‘Veera Dheera Sooran’ to ‘Baahubali’: Films that were released in two parts

In recent years, the South Indian film industry has seen a surge in films being released in two parts, a trend that's redefining the cinematic experience. This innovative approach to storytelling allows filmmakers to delve deeper into complex narratives, keeping audiences hooked and eagerly awaiting the next instalment. From the upcoming ‘Veera Dheera Sooran’ to the ‘Baahubali’ franchise, here are some notable films that have adopted the two-part format:

‘Veera Dheera Sooran’:

Poster of 'Veera Dheera Sooran' | Arranged

With Vikram in the titular role, ‘Veera Dheera Sooran’, titled ‘Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2’ was slated for a theatrical release on Thursdays. However, due to a legal battle between television network B4U and the film’s production house over OTT rights, the film’s release was stalled by the Delhi High Court on Thursday. ‘Veera Dheera Sooran’ is a Tamil action thriller, directed by SU Arun Kumar. Upon its release, the film will be followed up by its prequel, titled ‘Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 1’, production for which is expected to begin soon.

‘Devara’:

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Starring Jr. NTR, Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor, this Koratala Siva’s bilingual film’s first part, ‘Devara: Part 1’, was released in September 2024. The film revolves around Devara (Jr. NTR), a leader of a coastal village who stands against his counterpart Bhairava (Saif) over the illegal smuggling of arms. The second instalment of the film is slated to release by the end of 2026. It features Jr. NTR in a dual role while marking the Telugu debut of Janhvi.

‘Pushpa’:

One of the most successful two-part films is the Allu Arjun-led ‘Pushpa’ franchise, directed by Sukumar. Also starring Fahad Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna, its prequel ‘Pushpa: The Rule’ was released in December 2021, and the second instalment, ‘Pushpa: The Rule’ hit cinema screens in December 2024. While both instalments were a huge commercial success, the sequel minted more than double the collections of its prequel. The film tells the story of Pushpa Raj (Allu), a red sandalwood smuggler, who faces several threats from his enemies and also from SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahad).

‘Salaar’:

Starring Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Shruti Haasan in the lead, the first instalment of the ‘Salaar’ franchise - ‘Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire’ was released in December 2023. The film is a story of how two friends - Deva (Prabhas) and Vardha (Prithviraj) turn into foes in the dystopian city of Khansaar, where monarchy still exists. Its sequel, titled ‘Salaar: Part 2 - Shouryanga Parvam’, is expected to be released in 2026, although an official release date is yet to be announced by the makers. Directed by Prashanth Neel, ‘Salaar’ is backed by Hombale Films.

‘Baahubali’:

The film that started the trend of two-part films is SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster hit ‘Baahubali’ franchise. With Prabhas playing the protagonist and in a dual role, and Rana Daggubati as the antagonist, ‘Baahubali’s first part, ‘Baahubali - The Beginning’ was released in 2015, followed by its sequel, ‘Baahubali - The Conclusion’ in 2017. The films were shot in Telugu and Tamil languages, simultaneously, and are one of the biggest blockbuster hits of Indian cinema.