Cinematic Universe- Indian Films Mocking This Concept?

Indian cinema has recently seen a surge in multi-part movies, often inspired by successful franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While dividing a long storyline into smaller parts can be a creative decision, many filmmakers are now forcing films into franchises that don’t necessarily require it. Let's have a look.

The trend of sequels with non-sync stories, but repeated characters, led to the emergence of various cinematic universes, such as the YRF Spy Universe and the Maddock Supernatural Universe in Bollywood, but not all of these attempts have been successful. The issue arises when filmmakers create franchises for stories that lack depth and don’t need extensive character development.

Recent examples include Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 and Jr. NTR’s Devara: Part 1, where the narrative feels stretched to fit a multi-part format. This approach often leads to mediocre films that focus more on setting up future installments rather than delivering a satisfying standalone experience. As a result, individual films can suffer, losing their unique storytelling in favor of franchise-building. While successful franchises like Baahubali and KGF have proven that well-crafted stories can thrive in a multi-part format, many current projects seem to miss the mark.

Filmmakers are prioritizing easter eggs and transitions to sequels over developing compelling plots. This trend raises concerns about whether Indian filmmakers are sacrificing quality for quantity in their quest to create cinematic universes, and making a mockery of the total concept.