As Bollywood enters 2025, the industry is witnessing a fascinating trend that continues to dominate its storytelling landscape: sequels and franchises. Filmmakers have increasingly turned to established narratives, beloved characters, and fan-favorite worlds to draw audiences into theaters. The upcoming slate for 2025 is particularly noteworthy, featuring a lineup packed with blockbuster sequels and ambitious franchises that promise to deliver thrills, comedy, action, and drama in spades.
Talking about the success and dependability of sequels, trade expert Atul Mohan says, “As seen recently, films like OMG 2, Gadar 2, Stree 2, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 have performed massively at the box office. With successful films, a brand has been established, and audiences know what to expect. Many actors have tried different things—some worked, and some didn’t—but today, the situation has changed. Actors now want to stick with something that has worked, as they want to maintain the graph and momentum of their careers.”
Here's a look at some of the most highly anticipated Bollywood sequels and franchise films set to hit the silver screen in 2025.
Raid 2
The 2018 crime thriller Raid, starring Ajay Devgn, was a box-office success, praised for its gripping narrative based on real-life income tax raids in the 1980s. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film not only captivated the audience with its intense screenplay but also highlighted systemic corruption and the courage of tax officers.
Now, in 2025, Ajay Devgn returns with Raid 2, a sequel that delves even deeper into the corrupt underbelly of the country. This time, Devgn's character will battle against Saurabh Shukla, returning from the first part, with Riteish Deshmukh joining the cast as a new antagonist.
Jolly LLB 3
After two highly successful courtroom dramas, Jolly LLB is returning with its third installment. The previous films saw Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar in the role of underdog lawyers. With a brilliant blend of satire, humor, and sharp commentary on India’s judicial system, Jolly LLB became a beloved franchise.
For Jolly LLB 3, both Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi are returning. The film is expected to deal with an even more complex case, tackling issues that resonate with the contemporary legal landscape of India.
Housefull 5
The Housefull series is known for its slapstick comedy, larger-than-life characters, and ensemble casts. Since its inception, the franchise has grown in popularity, offering comedic entertainment and generating massive box office returns. Now, with Housefull 5 slated for 2025, the stakes are higher, as the film returns with an even bigger cast. Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Dino Morea, Jacqueline Fernandez, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, and Chunky Pandey are set to appear, among others.
War 2 and Alpha
The 2019 film War, starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff, was one of Bollywood’s biggest action hits of the year. With mind-blowing stunts, stunning visuals, and an electrifying face-off between two of Bollywood's biggest action stars, War redefined the action genre in Indian cinema. In the second part, the stakes are even higher, as Jr NTR has been roped in as the antagonist. Post the success of Brahmastra, Ayan Mukerji has been entrusted with the directorial duties for the film. A glimpse of War 2 was teased in the post-credit scene of Tiger 3.
Additionally, Alpha introduces Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as female spies leading the universe, marking the first time women will take center stage in this espionage franchise.
Welcome to the Jungle
The Welcome franchise has always been known for its chaotic, over-the-top comedy, featuring a large ensemble cast in hilarious situations. In 2025, Welcome to the Jungle marks the return of this beloved series, with expectations sky-high. Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, and other big names are part of the cast, promising the same riotous fun that has defined the franchise.
Son of Sardaar 2
The original Son of Sardaar was a high-energy comedy-action film, starring Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, and Sonakshi Sinha. The film’s blend of Punjabi culture, colorful visuals, and over-the-top action sequences made it a box office success.
In Son of Sardaar 2, Ajay Devgn has once again teamed up with Sanjay Dutt, and this time, they’re joined by Mrunal Thakur. The film promises to be another rollicking mix of action, comedy, and heart.
De De Pyaar De 2
The romantic comedy De De Pyaar De, starring Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, and Tabu, struck a chord with audiences for its unique take on relationships and age differences. The film’s humor and heartwarming moments made it a hit, and now, with De De Pyaar De 2 slated for release in 2025, fans can expect another delightful ride. The sequel will take the story forward from the first part, with R. Madhavan joining the cast as Rakul’s father. Rumor has it that Kartik Aaryan will play a key cameo in the film.
The Rise of Bollywood Franchises
2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for Bollywood franchises, signaling a shift in the industry’s approach to storytelling. Filmmakers are increasingly relying on sequels and franchises to provide audiences with the comfort of familiar characters while introducing new elements to keep the excitement alive. This trend mirrors the Hollywood model, where franchises dominate the box office, but Bollywood adds its own cultural flair to the mix.
As fans eagerly await these sequels, it’s clear that Bollywood’s franchise era is here to stay, offering a diverse mix of action, comedy, romance, and drama. With beloved stars reprising their roles and new stories unfolding, 2025 promises to be a year of cinematic extravagance, one that will delight moviegoers across the country.