In recent years, filmmakers have been moving away from sequels and embracing prequels to capture audience attention. With sequels no longer carrying the same allure, prequels offer a fresh perspective by exploring the untold backstories of beloved characters and settings. This shift in focus marks the beginning of a new era in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema.
Films that once seemed to have closed their chapters are now being revived by looking backward. Rather than inventing completely new stories, producers are delving deeper into characters’ pasts, filling in gaps that sequels might not effectively address. Let’s explore how this trend has evolved and what it means for the future of Indian cinema.
Why Filmmakers Are Betting on Prequels
For years, sequels dominated the box office as a safe bet for filmmakers. But sequels often face a key challenge: continuing a story that has already been fully explored. Some films reach a natural conclusion, and stretching the narrative any further may lead to creative burnout or audience fatigue.
This is where prequels come in. Instead of continuing a story that may no longer have any momentum, a prequel allows filmmakers to explore the origins of characters, their struggles, and the events that led up to the main story. These untouched aspects of the narrative provide a fresh angle, sparking curiosity among fans who are eager to understand more about their favorite films.
Take the recent announcement of the prequel to the hit film 12th Fail. While the original story concluded on a strong note, there was enough left unexplored about the protagonist’s life. The filmmakers have now seized the opportunity to dive deeper into his past, offering audiences a richer understanding of the character.
Bollywood Joins the Prequel Trend
This trend is not just limited to new films. Even established franchises in Bollywood are opting for prequels. For instance, the makers of Buckingham Murder, directed by Hansal Mehta, are already planning a prequel to explore more about the story that won accolades at international festivals.
In Dabangg 3, released in 2019, the filmmakers decided to look back at Salman Khan’s character to show how he became the iconic police officer known for his fearless attitude. While the previous installment, Dabangg 2, was a direct continuation of the story, Dabangg 3 turned out to be a prequel, and it performed well at the box office, proving that audiences appreciate this new direction.
South Cinema Leads the Way with Prequels
South Indian filmmakers have long been trendsetters, and their embrace of prequels has only amplified their influence on Indian cinema. After the massive success of Kantara, Rishabh Shetty, its director and lead actor, decided to create a prequel titled Kantara Part 1, which will delve deeper into the origins of the tale that captured viewers’ hearts. Instead of simply riding the wave of the original’s success, the makers are taking audiences back in time, setting the stage for more anticipation.
Similarly, the Tamil film Jigarthanda Double X has also opted for the prequel route, allowing filmmakers to further expand their storytelling while satisfying audience curiosity.
Hollywood’s Influence on the Prequel Craze
Hollywood has been producing prequels for years, and the trend’s success there has no doubt influenced Indian filmmakers. The upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King prequel, set to release during Christmas this year, is already generating excitement among audiences. The recent Transformers prequel, Transformers One, also proved that exploring origins can bring in new viewers while pleasing existing fans.
The success of Baahubali 2 in 2017, which explored the backstory of the title character’s father, proved that prequels can be just as powerful as sequels, if not more. Audiences were drawn in by the mystery and intrigue surrounding the unanswered questions from the first film, making the prequel a massive hit.
Why Prequels Work: Understanding the Psychology
The reason prequels resonate with audiences is simple—human curiosity. Fans who have already connected with a particular story or character want to know more about their motivations, origins, and the events that shaped them. Prequels tap into this curiosity, allowing filmmakers to explore new dimensions of characters without altering the integrity of the original storyline.
Additionally, prequels offer an opportunity for character development that might not have been possible in the original films. Since prequels explore the past, they can introduce new challenges, growth, and changes in characters that add layers to their personalities. This adds emotional depth to the narrative, which is something audiences crave.
The Future of Indian Cinema: More Prequels Ahead
Experts believe that prequels are here to stay. In the absence of new, compelling stories, filmmakers find prequels to be a safe and lucrative option. Film business analyst Girish Johar points out that the prequel trend in Hollywood has been around for quite some time, and India is now catching up. The positive response from Indian audiences indicates that prequels could dominate the box office in the coming years.
This shift in storytelling could open up new avenues for filmmakers and introduce more innovation into Indian cinema. As prequels continue to gain momentum, we can expect to see more beloved characters and stories revisited, offering fans new perspectives and deepening their connection to these cinematic universes.
Prequel Films to Watch Out For
Here are some exciting prequels that are creating buzz:
- Restart from Zero (Prequel to 12th Fail)
- Kantara Part 1
- Jigarthanda Double X
- Transformers One
- Mufasa: The Lion King
As the era of prequels takes center stage, it is clear that filmmakers are no longer content to simply follow the sequel formula. Instead, they are finding success in revisiting the past and giving audiences a deeper look into the worlds they already love.
