Return of the OGs
With the return of the original cast of hit franchises in new instalments, we decode the strategy and its benefits
When you add the OG actor to the cast of a new instalment, the film naturally creates buzz. TARAN ADARSH, Trade expert
Movie lovers are in for a treat as their favourite OGs from different franchises are set to return to the new instalments. While actor Vidya Balan, who played Manjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and wasn’t part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), will be seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, actor Arshad Warsi, who played the lead in Jolly LLB (2013), returns to LLB 3. Actor Akshay Kumar, too, who was part of Welcome (2007), will be seen in Welcome To The Jungle.
The return of the original cast adds value to the film, says Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 director Anees Bazmee, who’s helming Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: “Vidya did a great job in the first film. So, she will perform even better. Uss character ko woh jee chuki hain. Publicity ke liye bhi achcha hai, as logon ka
excitement badh jaata hai.”
THE FLIPSIDE
Talking about the excitement of the audience, producer and film business expert Girish Johar highlights how a poorly made story can backfire: “These are already successful franchises. So, it (bringing the original cast back) adds more excitement to the box-office salability. It helps in marketing. But, there’s a flipside. There are certain elements that you don’t want to see and certain things the audience didn’t like earlier. So, the pressure is definitely more.”
NOSTALGIA MATTERS
A film’s sequel without the OG cast can do well, but when the original cast is reintroduced into the script, it triggers nostalgia. Trade analyst Atul Mohan says, “When you recall the original movie, the OG cast comes to your mind. When you think of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, you think of Vidya Balan; when you think of Welcome, you think of Akshay Kumar. In the Jolly LLB franchise, you remember both Arshad and Akshay, but Arshad’s memes are more famous. That’s all because of the recall value.”
IS IT A SUCCESS MANTRA?
Film critic and trade expert Taran Adarsh says, “When you add the OG actor to the cast of a new instalment, the film automatically creates buzz. But, as far as the financials are concerned, it all depends on the content. Both the films (Jolly LLB and Bhool Bhulaiyaa) did well at the box office.”