Season of sequels

When a film is declared a success at the box-office, it doesn't take long for the makers to announce a sequel. After all, it is the best way of cashing in on a hit and creating a franchise. This year, starting with Tanu Weds Manu Returns and ABCD2, there are several sequels lined up for release. A lowdown..

ABCD 2 : The sequel to ABCD has been made on a much bigger scale. While the first one starred newbies culled from various TV dance reality shows, the sequel has none other than Varun Dhawan showing his dancing prowess and Shraddha Kapoor who will be seen grooving alongside. Prabhudheva who played the mentor in the first part has turned negative for the sequel. While the original had a group of dancers trying to make it big, this one will explore the struggle of choreographers who go on to win the World Hip-Hop dance championship. The film to be released this June is based on a real life story.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns: In the first one we saw the vivacious Tanu (Kangana Ranaut) and the sober Manu (R Madhavan) getting married after a couple of hits and misses. The sequel takes the story forward and explores the problems faced by the married couple. Judging by the trailer looks like Manu is asking Tanu to change her ways, but she remains her bubbly self. And if that's not enough there is a Tanu lookalike too. Kangana has a double role in the film, which should make it interesting. It releases later this month.

Ghayal Once Again: After almost 25 years, Sunny Deol and his dhai kilo ka haath are back with a sequel to his superhit film Ghayal. And this time Sunny has taken over the reins as the director too! The film will take-off from where the first ended. Based on a real incident in the life of a Mumbai Police encounter specialist, Sunny has even managed to bring back his heroine Meenakshi Sheshadri for a special appearance. It also stars Soha Ali Khan, Prachi Desai and Om Puri. It is scheduled to release along with Prem Ratan Dhan Payo this Diwali.

Housefull 3: The first Housefull starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Arjun Rampal, Deepika Padukone and Lara Dutta was a blockbuster. It wasn't long before director Sajid Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala announced a sequel. While Akshay and Riteish remained constant, John Abraham, Asin and Jacqueline were added to the cast and even this slapstick comedy was a hit. Now, the third installment is being readied but with a couple of changes. Sajid-Fahad of It's Entertainment fame are directing it and Abhishek Bachchan has been roped in along with Akshay and Riteish. Amy Jackson, Elli Avram and Jacqueline will be the heroines. But it's the Akshay-Abhishek-Riteish combo that has raised the expectations from the film that is slated to release next June.

Hera Pheri 3: Hera Pheri 1 that was a remake of Malayalam film directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal was a laugh-riot. That was in 2000 and six years later the sequel Phir Hera Pheri with the same set of heroes also turned out to be a big hit. That was directed by Neeraj Vora, who is also helming the third installment. While Suniel and Paresh will reprise their roles as Shyam and Baburao, Akshay Kumar is out. New additions have been made in the form of John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan. The film is scheduled for a December release this year.

Welcome Back: Welcome starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal and Feroz Khan was a huge hit. That was in 2007 and now eight years later, the makers are back with its sequel Welcome Back. The film has Anil, Nana and Paresh reprising their roles from the earlier one while a host of new actors have been added. John Abraham and Shruti Haasan have replaced Akshay and Katrina. The promotions have already started for the movie that was to release this May, but has been pushed.

Rock On 2: Farhan Akhtar made his acting debut with Rock On!! and now after eight years, the sequel is being made. The film reatins its original cast of Farhan, Arjun Rampal and Luke Kenny with a new addition in the form of Shraddha Kapoor, who will also be crooning in the film. After the fallout between Farhan and director Abhishek Kapoor, the sequel will be helmed by by debutante Shujaat Saudagar. The film goes on the floors this August and will hit the screen next August.