As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours in the dimly-lit theaters of yesteryears and the state-of-the-art multiplexes of today, I can confidently say that the trend of turning films into franchises is a double-edged sword.
Following the period where numerous movies were interconnected within a single universe or shared world, there’s been an increasing trend for films to follow suit. Movies such as Devara: Part 1, Indian 2, and Turbo are instances of cinema that appear to prioritize building expansive worlds over crafting standalone stories.
In the past, movies typically focused on compact narratives, often concluding within a single film. Today, though, it’s common to see movie franchises expanding across several instalments, particularly with hits such as Baahubali and KGF leading the way.
Is it necessary for every movie to belong to a shared cinematic universe or franchise? Couldn’t it be more advantageous to allow each film to stand on its own, creating something unique and engaging for viewers? What drives the inclination to expand movies into numerous sequels or spin-offs?
The trend of turning films into franchises
Over time, the rise in popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has inspired Indian filmmakers with new concepts and possibilities to develop their own movie universes. These cinematic worlds, produced by studios or directors, often share connections through common characters, motifs, and plotlines.
In India, there are several interconnected movie series like YRF Spy Universe, Maddock Supernatural Universe from Bollywood, as well as Lokesh Cinematic Universe and Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe. These collections of films have sparked significant interest and discussion among viewers, leading many filmmakers to believe that their movies could be expanded into multiple parts due to their popularity.
Check out the Lokiverse 2.0 theme video:
While some might contend that an artist’s integrity shouldn’t be debated, those who spend a significant sum to enjoy movies might challenge this viewpoint. It’s essential for filmmakers, regardless of their skill level, to understand that not every narrative necessitates a telling across multiple installments (2-3 parts).
In analyzing the feedback on Kamal Haasan’s film, Indian 2, it’s clear that many viewers found it tedious and difficult to endure due to its extended runtime and excessive subplots. Despite an initial promising concept of reintroducing a beloved character, these additional elements detracted from the overall appeal, as they lacked intrigue and were not engaging for spectators.
Just like Jr NTR’s movie Devara: Part 1 and Mammootty’s Turbo, these films also experienced the impact of franchising. Initially, both movies maintained their original essence, but over time, they veered off course, making it a struggle for viewers to continue watching them.
Watch Devara: Part 1 trailer
Throughout, the film shifts from being entertaining to a hunt for Easter eggs or theories predicting future events. By the movie’s conclusion, viewers are eager to exit the theater rather than discussing the chaotic spectacle they witnessed. This can also apply to Thalapathy Vijay’s The GOAT and its end credits, although it remains uncertain if it will continue due to the actor’s political obligations.
Why are films being turned into franchises and all movies as installments not worth your time?
As a connoisseur of all things cinematic, I can’t help but notice the trend that many movies are being developed into franchises. This shift isn’t hard to grasp – it’s all about the financial rewards that each sequel brings. However, every franchise installment stands alone as a unique product, ready to be marketed and enjoyed independently.
In essence, movie makers could gain an advantage by breaking down a whole story into smaller parts and generating income through various avenues. Beyond the financial rewards, it’s common for filmmakers to overwrite and overdevelop their projects, feeling that every piece of writing they produce is crucial for their films.
Leaving out rough edges or unsuitable parts from their movies without resorting to harshness can sometimes leave viewers feeling unsatisfied, particularly when creating a commercial film. However, it’s not always accurate to assume that every aspect of a franchise film is superfluous.
Of course, transforming a story into a movie often necessitates substantial world-building and character development, which naturally takes time to mature and grow. That’s why filmmakers like SS Rajamouli were able to create epic masterpieces like Baahubali.
In a similar vein, movies such as Kantara, Kaithi, Lucifer, and 2898 AD: Kalki serve as illustrations of what makes a franchise whole. These subsequent films, whether sequels or prequels, are being produced to wrap up the story or delve deeper into the universe that the creators have crafted, providing us with even more captivating and entertaining tales.
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2024-10-04 13:53