T-town Fascination for Sequels Has a Business Motive, Says Suresh Babu
Tollywood’s sequel trend arguably began with the Baahubali series, which redefined the commercial landscape of Indian cinema.
With recent big-ticket films like Hari Hara Veera Mallu and Kingdom ending on cliffhangers, some audiences have expressed disappointment over incomplete narratives. Yet, producers remain confident, promising stronger sequels. While HHVM concluded with a dramatic face-off between Pawan Kalyan and Bobby Deol, Kingdom ended with Vijay Deverakonda’s coronation and the introduction of a new antagonist — setting the stage for part two.
Veteran producer Suresh Babu believes that sequels are not just a creative choice, but a smart business strategy. “Sequels are here to stay. We’re inspired by Hollywood franchises that have worked wonders — be it Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, the Marvel series, or Star Wars. If you weigh the basket of originals against sequels, the latter has a stronger collection record,” he asserts.
He admits it’s a well-calculated move: “It’s a new-age business trick. Sequels ensure a minimum guarantee at the box office, especially if the first part connects well with audiences. If the second installment has a solid story, it only adds to the momentum.”
Tollywood’s sequel trend arguably began with the Baahubali series, which redefined the commercial landscape of Indian cinema. Was it a precedent that triggered the sequel craze? “I don’t think it was a wrong precedent,” he clarifies. “Rajamouli never originally intended a sequel — it was born out of excess footage and storytelling needs. They ended the first part with the now-iconic cliffhanger, ‘Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?’ That worked because it was organic, not forced.”
Suresh Babu, however, warns against complacency. “You can't take things for granted. Even if you have a successful first part, the sequel has to stand on its own merit. A lazy continuation will only backfire.”
Several Tollywood sequels have indeed succeeded — Pushpa: The Rise and Karthikeya 2 are prime examples. Upcoming sequels like Devara and Salaar: Part 2 are already generating significant buzz.
But does the rising trend of sequels signal a dearth of fresh stories? Suresh Babu disagrees. “I don’t believe filmmakers are turning to sequels due to lack of ideas. New stories still have their space. But star-driven sequels dominate because they bring in pre-established audiences and buyer interest.”
He points out that the trend is not limited to Telugu cinema. “Across industries, sequels are thriving. Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 and Karthi’s Kaithi 2 are also in the works.”
He has already announced a sequel to his new-age entertainer "Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' and also thought of doing a sequel to their comic-caper 'Aha Naa Pellanta'. 'Where, the children of Rajendra Prasad, turns out to be stingy and miser(like his grandfather Kota Srinivas Rao) and few other young characters but the story didn't shape up to my satisfaction and I dropped it, While Ee Nagaranki.. is very much on," he concludes.”
