Suresh Babu on T-Town fascination for sequels

Suresh Babu on T-Town fascination for sequels. Of late Tollywood filmmakers are coming with duologies and this is surprising all as many feel this is impacting the films results due to the slow pace, issues with screenplay and unnecessary drags.

In the midst of all this, star producer Suresh Babu speaking to scribes, shared his thoughts on the above issue. He said “Sequels are here to stay. We’re inspired by Hollywood franchises that have worked wonders — be it Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, the Marvel series, or Star Wars. If you weigh the basket of originals against sequels, the latter has a stronger collection record,”

He added “It’s a new-age business trick. Sequels ensure a minimum guarantee at the box office, especially if the first part connects well with audiences. If the second instalment has a solid story, it only adds to the momentum.”

On Baahubali setting the precedent, Suresh Babu said “I don’t think it was a wrong precedent,” he clarifies. “Rajamouli never originally intended a sequel — it was born out of excess footage and storytelling needs. They ended the first part with the now-iconic cliff-hanger, ‘Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?’ That worked because it was organic, not forced.”

He however warned the makers of complacency. He said “You can't take things for granted. Even if you have a successful first part, the sequel has to stand on its own merit. A lazy continuation will only backfire.”

He continued “I don’t believe filmmakers are turning to sequels due to lack of ideas. New stories still have their space. But star-driven sequels dominate because they bring in pre-established audiences and buyer interest.”

He pointed out “Across industries, sequels are thriving. Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 and Karthi’s Kaithi 2 are also in the works.” Suresh Babu announced a sequel to his new-age entertainer "Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' and also thought of doing a sequel to their comic-caper 'Aha Naa Pellanta'. 'Where, the children of Rajendra Prasad, turns out to be stingy and miser(like his grandfather Kota Srinivas Rao) and few other young characters but the story didn't shape up to my satisfaction and I dropped it, While Ee Nagaranki.. is very much on."