Sequels have always held a special place in cinema, allowing filmmakers to expand their storytelling, delve deeper into beloved characters, and build upon the legacy of their predecessors. South Indian cinema, known for its grand narratives and compelling character arcs, has several highly anticipated sequels lined up, each promising to elevate the excitement to new heights. From intense action thrillers to divine comedies and mass entertainers, these sequels generate immense anticipation among fans, who eagerly seek updates on social media. The films also hold significant market value, often surpassing Rs 100 crores. One can notice how ‘Baahubali 2’ was highly anticipated and after the first part, everyone was questioning, ‘Why did Kathhapa kill Baahubali?’ It’s not news that sequels raise the excitement of cine-goes and how! One saw how ‘Pushpa 2’ broke the record of even the first installment.
Recently, during the promotion of ‘Empuraan’, Prithviraj was asked about the Malayalam industry promoting content-oriented films. A media personnel questioned him on why, while Malayalam films are largely driven by their content, Empuraan appears to rely more on budget and large-scale frames.
He opposed the notion that Empuraan is driven by budget, stating, “No, not at all. Empuraan is also based on content, but the content is expensive.” He further explained that it is not about big-budget or small-budget films but rather about good and bad films. According to him, quality films always stand out, regardless of how much money is spent on them.
At the same time, unique promotional tactics and pre-release events also contributed to the success of such films. Fans and target audiences constantly receive updates about the film, keeping them engaged and ensuring it remains in the spotlight.
Earlier, Vipin Kumar, a trade analyst and movie promotion consultant known for his work on films like Vaazha, Guruvayoorambala Nadayil, and Jai Ganesh, told ETimes how high-quality promotions help a film reach a wider audience. “The film must offer a unique experience that viewers cannot replicate at home. High-quality promotions are essential for such films,” he stated.
Vipin further told ETimes, “Promoting a film requires a deep understanding of the movie and identifying the target audience. There are three key stages of promotion: announcement, pre-release, and post-release. Each film is different, so it is crucial to tailor promotional strategies to fit the specific needs of the movie. Additionally, the promotional budget should be planned accordingly to maximise effectiveness. Properly executed promotions can significantly enhance a film’s success.”
Meanwhile, after watching Rishab Shetty’s National Award-winning performance in Kantara, Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan took to his X (formerly Twitter) account and wrote, “Learnt so much by watching Kantara. The power of Rishab Shetty’s conviction makes the film extraordinary. The peak climax transformation gave me goosebumps.” It is always the depth of emotional storytelling that resonates, rather than focusing solely on the commercial aspects of a film.
Here’s a look at the most awaited sequels, their significance, cast, crew, previous narratives, and expectation of the audience!
L2: Empuraan
After the massive success of Lucifer in 2019, fans were eager to uncover the mysterious past of Stephen Nedumpally, aka Khureshi-Ab’ram, played by Mohanlal. The wait is finally over, as the Prithviraj Sukumaran directorial venture is all set to hit theatres on March 27.
Ever since the makers announced the film’s release, people have been speculating about several cameo roles and plot twists on social media. The buzz did not end there—they even started decoding hidden details and characters when the official trailer dropped. With the release date just around the corner, fan theories continue to circulate, particularly regarding their favourite stars, Mammootty and Fahadh Faasil, playing extended roles in the movie.
Starring Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Abhimanyu Singh, Eriq Ebouaney, Jerome Flynn, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh, and Suraj Venjaramoodu in key roles, the film has generated widespread buzz, especially for not revealing its budget.
Recently, at a press meet, director Prithviraj revealed that Mohanlal had not charged a single rupee for his role in the film. He stated that the entire budget was spent on the film’s production and even challenged the audience and media to guess the budget after watching it. “Your guess would be greater than the actual budget of the film, I bet you,” Prithviraj remarked.
With Murali Gopy once again handling the screenplay, L2: Empuraan is expected to be grander in scale, featuring intense action sequences, global settings, and an intricate power play.
Mookuthi Amman 2
The Nayanthara-starrer Mookuthi Amman, released in 2020, was a fresh take on mythology blended with satire, where the goddess descends to Earth to expose fraudulent spiritual leaders. Starring Nayanthara, RJ Balaji, and Urvashi in key roles, the RJ Balaji & NJ Saravanan directorial became one of the most intriguing narratives in Kollywood. The first film followed a middle-class journalist and his unexpected encounter with the goddess Mookuthi Amman, who guides him in exposing religious scams.
Now, the wait is finally over as the makers have announced Mookuthi Amman 2, with Sundar C as the director. However, the change in directorship has sparked questions among fans. Addressing the speculation, RJ Balaji clarified, “I am not interested in doing Mookuthi Amman 2 now. My plans, my journey, and the things that are written for me didn’t fit into this. They had an idea of what to do, but I didn’t have any. That’s why there is another director,” he stated in an interview with Galatta.
