Badly Criticized Sequels That Worked at the Box-Office (Part-1)

Sequels are money-printing machines in the world of cinema, and there is absolutely no denying that. The minute a film even dares to flirt with the idea of being a hit, not necessarily a blockbuster, the whispers of a sequel begin echoing through the studio walls. There is rarely an objection to this pattern because, really, why not blend financial prudence with mass entertainment, a concoction that usually results in sequels. The catch, however, lies in execution, or rather the laziness of it. A majority of sequels appear to be paint-by-numbers extensions, banking solely on the goodwill of the original and the nostalgia factor of its fan base. And yet, somehow, they thrive.

Critics have often found themselves on the wrong end of this pattern, left scratching their heads at the inexplicable success of films they’ve labelled cinematic disasters. But as history has proven, audience tastes and critical discernment often exist on different planets, occasionally in different galaxies. Hype, legacy, or sheer curiosity pulls audiences to theatres, and despite the critic's red pen slashing through plot holes and tonal inconsistencies, the box office registers a different story.

Let us now delve into Part One of a rather intriguing case file: sequels that were trampled by critical consensus but laughed their way to the bank.

Baaghi 2, Baaghi 3

Baaghi 3 is remembered less for its plot and more for the memes it inspired. The film, despite arriving in a pandemic-affected release window, still managed to rake in attention. But its predecessor, Baaghi 2, truly startled trade analysts by collecting over 165 crores in India. The reviews were lukewarm, bordering on frigid, but the audience turnout told another tale. The franchise clearly found its audience, and with Baaghi 4 waiting in the wings, one is forced to wonder if its absurd charm will remain recession-proof.

Housefull 3, 4 and 5

If ever a franchise was the poster child for the disconnect between critical and commercial reception, Housefull is the reigning monarch. The sequels have often been termed as cinematic chaos filled with questionable humour and retrograde gags. The blueprint has barely evolved from one installment to another, yet each film has managed to command significant box office numbers. Housefull 3 did over 109 crores, Housefull 4 skyrocketed to 195 crores, and the fifth has already crossed 158 crores and counting. Critics have expressed everything from mild dismay to outright horror, but the franchise has refused to leave the stage. Slapstick, it seems, is critic-proof. Objectification of women and that being funny, it is still is a factor, apparently.

Kya Super Kool Hai Hum

Adult comedies are the genre that dare not speak their name in Indian cinema. But somehow, this franchise did. What started off as a surprisingly well-received sex comedy spiraled into a critical abyss with its sequels. Kya Super Kool Hai Hum had its moments but Kya Kool Hai Hum 3 was viewed as cinematic purgatory. Yet the second film earned over 45 crores. It didn't matter that the narrative was stitched together with innuendo and absurdity. The audience chuckled, or at least paid for the ticket, and the box office smiled, leaving everyone wondering later, was it even worth it?

Golmaal Returns

Golmaal is an institution, a genre, a cult. For many, Golmaal 3 is the zenith of the franchise, often eclipsing the original. But it was Golmaal Returns that puzzled everyone. Critics denounced it as a tonal misfire with a bizarre narrative flow. Still, it earned over 52 crores. The financial success was enough to keep the franchise wheels spinning. Golmaal 3 later restored some balance to the force by being both a critical and commercial darling. But Golmaal Returns remains the franchise’s quirky middle child, misunderstood yet successful. There were just so many random gags that seem so juvenile, in retrospect.

Singham Returns and Singham Again

There appears to be an odd curse associated with Rohit Shetty and the term "Returns." Singham Returns was widely criticised for lacking the punch and emotional gravity of the original. Nonetheless, the film marched to 141 crores. The sequel’s success almost mandated another installment, and Singham Again was born amidst enormous hype and a galaxy of stars. However, the film was perceived as a bloated misfire. Whether it actually turned a profit or not is still up for debate, but what is clear is that Singham needs a creative reawakening should it consider another outing.

Yamla Pagla Deewana 2

The original Yamla Pagla Deewana was a delightful oddball comedy that blended familial chaos with vintage charm. Naturally, it spawned sequels. The second film, however, was the cinematic equivalent of a bad hangover. Critics tore it apart, yet it earned over 37 crores. And that's where the problem lied, atleast from the perspective of the makers. Its success, modest yet significant, gave birth to Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se. This time, neither critics nor the audience showed up. The film bombed, perhaps finally laying the franchise to rest. The Deols have since gone on to find renewed fame in more serious avatars.

Singh is Bliing

The spiritual sequel to Singh Is Kinng had none of the charm and all of the flamboyance. With an incoherent plot and humour that often tripped over itself, Singh is Bling was critically dismissed. But it still marched past the 90 crore mark. It was a strange beast, riding entirely on brand equity and Akshay Kumar’s star power. The aftermath, however, saw director Prabhu Deva’s graph nosedive, especially after Action Jackson, Dabangg 3, and Radhe—each a masterclass in how not to make a film.

Student of the Year 2

If cinema had a course titled Guilty Pleasures 101, the original Student of the Year would be textbook material. Karan Johar's knack for kitsch and charisma made it an enjoyable romp. The sequel, on the other hand, was an exercise in style over sense. Critics were harsh, but the film managed to earn about 69 crores. It also birthed two new stars, Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria, proving that the SOTY tag still held aspirational value, even if the narrative stumbled over designer gym gear and digitally enhanced abs.

Aranmanai 2, 3 & 4

his Tamil horror-comedy franchise is a curious case. The first film was a surprise success with its bizarre but entertaining mix of horror and humour. Aranmanai 2 was not as well received but still made 16 crores. Then came Aranmanai 3, which took an even bigger beating from critics but made about 55 crores. The real jaw-dropper was Aranmanai 4, which crossed the 100 crore mark despite being universally panned. At this point, the franchise seems bulletproof, riding on its reputation of being so-bad-it’s-entertaining. And there are reports that a fifth installment is in the works as well, one wonders.

So there you have it, a round-up of sequels that critics loved to hate but the box office couldn’t stop loving. These films serve as living proof that critical acclaim and commercial success often exist in parallel universes. Maybe it’s time we accepted that while critics provide the scalpel, the audience carries the wallet. Whether these sequels deserved their success or not is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure: they’re laughing all the way to the bank.

Which one shocked you the most? Which one do you hate with an irrational passion or love despite the reviews? Drop it in the comments. Part Two might just include your guilty pleasure or cinematic nemesis.