On the floor, take two, take three

Jasmine Singh

The makers of Punjabi film Laavaan Phere, starring Roshan Prince, Rubina Bajwa, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Karamjit Anmol and Harby Sangha, announced the sequel of the film within a week of its release. The makers of Manje Bistre, Rocky Mental, Sikander and Nikka Zaildar did pretty much the same. At present, almost every second Punjabi film has either a sequel or a threequel lined up.

The most-talked about film is the sequel to Carry On Jatta, titled Carry On Jatta 2, starring Gippy Grewal, Binnu Dhillon and Sonam Bajwa. While it seems like a growing trend, whether or not sequels and prequels are here to stay is something only time will tell.

Though filmmakers in Punjabi entertainment industry are divided on this subject, they feel that a film does deserve a second part. “Both Jatt and Juliet and Jatt and Juliet 2 did exceptionally well. While Sardaarji did fairly well at the boxoffice, Sardaarji 2 couldn’t repeat the magic,” says director Amit Prasher of Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 fame.

With a number of sequels lining up to be released this year, it is evident that the makers haven’t really clinked on to ‘guarantee’. Carry On Jatta 2, Rocky Mental Returns (tentative title), Laavaan Phere 2, Manje Bistre 2, Mr and Mrs 420, Sikander 2, Nikka Zaildar 3, Bambukat 2, the list of sequels and threequels is larger than the numbers released a few years back. Interestingly, not all sequels announced have had a hit prequel!

Despite Sikander, starring Kartar Cheema and Gul Panag, not fairing too well at the boxoffice, the makers have now announced a sequel. “Though Sikander did not do well at the boxoffice. However, the film got much appreciation on YouTube and was received well internationally,” says Kartar Cheema, lead actor.

Eight to 10 sequels are either being made or released this year. So far, Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa-starrer Nikka Zaildar is the only Punjabi film to enter the threequel race. After the success of Nikka Zaildar 2, the makers are hoping to repeat the feat in Nikka Zaildar 3. Lead actor Ammy Virk neither sees the sequel as a follow up of a hit film nor does he see a dearth of original ideas in the Punjabi film industry. 

“It is not the actors, directors or producers who decide whether a film deserves a sequel or a threequel. It is the audience that decides the fate of a film. And it was that very audience, which creates the demand for second and third film. Immediately after Nikka Zaildar 2, fans started asking me to make Nikka Zaildar 3. Same has been the case with Bambukat and fans are asking for a sequel.”

Gippy Grewal-starrer Manje Bistre was a commercial hit. The makers immediately cashed in on the opportunity and announced Manje Bistre 2. Actor-singer Roshan Prince and actor-turned producer Karamjit Anmol were surprised by the success of Laavaan Phere. The sequel of the film will see a repeat in star cast, with some additions and subtractions here and there. “As a producer, I was satisfied with the result of Laavaan Phere, the film made money, so naturally, I would want to make a sequel rather than risking money on a new subject with a new star cast,” shares Karamjit Anmol. 

In the making 

Carry On Jatta 2 Gippy Grewal, Sonam Bajwa, Binnu Dhillon 

Nikka Zaildaar 3 Ammy Virk

Laavaan Phere 2 Roshan Prince, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Karamjit Anmol, Harby Sangha

Manje Bistre Gippy Grewal

Mr and Mrs 420 returns  Ranjit Bawa, Jassie Gill

Sikander 2 Kartar Cheema