'Jaat 2' announced: Why industry keeps betting on sequels even when the numbers don't add up

When Sunny Deol's Jaat released in theatres on April 10, expectations were riding high. The veteran actor, known for his roaring comebacks and mass-appeal action flicks, was back on the big screen with what looked like a gritty, masala entertainer. But despite the hype and heavy promotions, Jaat stumbled at the box office. Opening with a modest Rs 9.5 crore in India and closing its first week at around Rs 60 crore nett, the film failed to become the roaring hit many had hoped for.

And yet, just a week later, Sunny Deol announced Jaat 2, a full-fledged sequel, backed once again by the same team. So, what's going on?

This is where things get interesting. Because Jaat 2 is not an isolated case, it's part of a growing trend in Indian cinema where sequels are greenlit, not based on a film's performance, but on faith. Faith in star power. Faith in the brand. Faith in a franchise's potential, even if the first film didn't quite land.

The South Indian film industry has long cracked the sequel formula. KGF, Pushpa, Salaar, Kantara, all major hits that either had or are confirmed to have sequels. What sets them apart, though, is that they came with massive box office success. KGF: Chapter 1 stormed the pan-India box office, leading to an even bigger sequel. Pushpa: The Rise became a pop culture moment before Pushpa 2 was even officially announced.

However, the North has taken a slightly different route. Bollywood seems to have picked up on the franchise potential, even when the first film underperforms. Think about it! Satyameva Jayate did well enough for a sequel, but Satyameva Jayate 2 was a critical and commercial disaster. Still, it got made, banking solely on John Abraham's action-hero image.

Similarly, Heropanti 2 was greenlit despite Heropanti being more of a lukewarm debut vehicle for Tiger Shroff than a major hit. Race 3, headlined by Salman Khan, went ahead even though the franchise was already wobbling after its second part. In all of these cases, star power carried more weight than story or substance.

Betting on Brand Over Box Office

So why does this keep happening? Why would producers back Jaat 2 when Jaat hasn't exactly been a money spinner?

The answer lies in brand recall. Once a character, actor, or movie title becomes familiar to the audience, regardless of whether they loved it or not it creates a mental association. Marketing a sequel becomes easier. The audience may not have adored the first movie, but they remember it. That's half the battle in an industry drowning in new content every Friday.

Moreover, in the age of streaming, a film's success isn't just measured by its theatrical collection. If a movie trends on OTT platforms or gains traction in the digital space post-release, it often gets a second wind. Producers then view a sequel as a low-risk, high-reward gamble. And in cases like Jaat, even moderate box office numbers combined with fanbase loyalty for someone like Sunny Deol are enough to justify a follow-up.

Star Power > Storytelling?

It's also worth noting that in India, a star's image can override storytelling flaws. Sunny Deol has enjoyed renewed popularity after Gadar 2 broke records. In the aftermath, even a mid-level performer like Jaat gets the benefit of the doubt. Producers are willing to double down on the same formula, hoping lightning strikes twice or at least close enough to turn a profit.

The same logic applied when Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 came out. While the original with Akshay Kumar was a solid hit, the sequel with Kartik Aaryan wasn't expected to match that legacy, yet it did surprisingly well.

The Road Ahead: Smart Move or Risky Play?

Announcing Jaat 2 is clearly a strategic move. With Gopichand Malineni back as director and the backing of Mythri Movie Makers, the makers are hoping to build on a franchise foundation that might just grow stronger with time or with better execution in the sequel. It's a bold bet, especially with Kesari Chapter 2 looming around the corner, poised to capture a similar audience base.

At the end of the day, Jaat 2 is a classic example of how Bollywood often prioritizes familiarity over innovation. The industry has made peace with the fact that a recognizable brand, backed by a big star, can work wonders, sometimes more than a fresh, content-rich script.

Whether this gamble pays off or becomes another footnote in the long list of sequels that nobody really asked for (Welcome Back, anyone?), only time will tell.