In recent years, Bollywood has increasingly leaned on sequels that feel less like creative ventures and more like calculated cash grabs.
Rather than building on the legacy of their originals, films like Ishq Vishk Rebound, Hungama 2, Love Aaj Kal 2, Bunty Aur Babli 2, and Housefull 5 offer little beyond nostalgia and brand recognition.
Also Read – Salman Khan’s Disaster Sparks Fears in Aamir Khan
Ishq Vishk Rebound tries to recapture youthful energy but ends up as a frothy, forgettable drama lacking the charm and narrative depth of the original.
Hungama 2, directed by Priyadarshan, is a surprisingly dull comedy, weighed down by outdated humour and uninspired writing, even its talented cast can’t salvage the film.
Also Read – Fake Review Mafia: Does it Really Exists?
Love Aaj Kal 2 fares no better. Imtiaz Ali’s attempt to revisit his own template results in a disjointed and emotionally hollow film, devoid of the magic that defined the first.
Perhaps the most disappointing is Bunty Aur Babli 2, which drains all the wit and freshness from its predecessor, replacing it with a sluggish, joyless sequel that barely holds together.
Also Read – Akhanda 2 Teaser Hindi Response: Thunder or Blunder
Housefull 5, while still likely to attract audiences with its ensemble cast and loud humor, is another routine installment in a franchise that has long overstayed its welcome.
The comedy feels forced, the screenplay relies on tired gags, and the film offers little more than recycled chaos packaged as entertainment.
These sequels don’t just fall short they actively diminish the originals. Instead of innovation or storytelling growth, they rely on formula and familiarity, revealing a reluctance to take creative risks.
The result is a wave of forgettable films that leave audiences nostalgic for not just the past, but for better cinema.
