“O Stree, Kal Aana!” But this time, she might be back with a whole gang! The much-anticipated sequel to Stree is just one example of Bollywood’s latest obsession: movie franchises! The Indian film industry is undergoing a transformation, with franchises taking center stage and ushering in a new era of blockbusters. This exciting trend is evident in the recent surge of franchise announcements.
Friends, I am a mass communication specialist with over three decades of experience in the media industry. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the evolution of storytelling in Indian cinema. Through my business strategy sessions, I have seen how franchises are changing the game, reshaping audience expectations and the industry’s economic model.
In this article, we’ll explore how sequel movies are redefining Bollywood and competing with global film universes. The highest-grossing movie franchises in Bollywood drive massive success, proving that interconnected storytelling is the future. From the best movie series that captivate audiences to the undeniable box office success of franchises, the industry is evolving. Film production in Bollywood is adapting to this trend, shaping some of the best movies of all time through franchises.
We’ll delve into the exciting world of Bollywood’s new-era franchise business model, exploring its potential, challenges, and impact on the future of Indian Cinema.
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The Rise of Movie Franchises in Bollywood
Before we go further for business ideas for 2023 to understand their business strategy. Let’s first understand the rise of the best film franchises in Bollywood
What is a Movie Franchise?
A movie franchise is a series of interconnected films sharing characters, storylines, or a cinematic universe. Bollywood is embracing this franchise business model, ensuring long-term success through sequels, spin-offs, and expanded narratives
Taking our journey further to the heart of Hollywood, where the magic of movie franchises first unfolded. It creates film universes that captivated audiences and dominated the box office success like true superstars.
Lessons from Hollywood’s Franchise Success
Hollywood has long mastered the art of the best movie series. The industry creates expansive cinematic universes that keep audiences demanding for more. Marvel cinematic universe, the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and the epic adventures in the Fast and Furious franchise are just a few examples.
These Hollywood movies embodies box office success in creating top grossing movie series that dominate global cinema. These have also spawned a vast array of merchandise, theme parks, and spin-offs, creating a global entertainment phenomenon.
Bollywood, while a powerhouse in its own right, has traditionally focused on standalone films. However, recognizing the immense potential of franchises, the Indian film industry is now taking inspiration from Hollywood’s success. Adapting the franchise business model to suit its unique storytelling style.
Bollywood’s Early Foray into Franchises
Bollywood’s journey into the world of franchises began with successful sequels like “Dhoom. ” It spawned an action-packed trilogy. The epic “Baahubali” saga, which broke box office records and captivated audiences worldwide.
Other notable examples include the action-packed “KGF” films and the recent blockbuster sequel “Gadar 2,” which reignited the magic of its predecessor.These early successes demonstrated the potential of franchises to create a loyal fanbase and generate substantial box office revenue, paving the way for a new era of interconnected storytelling in Bollywood.
Highest-Grossing Movie Franchise from Indian Cinema
The Baahubali franchise is the highest-grossing movie franchise in Indian cinema, earning over ₹2,100 crore worldwide. The popular Bollywood sequels exemplifies the growing trend of successful movie.
The Baahubali franchise includes
- Baahubali: The Beginning: (2015)
- Baahubali 2: The Conclusion: (2017)
- Baahubali: Before the Beginning
- Baahubali: The Lost Legends: (Animated series)
- Baahubali: Crown of Blood: (2024)
- Baahubali: The Game: (Video game)
The Baahubali franchise demonstrates the potential of Indian cinema to create expansive and engaging movie franchises that resonate with audiences worldwide.
The success of these franchises can be attributed to several factors, which we have explored. In the Hollywood vs. Bollywood landscape. Hollywood set the blueprint, but Bollywood is rapidly evolving—expanding its franchises and captivating audiences. Filmmakers are increasingly focusing on creating immersive worlds and relatable characters that resonate with audiences, ensuring they remain invested in the franchise’s journey.
Looking Ahead (2024 and 2025):
- YRF Spy Universe: Building on the success of “Pathaan,” “Tiger,” and “War,” YRF is expanding its spy universe with upcoming films like “Tiger 3” (2023) and “War 2,” promising more high-octane action and interconnected storylines.
- Maddock Horror Comdedy Universe: The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe blends Indian folklore with supernatural comedy, creating interconnected Hindi films like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. With shared characters and crossovers, it establishes a captivating cinematic world.
