Drama, comedy, action and even sci-fi; these five Bollywood films started out as one-off hits but went on to become massive franchises. Beloved by audiences for generations, they have transformed into enduring brands with sequels, spin-offs and cult status.
Cozy
Released in 2010, HouseFull redefined slapstick comedies in Bollywood with its multi-starrer ensemble, quirky storytelling and chaotic humour. With Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh leading the frenzy, the film’s popularity spawned several sequels such as HouseFull 2, HouseFull 3, Housefull 4 and HouseFull 5. It has become one of the most successful comedy franchises in India, with another installment already in talks.
Golmaal
Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006) became an instant hit with its witty characters and hilariously loud comedy. Its sequels; Golmaal Returns, Golmaal 3 and Golmaal Again Slavery made the series a household name. The franchise, known for its recurring cast and slapstick energy, has become one of Bollywood’s longest-running comedy brands, with fans still waiting for Golmaal 5.
Dhoom
When Dhoom hit theaters in 2004, it created a stylish action thriller era in India. The franchise grew bigger with Dhoom 2 and Dhoom 3, introducing star-studded villains like Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan, jaw-dropping stunts, and slick bike stunts. Today, Dhoom remains one of Bollywood’s most successful action franchises, with talks of Dhoom 4 constantly buzzing among fans.
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Dhamma
The comedy caper Dhama (2007) became a surprise hit thanks to its rib-rattling plot and strong ensemble cast. Its success spawned sequels like Double Dhama and Total Dhama , each delivering family-friendly entertainment filled with hilarious mayhem. Over the years, the Dhama series has earned its place as one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy franchises.
Koi…mil gaya
WHAT I … Mil Gaya (2003) wasn’t just a blockbuster , it created India’s first superhero universe. The story of Rohit and the aliens Jadoo became the Krrish franchise, with Krrish and Krrish 3 turning Hrithik Roshan into Bollywood’s beloved superhero. This blend of sci-fi, emotion and action became a unique offering in Indian cinema, and fans were eagerly awaiting Krrish 4.
