in the Tamil film industry believe that many sequels attempt to capitalise on the popularity of a previous film, rather than following a logical storyline progression, which results in a convoluted and drawn-out narrative.

According to a few trackers that South First spoke with, the most anticipated titles of 2024 are either sequels or are part of well-known franchises such as Indian and Pushpa.

Allu Arjun, who was at the Berlin Film Festival, a couple of months ago, said, fans can certainly expect Pushpa 3.

In the film industry, franchise-based films typically do well at the box office. But there is one thing to make sure of.

To excite fans, the original movie needs to have become a cult classic like Chennai 600028 (2007) or at the very least, grossed a ton of money at the box office, similar to Enthiran (2010).

However, Tamil cinema could have done without a lot of sequels, including Ko 2 (2016), Manal Kayiru 2 (2016), Sandakozhi 2 (2018), and Saamy Square (2018).

Changing priorities of actors

Allu Arjun in ‘Pushpa’. (X)

Sequels equally have a big impact on how long filmmakers stay in business.

During their formative years, actors choose to collaborate with younger directors. As a result, seasoned directors are eventually becoming irrelevant.

Even well-known actors in Tamil cinema are willing to collaborate with filmmakers who are relatively young and have fresh ideas.

It is not reaching the top of the ladder that is the most difficult part of commercial filmmaking, but sustaining it. That’s why there are very few directors in the industry who have survived.

Meanwhile, former stars are switching to character roles. That was the case with veterans like Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, and so on.

It is usually the directors who fade out after a successful run. With the success of Aranmanai 4, Sundar C has also stayed at the top of his game, despite tough competition — similar to Mani Ratnam and Shankar who started in the 1980s and 1990s respectively.

Also Read: Allu Arjun’s ‘Pushpa Pushpa’ lyrical song sets your hearts ablaze

The business model

A poster of the film “Kanchana’. (X)

“A good movie will satisfy you as long as it is entertaining. Most producers rush into making a sequel after they have a hit movie. But our business model is filmmaker-driven. We don’t make a sequel unless the director has an idea they like and is willing to pursue,” observed a film critic.

Moreover, he believes that sometimes a sequel’s formula can even be more challenging than its predecessor, since it is defined, and has a set of expectations that must be met.

One filmmaker-actor, who created a string of hits in Tamil cinema, was Raghava Lawrence. His Kanchana (2011, 2015, 2019) movies—managed to increase the film’s return on investment, with each one.

The Kanchana franchise also catalysed other filmmakers and producers to invest in a large number of horror comedies. But we need to think about the business model for sequels in Tamil cinema.

Long before anybody else, Hollywood was able to use franchises to attract an audience. These days, American trilogies and sequels are multibillion-dollar franchises.

Over the next decade, we will see franchises dominating the entertainment business on an unprecedented scale.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Kamal Haasan established the trend of sequels in Tamil cinema, with Japanil Kalyanaraman (1985), a sequel to Kalyanaraman (1979).

It is rare that he is still relevant after 40 years, and is headlining Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life.

Lessons from Kollywood, or merely a drying up of ideas?

Meanwhile, a senior producer notes, “A movie should appeal to everyone, not just to a certain group of people. However, the industry is stuck in sequels. The lack of new commercially viable scripts contributes to a lot of media hype about the sequel, which is hard to accomplish in a standalone film.”

With the advent of social media and OTT platforms, the landscape is changing. However, sequels and franchises are unquestionably great storytelling tools to draw viewers into a premise, he concludes.

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