- Brahmastra Franchise: Ayan Mukerji’s ambitious fantasy epic “Brahmastra Part One: Shiva” (2022). It is set to continue with two more installments, exploring a vast mythological universe.
These are just a few examples of the exciting movie franchises taking shape in Bollywood. By learning from Hollywood’s successes and adapting the franchise model to its own unique strengths, Bollywood is poised to create a new era of blockbusters that will captivate audiences worldwide.
Why Movie Franchises Are Dominating Indian Cinema
Movie franchises are gaining popularity in Indian cinema. The rise of sequel movies is driven by a multiple of factors. The case study of successful franchise business model is widely recognized and increasingly being replicated
Audience Preferences
Indian audiences are developing a strong appetite for sequel movies and interconnected stories. Popular Bollywood sequels like Dhoom, Baahubali, and KGF have redefined audience loyalty and box office success.
Vijay Krishna Acharya reflects on crafting this pivotal scene, blending action with chemistry. It sets the tone for the partnership between master thief Aryan and Sunheri.
The structure was more of a scene that can then lend itself to an action sequence. It also becomes the scene that will set the tone for the chemistry between the lead pair. Looking back, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed writing the scene and the sequence that follows then forces them to be a team- Vijay Krishna Acharya
These franchises, allows audiences to revisit beloved characters and worlds. The demand for interconnected stories and world-building in Indian cinema.
Economic Advantage
Movie franchises offer a guaranteed box office success and ROI for film production studio. Established franchises come with built-in audiences, reducing the risk of failure and ensuring a steady stream of revenue. The “Baahubali” franchise, for example, broke box office records, with the second installment grossing over ₹1,810 crore worldwide. This financial success allows studios to invest in larger-scale productions and further develop their franchises.
Global Appeal of Franchises
Grand-scale productions and film universes attract international audiences. Franchises like “Brahmastra” and the YRF Spy Universe showcase Indian cinema’s ability to create visually spectacular films. This global appeal not only expands the market for Indian films but also helps to establish Indian cinema as a major player in the global entertainment industry.
| Franchise | Production Cost (approx.) | Worldwide Box Office Gross (approx.) |
| Baahubali 1 & 2 | ₹450 crore (both films) | ₹2,100 crore |
| KGF | ₹200 crore (both films) | ₹1,500 crore |
| Brahmastra | ₹410 crore (first film) | ₹431 crore |
Movie franchises are dominating Indian cinema due to their ability to cater to audience preferences, provide economic advantages, and attract international audiences. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, franchises are likely to play an even more significant role in shaping its future.
The Franchise Business Model in Bollywood – A Game-Changer
The franchise business model has transformed Bollywood movies, creating long-term revenue streams beyond the box office. By leveraging sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise, studios maximize profits while strengthening brand value. Successful movie franchises like Baahubali and KGF demonstrate how interconnected storytelling drives engagement. However, Bollywood must refine its approach to ensure sustainability, avoiding creative fatigue. As studios adopt Hollywood’s strategy of cinematic universes, the future of film production in Indian Cinema hinges on balancing storytelling, profitability, and audience demand.
The Future of Movie Franchises in Bollywood
The future of movie franchises in Bollywood is bright, with immense potential for growth and innovation. The success of existing franchises has paved the way for further experimentation with genres and themes, creating opportunities for new and exciting cinematic universes. Bollywood can leverage its unique strengths in storytelling, music, and dance to create franchises that stand out in the global market.
Exploring New Genres and Themes
One area of opportunity lies in exploring genres beyond action and mythology. Franchises based on historical epics, social dramas, or even romantic comedies could attract diverse audiences and expand the scope of Indian cinema. Additionally, there is potential for cross-platform franchises, integrating films with television series, web series, and video games to create immersive and engaging experiences for fans.
Challenges in Competing with Hollywood
However, Bollywood also faces challenges in competing with Hollywood franchises. Hollywood’s established infrastructure, global distribution networks, and access to advanced technology give it a significant advantage. Bollywood must focus on developing its own capabilities in these areas to compete effectively.
The Importance of Quality Storytelling
The long-term success of Bollywood franchises hinges on quality storytelling and audience engagement. While grand-scale productions and visual effects can attract initial attention, it is the emotional connection with characters and the narrative depth that keeps audiences coming back for more. Bollywood must prioritize strong scripts, relatable characters, and innovative marketing campaigns to build lasting franchises.
