Pankaj Tripathi on Bollywood’s Love for Sequels: “A Hit Film Alone Doesn’t Make a Franchise”

The Stree 2 actor shares insights on Bollywood’s sequel obsession, box office dynamics, and the secret to building successful franchises.

December 21, 2024: Pankaj Tripathi, known for his stellar performances, recently reflected on Bollywood’s growing reliance on sequels and franchise films. With Stree 2 emerging as one of the biggest Hindi hits of the year, Tripathi shared his thoughts on the industry’s formula for success and its limitations.

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The actor acknowledged the sequel’s strong opening weekend, attributing it to the audience’s love for the first installment. “The joy people got from the first part brought them to the theaters for the sequel on the first weekend itself. For franchise films, audiences don’t wait for reviews; they show up on trust,” he said.

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However, Tripathi believes that creating a successful sequel isn’t just about repeating a hit formula. “To make a franchise, a successful film isn’t all you need. You need a unique film for that. Sometimes a film is successful but not unique. Stree fit both requirements,” he explained.

This year, Bollywood saw major successes with sequels like Stree 2, Singham Again, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Despite these blockbuster hits, the overall box office performance was inconsistent. Tripathi shared his perspective: “I’m an actor, not a business expert, but the audience is unpredictable. They make up their minds after watching the trailer. Publicity stunts and gimmicks don’t guarantee success.”

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The actor also revealed an interesting anecdote from the production of Stree 2: “During the first Stree, the producers promised me a bonus if the film did exceptionally well, and that figure was crossed in just four days. For Stree 2, they included a similar clause in my contract without me realizing it, and this time, the target was met in just two days.”

With Stree 2 breaking records, Pankaj Tripathi’s candid reflections provide a rare insight into the dynamics of Bollywood franchises and the challenges of staying connected with an ever-evolving audience.

Tags: Pankaj Tripathi, Stree 2, Bollywood Sequels, Bollywood Box Office, Hindi Cinema, Dinesh Vijan, Singham Again, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Bollywood Trends, Movie Franchises,