The rise of two-part films in Indian cinema

In recent years, Indian cinema has seen a trend of filmmakers making two-part films. This is where a story is divided into two separate films, which have become increasingly popular across various genres and languages. The trend is particularly notable in South Indian cinema, where films like 'Baahubali', 'Pushpa', 'KGF', 'Salaar' and more, whereas in Bollywood there is 'Brahmastra' and the upcoming 'Ramayana' which are expected to elevate the thriller of storytelling and box office success.
The concept of two-part films is not new to Indian cinema. However, it gained momentum with the release of the 2015 and 2017 release 'Baahubali,' directed by SS Rajamouli. The film's massive success can be also credited to its epic storytelling, which was divided into two parts: 'Baahubali: The Beginning' and 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.' This approach allowed for a detailed narration of the film, making the whole project much more captivating in the audience's mind with the increased retention value and setting a precedent for future films.

Several factors contribute to the success of two-part films. Firstly, they allow for more detailed storytelling, enabling filmmakers to go deeper into characters and plotlines.
While promoting Jr NTR's film 'Devara: Part 1', the 'RRR' actor spoke about how they wanted to make a standalone film however as they got deeper into it, they started the shoot of the film. He said, "We never wanted to actually make this film in two parts. Never. We never had the intention of making it into two parts. But going deep into it, when we started shooting for it, it’s characters-driven."

This approach of making two films also provides a richer cinematic experience, as seen in films like 'Pushpa: The Rise' and 'Pushpa: The Rule' and Kannada superhit, 'KGF: Part 1' and 'KGF: Part 2'. Secondly, dividing a story into two parts creates anticipation and suspense, keeping audiences engaged between releases. The financial success of these films is also a significant factor, as they often generate substantial profits from both parties.
South Indian cinema has been at the forefront of this trend. Films like 'Baahubali,' 'Devara,' 'Pushpa', 'Salaar' have not only achieved domestic success but have also gained international recognition. The success of these films can be attributed to their engaging tale, coupled with grand production values and meticulous storytelling. The trend is not limited to Telugu cinema; other South Indian languages like Tamil and Malayalam are also exploring this format.
As per a report by The News Minute, film critic Aditya Shrikrishna shared this phenomenon, as he said, "Studios are avoiding risks. There is a global problem when it comes to theatrical films post the COVID-19 pandemic and nobody is sure what will truly work in the box office, they are not able to detect patterns apart from the existing franchises and sequels which will at least guarantee an opening."
As per a Mint report, independent trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai, "Since the success of Baahubali, everyone wants to build a brand and ensure big openings. Also, ending the first part with some sort of a cliffhanger works big time".
Grand movies, characterized by their large-scale production and epic storytelling, have taken over the two-part film trend. These films often involve significant budgets and elaborate sets, contributing to their grandeur. The success of grand movies like 'Baahubali' and 'RRR' has raised the bar for Indian cinema, pushing filmmakers to explore more ambitious projects. The trend is expected to continue, with upcoming films like 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev' and 'Kalki 2898 AD: Part 2' promising to deliver even more spectacular experiences.

As the trend of two-part films continues to grow, it is likely that more filmmakers will adopt this approach. The success of recent films suggests that audiences are receptive to complex, detailed storytelling, provided it is engaging and well-executed. However, there is also a risk of over-saturation, as not all stories may benefit from being divided into two parts. Filmmakers must carefully consider whether their narrative warrants this format to avoid diluting the impact of their story.
The trend of two-part films in Indian cinema, particularly in South India, reflects a shift towards more immersive and detailed storytelling. While this approach has had a lot of success, it also presents challenges, such as maintaining audience interest between releases and ensuring that the narrative remains engaging throughout.