Kanguva, Brahmastra, Devara, Indian: Star-Driven Pan-India Projects That Fail The 2-Part Movie Trend

The two-part movie trend has picked up over the past couple of years. For commercial and storytelling reasons, many filmmakers now are trying to split the narrative into two parts. While there is a big question mark over the success of the two-part movie trend, some titles like Gangs Of Wasseypur and KGF have proved to be hits. However, some envisioned as franchises during their inception have not been able to create a successful first part, posing a big question mark over their sequels.

Indian, Kanguva and Devara: 2024 movies that no one wants a sequel to

This year alone saw a few movies following the two-part trend. Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Shankar, released amid much anticipation. However, "Why was the movie even made" was the question that many were left asking after it debuted theatrically. Indian 2 was trolled for its shoddy storytelling, poor performances and bad filmmaking. Now, with a third part in the franchise also expected to come, the question arises, is it even wanted?

Jr NTR's Devara is also to be released as a two-part franchise. Part one did not do well commercially as expected and the Hindi collections are proof of that. The Jr NTR starrer also did not receive much love on OTT. In that case, creating a buzz for its second part becomes all the more difficult for the team. The same is the case with Suriya's Kanguva, which released on November 14. The pan-India project has emerged as a box office disaster against its over ₹300 crore budget.  

Ranbir Kapoor's Brahmastra is also in the lineup of two-part movies whose second installment is doubtful given the mixed reception that the first film received.

Kalki 2898 AD and Salaar draw mixed response

Prabhas fronted Salaar and Kalki 2898 AD are also getting sequels. While both were box office hits, they received a lukewarm response on OTT. Upon release also they faced criticism from a section of the audience, who may not be as willing to visit the theatres to see its second part unless something bigger and better is on offer.

While Salaar 2 has begun shooting, a question remains over the timeline of the Kalki sequel production. Prabhas a heavy lineup of movies, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, Maruthi's The Raja Saab and Fauji (tentative title) with Hanu Raghavapudi. The Baahubali star is also reportedly collaborating with director Prashanth Varma of HanuMan fame. It remains to be seen how the Kalki sequel by Nag Ashwin fits into his tight schedule.