There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the emergence of cinematic universes in Bollywood lately. From the recent hits like Pathaan, Stree 2, and a slew of upcoming universe films, it seems like this is the direction in which the industry is headed. While these movies have raked in big bucks at the box office, there are a few exceptions that we can’t ignore. Let’s dive into whether these cinematic universes, be it spy, cop, or supernatural, are changing the way we consume entertainment.
Let’s take a closer look at the YRF Spy Universe, which kickstarted with the action-packed Tiger franchise starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, expanded to War featuring the dashing Hrithik Roshan, and now the much-anticipated Pathaan with the king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. While these films have been smashing successes, can we guarantee the same for future projects? The allure of sequels lies in carrying forward the excitement from previous installments and the possibility of beloved characters crossing paths, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The upcoming War 2 is generating a lot of buzz, along with Alia Bhatt’s entry into the universe with Alpha. The prospect of Tiger vs Pathaan, bringing together SRK and Salman once again, promises blockbuster potential. However, despite the established credibility of the Tiger franchise and the grand Diwali release of its third installment, Tiger 3 fell short of expectations.
In the realm of the Maddock Supernatural Universe, Bhediya didn’t quite hit the mark initially. This could be attributed to the lack of interconnectedness within the universe before the film’s release. But now, all eyes are on Bhediya 2, carrying a weight of expectations. From the success of low-budget ventures like Munjya to the record-breaking performance of Stree 2, it’s evident that horror comedy is the flavor of the season, likely to captivate audiences for years to come.
Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe is gearing up for a grand Diwali release with Singham Again, boasting an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and many more. The universe has witnessed triumphs and is poised to continue its winning streak.
While sequels, franchises, and universes seem to be the current trend, smaller-budget films like Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Article 370 have also made their mark. Ultimately, what matters is the entertainment quotient that these films bring to the table. While cinematic universes are riding high on popularity and are likely to stay in vogue, their success hinges on the experience they deliver to the audience.
