New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- The Hindi film industry, which lined up nearly 50 sequels for release between 2025 and 2026, is facing a reality check.

Titles such as Dhadak 2, Son of Sardaar 2, War 2, Andaaz 2 and Baaghi 4 have underperformed, with trade experts blaming a rush to cash in on brand value without adequate writing or planning. The post-covid bet of reviving familiar brands is no longer paying off, raising concerns for upcoming titles like Welcome to the Jungle, Pati Patni Aur Woh 2, Don 3, De De Pyaar De 2, and Krissh 4.

After the pandemic, sequels and cinematic universes had briefly emerged as reliable crowd-pullers. Films like KGF: Chapter 2 ( Rs.434.70 cr), Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 ( Rs.185.92 cr) and Drishyam 2 ( Rs.240.54 cr) reinforce...