By Prithviraj Sukumaran on Sequels: ‘Only Make Them If the Story Warrants It’
The trend of expanding successful films into sequels and franchises has seen a significant rise in the Indian film industry. While some of these ventures have been met with great success, others have received mixed responses. Nevertheless, filmmakers continue to build cinematic universes, capitalizing on the popularity of their original projects. Among the most highly anticipated Indian films of 2025 is L2: Empuraan, the second chapter in the Lucifer trilogy. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, the film has already garnered immense excitement among fans. Scheduled for release on March 27, the sequel is expected to delve deeper into the narrative, setting the stage for an even more expansive storyline.
Prithviraj Sukumaran, while acknowledging the commercial advantages of making sequels, has emphasized that financial incentives should not be the sole reason behind their creation. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, he explained that while sequels naturally generate audience interest and attract higher demand on streaming platforms, storytelling should remain the primary focus. He firmly believes that filmmakers should only pursue a second or third installment if the story demands it. Citing Baahubali as an example, he pointed out that the franchise genuinely required multiple films to do justice to its intricate narrative.
Discussing the Lucifer trilogy, Prithviraj revealed that while the first film was initially designed to be a standalone project, Empuraan will take a different approach. “By the end of part two, I believe the audience will leave the theatre thinking, ‘Well, now, to understand the rest of the story, we will have to see part three,’” he shared. This suggests that the upcoming sequel will not just be an extension of the original but an integral piece of a larger cinematic puzzle.
The growing trend of sequels and interconnected films has been particularly prominent in Malayalam cinema. In 2024, several Malayalam films featured cliffhanger endings, leaving room for a follow-up. However, this approach has drawn criticism from both audiences and critics. Many argue that some of these films unnecessarily extend their storylines by delivering vague or inconclusive climaxes, rather than providing a satisfying conclusion. Among the films that faced such scrutiny were Turbo, Thalavan, Golam, and others.
While the practice of leaving stories open-ended can be an effective tool for generating curiosity, its overuse has led to frustration among moviegoers. Critics argue that instead of creating well-rounded standalone films, some filmmakers deliberately withhold key plot resolutions to justify another installment. This raises concerns about whether the industry is prioritizing franchise-building over delivering compelling, self-contained stories.
Despite these debates, the commercial appeal of sequels remains undeniable. In an era where brand recognition plays a crucial role in a film’s success, franchises provide filmmakers with a pre-established audience base. They also allow for deeper world-building, where characters and plotlines can evolve across multiple films. However, as Prithviraj stressed, sequels should be crafted with narrative integrity rather than being driven purely by box office potential.
The success of Empuraan will likely set a precedent for future franchise films in Indian cinema. If it manages to balance commercial viability with strong storytelling, it could reinforce the idea that sequels can be both lucrative and artistically fulfilling. On the other hand, if audiences feel that the sequel exists merely to pave the way for a third installment without offering substantial plot development, it may add to the ongoing concerns regarding unnecessary franchise extensions.
As the Indian film industry continues to experiment with sequels and cinematic universes, filmmakers will need to strike a delicate balance between audience expectations and authentic storytelling. While some franchises have been built on compelling narratives that warrant multiple installments, others have struggled to justify their continuations. The coming years will determine whether the industry can refine its approach to sequels, ensuring that each new chapter serves a genuine purpose rather than merely capitalizing on past successes.