The film’s grand puja ceremony was graced by producer Khushboo Sundar, Nayanthara, Regina Cassandra, and Meena. The movie will also feature Duniya Vijay, Garuda Ram, and Yogi Babu in key roles.
Akhanda 2: Thandavam
Akhanda (2021) was a commercial blockbuster that saw Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role as Murali Krishna and the fierce Aghora Akhanda. The film’s massive success has led to the announcement of Akhanda 2:Thandavam. Director Boyapati Srinu has confirmed the sequel, which is reportedly set to hit theatres on 25 September this year. The story of Akhanda revolves around a fierce protector of dharma, who takes on corrupt forces and restores balance in society through divine intervention. Fans are eagerly awaiting the sequel, especially after the makers ignited buzz last year with a first-look poster featuring Nandamuri’s character’s hand holding a long divine trident. The movie will also feature Pragya Jaiswal, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Samyuktha in key roles.
Kantara: Chapter 1
Kantara, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, became one of the most magical creations in the history of Kannada cinema. The 2022 hit is now getting a much-awaited prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1.
The film was one of the most discussed movies of 2022, with Rishab winning a National Award for Best Actor. “Kantara resonates because it speaks a universal language of emotion while staying true to the essence of Kannada culture. This film is a tribute to our land, our traditions, and the stories that have been part of our cultural fabric for generations,” the actor stated after winning the award in an interview with Hindustan Times.
Kantara revolved around the deep-rooted traditions of the Daiva Kola ritual and its clash with modern greed. The prequel aims to delve deeper into this cultural narrative, blending action, folklore, and spiritual elements. In the recently released motion poster, fans experienced goosebumps as Rishab’s character appeared intense and formidable inside a cave.
KGF: Chapter 3
After the phenomenal success of KGF: Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, the third instalment is expected to expand the storyline of Rocky Bhai, who has captivated audiences worldwide with his raw intensity and ambition.
Directed by Prashanth Neel, KGF: Chapter 2 became the highest-grossing film of 2022 in India, earning over Rs 1,100 crores worldwide. The film offered Kannada audiences a never-seen-before narrative, blending action, drama, swag, and emotion with unique elements that kept viewers engaged throughout. The KGF wave was not confined to Kannada-speaking states but won the hearts of movie lovers globally. KGF 2 is also set for a re-release in Japan this June.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Yash confirmed the third instalment of KGF with Prashanth Neel. He added that they are actively discussing ideas and are determined to deliver something even more massive this time.
KGF 2 ended on a high note, leaving several unanswered questions about Rocky’s fate and the future of the Kolar Gold Fields. The scale of KGF 3 is expected to be even grander, with global stakes, new adversaries, and the return of Rocky in a more formidable avatar.
Salaar Part 2: Shouryaanga Parvam
The much-awaited sequel to Prabhas’ action drama is set to continue the gripping narrative that resonated with fans, not just for its high-octane action but also for the emotional depth it carried.
A sequel to Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire, which was released in 2023, the film became the highest-grossing Telugu movie of the year and the third highest-grossing Telugu film of all time. Fans were thrilled to witness the commanding on-screen presence of their favourite star Prabhas, especially after some of his previous films did not meet expectations.
Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, and Sriya Reddy played significant roles in the film’s success. Salaar Part 1 introduced the dark, violent world of Khansaar and followed the journey of Deva (Prabhas) and Varadha Raja Mannar (Prithviraj Sukumaran). The film ended on a high note, hinting at a deeper conflict between Deva and the larger empire of Khansaar.
The sequel, Salaar Part 2: Shouryaanga Parvam, is expected to be even grander in scale, delving into Deva’s true identity and his possible connection to the world of KGF (as speculated by fans). The film is likely to feature intense war sequences, political intrigue, and a full-fledged power struggle between the ruling factions.
Kalki 2898 AD Part 2
Nag Ashwin’s 2024 directorial venture, Kalki 2898 AD, made headlines for its unexpected star-studded ensemble, featuring Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and more—each navigating different realities within the same narrative. The film is all set for a sequel, as the makers have recently confirmed Deepika’s return as Sum-80.
The prequel is a futuristic mythological sci-fi film set in a dystopian world, drawing inspiration from Hindu mythology and the legend of Kalki, the prophesied tenth avatar of Vishnu. Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Ashwatthama delivered a commanding presence, while Prabhas showcased an unprecedented on-screen charisma. Kamal Haasan’s Supreme Yaskin stole the spotlight with a nearly unrecognisable makeover, reviving shades of his Dasavathaaram era in a much-anticipated return.
The second instalment is expected to further explore the battle between good and evil in a high-tech yet mythological setting. With its stellar cast and cutting-edge visual effects, the film is set to push the boundaries of Indian cinema. Fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story, especially with Kamal Haasan’s enigmatic character and the larger mythological themes established in the first film.
