Most movie sequels in 2017 have one thing in common. Here’s what it is

Next year, a long list of sequels is ready to hit theatres, but this time, there is one thing that’s different: the presence of new actors in the lead cast, who have got everyone’s attention.

This year, sequels such as Rock On 2 and Force 2 hit the theatres with new additions such as actors Shraddha Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha. Come 2017, the new sequels that will hit theatres will come with a major change in their lead cast, although the story is taken forward from the prequel.

Actor Akshay Kumar will play the lead role in Jolly LLB 2.

Take, for instance, Jolly LLB 2. Instead of actor Arshad Warsi, the sequel will feature Akshay Kumar in the lead role. Talking about getting replaced, Warsi had said, “It’ll be stupid of me to say that I don’t feel bad. But it doesn’t bother me. The film’s makers needed a star, it’s as simple as that.”

Then there’s the third installment of Sarkar franchise, in which actor Amitabh Bachchan reprises his role, and Manoj Bajpayee and Jackie Shroff will be added to the cast. For the comedy film franchise Golmaal, actor Parineeti Chopra has replaced Kareena Kapoor Khan in the fourth installment. Lead actor Ajay Devgn tweeted to Chopra, “Welcome to the crazy Golmaal family @Parineeti Chopra.”

But perhaps, the sequel to the 1997 film, Judwaa, is one of the most awaited. The film that starred Salman Khan in double roles, will feature Varun Dhawan in the lead for the sequel. Actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu will replace Karisma Kapoor and Rambha.

Trade analyst Atul Mohan says that introducing new faces keeps the sequels fresh. “Judwaa’s sequel is coming after almost 20 years, so one has to make it with today’s generation. If you plan to make the sequel with the principal character, you have to maintain freshness with the new face. They are reliable in terms of box office,” he says.