From 'Baahubali' to 'Devara': How Indian cinema is thriving on multi-part blockbusters

As Jr. NTR and Saif Ali Khan's highly anticipated 'Devara: Part 1' hits theatres, the trend of releasing Indian films in installments continues to gain momentum. This narrative strategy, popularised by SS Rajamouli's 'Baahubali' saga, has been adopted by several filmmakers to weave complex, epic stories that keep audiences engaged across multiple chapters. From blockbusters like 'Baahubali' to historical dramas like 'Ponniyin Selvan', many Indian films have successfully employed this format.

With some second installments already impressing audiences and others either awaiting release or may soon undergo production, we take a look at the popular Indian films that have adopted this multi-part approach and have become huge box-office successes.

‘Gangs of Wasseypur 1’ and ‘Gangs of Wasseypur 2’

One of the first films to have been released in two parts was Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ a black comedy crime drama. The film was originally shot as one movie and was spread over five hours in length. However, since no theatres were willing to release such a lengthy film, it was released in parts, making it a film series. While the first part of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ was released in June 2012, the second part hit cinemas in August of the same year.

‘Baahubahli: The Beginning’ and ‘Baahubali: The Conclusion’

Though ‘Gangs of Wasseypur' was released a few years before the ‘Baahubali’ franchise, it was the SS Rajamouli directorial that gained more popularity as a film series. While the first part of the film was released in 2015, its follow-up story was released in 2017. One of the most successful film franchises, it made Rajamouli and Prabas pan-India stars. Speaking of its box office performance, the ‘Baahubali’ franchise was a game-changer in Indian cinema, reportedly collecting a combined collection of over Rs. 2000 crore.

‘Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva’ and ‘Brahmastra Part 2: Dev’

After ‘Wake Up Sid’ and ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’, Ayan Mukerji collaborated for the third time with his favourite actor and a dear friend, Ranbir Kapoor, for the ‘Brahmastra’ franchise. With Alia Bhatt opposite her husband as his love interest in the film, ‘Bhrahmastra’ is said to be India’s first cinematic universe film franchise, also called ‘Astraverse.’ While ‘Brahmastra Part: Shiva’ was released in September 2022, the second and third parts of the trilogy will reportedly be released simultaneously in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Per reports, Ranveer Singh will feature in the second installment.

‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’ and ‘Ponniyin Selvan: II’

Acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam also joined the bandwagon of film series trends in India with his periodical drama ‘Ponniyin Selvan’. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast comprising Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Prakash Raj, Sobhita Dhulipala, and others, ‘Ponniyin Selva: I’ had its theatrical debut in September 2022. The second part was released seven months apart, in April 2023. The franchise’s combined box office earnings are said to be over Rs. 800 crore.

‘Salaar: Part 1: Ceasefire’ and ‘Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam’

Starring Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the leading roles, ‘Salaar: Part 1: Ceasefire’ was one of the highly anticipated films of 2023. Released in December, the film clashed at the box office with Shah Rukh Khan-led ‘Dunki’ and crushed it successfully. It is directed by Prashanth Neel and backed by the makers of ‘KGF’ franchise, Hombale Films. As per reports, the film’s director has confirmed that the script of the sequel is ready but hasn’t gone on floors yet. The first installment's box office collections stand at around Rs. 600 to Rs. 700 crore (gross, worldwide).