Hera Pheri 3 to Ghayal Once Again and more: What's the status update?

Second and third instalments of several hit film franchises are preparing for release in the coming months. It is no surprise then that 2015 is being touted as the year of sequels. Several of these films were announced a while back, but have taken off only this year.

Second and third instalments of several hit film franchises are preparing for release in the coming months. It is no surprise then that 2015 is being touted as the year of sequels. Several of these films were announced a while back, but have taken off only this year.



We’ve learnt that Nargis Fakhri has given her nod to two sequels — Hera Pheri 3 (the shooting for which has begun in Dubai), and Housefull 3. The actor isn’t willing to talk about either, but we’re told that she has committed to these projects verbally.



Announcing a sequel may be a common phenomenon these days, but living up to the success of the original film is a tough ask. "In the past, not all sequels have been as successful as the original films. The numbers are bigger at times, but rising costs — such as increase in ticket prices, cost of production, crew remuneration and promotional expenses — can’t be ignored. This doesn’t leave a great profit margin," says trade analyst Atul Mohan. He adds, "The advantage of making a sequel is that the makers already have a popular brand, but comparisons are inevitable. If the sequel is weaker than the original, it will fall flat."



Trade expert Amod Mehra, too, feels that makers must be extra careful while making a sequel. "The pressure is higher as the expectations rise. If there is a new cast, they have a tougher task of matching up to the original," he explains.



Among the sequels that are set to release in the coming months are ABCD 2 and Tanu Weds Manu Returns. Film-maker Sajid Nadiadwala has also confirmed that he will make a sequel to Kick (2014). Meanwhile, announcements have been made even for films that are over a decade old — the list includes Baazigar (1993), Gangaajal (2003), Ishq Vishk (2003), Dil (1990), Judwaa (1997) and Dhadkan (2000). However, these projects are yet to take off.



Ghayal Once Again



Original: Ghayal (1990)

New cast: Sunny Deol, Om Puri, Murli Sharma, Prachi Desai, Soha Ali Khan

Status: The sequel was recently announced. It is said that the story of the film will take off from where the original ended. It is likely to release on November 13.



Rock On!! 2



Original: Rock On!! (2008)

New cast: Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Shraddha Kapoor

Status: The film is likely to start in a few months and will hit screens in 2016.



Welcome Back



Original: Welcome (2007)

New cast: Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Shiney Ahuja, Sakshi Maggo

Status: The film was initially set to release in December last year. However, it was postponed as the makers haven’t completed shooting. It is likely to release this year.



Housefull 3



Original: Housefull (2010)

New cast: Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Elli Avram

Status: No announcement has been made about the release date yet.



Hera Pheri 3



Original: Hera Pheri (2000)

New Cast: John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Nargis Fakhri

Status: The cast has just begun shooting for the film. The makers are hoping for a year-end release.



Kya Kool Hain Hum 3



Original: Kyaa Kool Hain Hum (2005)

New cast: Tusshar Kapoor, Aftab Shivdasani, Mandana Karimi, Shakti Kapoor, Krushna Abhishek

Status: The makers have begun shooting for the film, but no release date has been announced yet.

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