HB2: Bollywood Desperate for Another Low Effort Success?

Heyy Babyy 2 Sparks Franchise Debate

Another franchise, another sequel. But is Heyy Babyy 2 really the comeback Bollywood audiences have been waiting for? The announcement has sparked curiosity, but many are still unsure whether the film has enough franchise value to create genuine excitement.

Sajid Nadiadwala recently announced a three-film deal to shoot in Australia, bringing Heyy Babyy 2 back into the spotlight nearly two decades after the original film was shot there. The announcement has renewed discussions about whether the sequel can recreate the charm of the 2007 hit.

Unlike franchises such as Hera Pheri, Housefull, Welcome, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Dhamaal, Heyy Babyy never developed into a series that audiences consistently demanded. The original film was successful and is remembered for its comedy and music, but its long-term franchise appeal remains open to debate.

The announcement also comes at a time when Bollywood appears to be relying heavily on established franchises. Sequels often seem like safer commercial choices, especially when original films struggle to attract audiences. However, a familiar title alone does not guarantee box office success.

There is also uncertainty over the cast. It is still unclear whether Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Fardeen Khan, Vidya Balan, Boman Irani, and other familiar faces from the original film will return for the sequel.

Heyy Babyy 2 could still surprise audiences if it delivers a strong script and the right cast. For now, though, the project feels more like another attempt by Bollywood to revive a known brand than a sequel driven by overwhelming audience demand.

Meanwhile, another Netflix thriller, Gandhari, has opened to largely negative reviews despite its promising premise. The film stars Taapsee Pannu as a mother searching for her kidnapped daughter while confronting a child trafficking network, blending revenge, folklore, and mythology into its narrative.

Critics believe the biggest weakness lies in the screenplay. While the title draws inspiration from the Mahabharata, many reviews argue that the mythological connection remains mostly superficial and does not meaningfully strengthen the story.

Taapsee Pannu has received mixed reactions for her performance. Some reviewers felt she could not fully capture the emotional struggle of a mother searching for her missing child. The supporting cast has also been criticised for not receiving enough meaningful screen time.

Overall, Gandhari had the ingredients for an engaging thriller but reportedly failed to balance its many themes. Reviews suggest that combining mythology, revenge, folklore, action, and trafficking without a focused narrative resulted in a film that struggled to deliver on its potential.