“Hit film isn't all you need to build a franchise”: Pankaj Tripathi speaks about Bollywood's obsession with sequels, highlights factors contributing to Stree 2’s success

Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who recently featured in the blockbuster Stree 2, shared his candid thoughts on Bollywood's growing obsession with sequels. Despite the success of the film, he maintains a grounded perspective on its impact and highlights the essential ingredients needed to create a successful franchise.The Secret to Stree 2's SuccessStree 2, a sequel to the 2018 hit Stree, became one of the biggest Hindi film releases of the year. While the film’s impressive box office performance was celebrated, Pankaj Tripathi emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm mindset amidst the success. A report by Hindustan Times, quoted the actor saying, “It is a thing of great joy that a film of such a nominal budget became such a big blockbuster. Par ye success se aapka dimaag kharab nahin hona chahiye. Ek thehraav rehna chahiye.”The actor also acknowledged that the film’s success was, in part, due to its connection to the Stree franchise. “The happiness the audience got after watching the first part played a huge role in bringing the audience to theatres for the sequel in the first weekend itself. Otherwise, people wait for the weekend to get over to know the reviews and the performance, but for franchise films that isn’t the case,” Pankaj added.Pankaj Tripathi’s Thoughts on Bollywood’s Obsession with SequelsHaving been a part of both successful and less successful franchises, Pankaj Tripathi shared his perspective on Bollywood’s growing reliance on sequels. “To make a franchise, a successful film isn’t all you need. You need a unique film for that. Sometimes a film is successful but not unique. Stree fit in both the requirements. So, that is also a factor,” he explained.Sequels are Not Always the AnswerPankaj's comments come at a time when sequels like Stree 2, Singham Again, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 have dominated the box office. However, the overall performance of Bollywood films has been underwhelming this year. Sharing thoughts on the same, Pankaj said, “I am an actor, and I don’t have expertise in the business side of films. But the audience is unpredictable, they change their taste at any time. Wo trailer dekh ke hi apna mann bana leti hai. Baaki publicity, gimmicks aur stunt se kuch nahin hota hai.”A Surprising Anecdote from Stree 2While talking about his involvement in Stree 2, Pankaj Tripathi also shared an interesting anecdote about his contract for the film. He revealed, “During Stree, the producers had told me that if Stree works really well, they will give me a bonus. That amount was crossed in four days for the first part. I didn’t even know when the makers had put that same clause in my contract for Stree 2 too, as for (producer) Dinesh Vijan’s films I never read the agreement. And the figure for the sequel was crossed in just two days.”Also Read: Bollywood STUNNED as Bihar offers HIGHEST film subsidy of up to Rs. 4 cr; Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra applaud the GAME-CHANGING move