In conclusion, the future of movie franchises in Bollywood is promising, but it requires a strategic approach that balances commercial aspirations with artistic integrity. By focusing on quality storytelling, audience engagement, and innovation, Bollywood can create cinematic universes that captivate audiences worldwide and solidify its position as a global entertainment powerhouse.
Case Studies: Movie Franchises
Analyzing specific case studies of successful and unsuccessful Bollywood franchises reveals valuable lessons for future development.
Successful Franchises
- The “Baahubali” franchise: This epic saga achieved remarkable success due to its grand vision, strong storytelling, and memorable characters. The films’ visual spectacle and universal themes resonated with audiences worldwide, establishing a successful franchise model for Indian cinema.
- The “KGF” franchise: This action-packed franchise captivated audiences with its stylish visuals, high-octane action sequences, and compelling protagonist.1 The films’ success can be attributed to their innovative approach to the action genre and their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
Unsuccessful Franchises
- The “Race” franchise: While the first two films in this action thriller series were successful, the third installment failed to meet expectations. This can be attributed to inconsistent storytelling, convoluted plotlines, and a lack of audience engagement.
- The “Housefull” franchise: This comedy franchise saw diminishing returns with each subsequent installment. The reliance on slapstick humor and repetitive storylines led to audience fatigue and a decline in box office performance.
Lessons Learned
These case studies highlight the importance of several factors in building successful franchises:
- Strong Storytelling: Compelling narratives with well-developed characters and engaging plotlines are crucial for audience engagement.
- Visual Spectacle: High-quality visuals and special effects can enhance the viewing experience and attract a wider audience.2
- Innovation: Experimenting with genres and themes can help franchises stand out and appeal to diverse audiences.
- Consistency: Maintaining a consistent level of quality across installments is essential for building audience loyalty.
Bollywood can learn from Hollywood while retaining its unique identity. By embracing diverse genres and innovative storytelling, Indian cinema can create franchises that captivate a global audience and solidify its position in the world of entertainment.
Also Read:
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- What’s Next for Bollywood?: The Upcoming Movies on the Horizon
FAQ: Movie Franchises
What are the best film franchises in Bollywood?
Bollywood’s best film franchises include Baahubali, KGF, Dhoom, Gadar, and the YRF Spy Universe. These movie franchises have set benchmarks in Indian Cinema, combining strong storytelling, action, and box office success.
What is the highest-grossing movie franchise in Bollywood?
The Baahubali franchise is currently Bollywood’s highest-grossing movie franchise, earning over ₹2,100 crore worldwide. Other top-grossing movie series include KGF and Pathaan-Tiger-War from the YRF Spy Universe.
How does Bollywood compare to Hollywood in movie franchises?
In Hollywood vs. Bollywood, Hollywood dominates with global film universes like Marvel and Harry Potter. However, Bollywood is rapidly expanding its franchise business model, with Brahmastra and the Stree-verse paving the way for interconnected storytelling.
Conclusion
Movie franchises are transforming the landscape of Indian cinema. The vibrant landscape of best film franchises in bollywood offers a compelling blend of audience engagement, commercial success, and international appeal. Hollywood vs. Bollywood: While Hollywood pioneered the franchise model, Bollywood is rapidly evolving and making its mark.
It can be easily said that Bollywood can draw inspiration from Hollywood’s successes. In India we’ve all grown up cherishing best movie scenes. Here the audience is different so top grossing movie series are forging its own path. Indian cinema leverages its unique cultural strengths and storytelling traditions. The future of Bollywood movies hinges on a balanced approach. Film production prioritizes quality storytelling, audience engagement, and innovation.
Box office success demands embracing these principles. Bollywood sequel movies can create cinematic universes that captivate audiences worldwide and establish Indian cinema as a dominant force in the global entertainment landscape.
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About the Author: Anuj Mahajan is a Mass Communication Specialist, ICF Certified Coach & Corporate Trainer. Motivational Speaker / NLP Lifecoach. With expertise spanning filmmaking, business coaching, motivational speaking, blog writing, and authoring, he embodies versatility and mastery across diverse fields.
Chief Operating Officer: Nuteq Entertainment Pvt Ltd, and Co-Founder: Trendvisionz – A Premier Digital Marketing Agency in India
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