Malayalam cinema, known for its storytelling brilliance, has produced several duologies where filmmakers revisited iconic characters and continued their journeys. These sequels often capture the essence of their predecessors while exploring new dimensions. Here’s a curated list of some of the most memorable Malayalam movie duologies and a sneak peek at upcoming ones.
- Irupatham Noottandu (1987) & Sagar Alias Jackie (2009)
The character of Sagar Alias Jackie, played by Mohanlal, became a cult figure with Irupatham Noottandu. Directed by K. Madhu, this crime thriller established Sagar as the quintessential underworld don. Nearly two decades later, Amal Neerad’s Sagar Alias Jackie revived the legend with a modern cinematic style, catering to a new generation.
- August 1 (1988) & August 15 (2011)
Mammootty’s portrayal of the sharp and relentless cop, Perumal, in August 1 was a defining moment in Malayalam cinema. Directed by Sibi Malayil, the film was inspired by Frederick Forsyth’s The Day of the Jackal. The sequel, August 15, directed by Shaji Kailas, brought Perumal back, tackling a high-profile assassination plot.
- Kireedam (1989) & Chenkol (1993)
Sethumadhavan’s tragic journey in Kireedam struck a chord with audiences. Directed by Sibi Malayil, the film beautifully portrayed the collapse of dreams under societal pressure. Its sequel, Chenkol, delved into Sethu’s life after prison, painting a poignant picture of his struggles for redemption.
- Devasuram (1993) & Ravanaprabhu (2001)
M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s scripting brilliance and Mohanlal’s portrayal of Mangalassery Neelakantan in Devasuram made it a masterpiece. Ravanaprabhu, directed by Ranjith, continued the legacy with Neelakantan’s son, Karthikeyan, stepping into the spotlight, creating a seamless transition between eras.
- Kilukkam (1991) & Kilukkam Kilukilukkam (2006)
One of the most loved comedies in Malayalam cinema, Kilukkam (directed by Priyadarshan) featured the magical pairing of Mohanlal and Revathi. The sequel, Kilukkam Kilukilukkam, brought a new cast and storyline but couldn’t quite recreate the charm of the original.
- Commissioner (1994) & Bharath Chandran IPS (2005)
Shaji Kailas and Renji Panicker’s action-packed Commissioner introduced Mammootty’s iconic character, Bharath Chandran IPS. The sequel, directed by Renji Panicker himself, showcased Chandran’s rise in power, tackling corruption with his signature intensity.
- The King (1995) & The King and the Commissioner (2012)
Mammootty’s Joseph Alex IAS in The King was a powerhouse of a character. The sequel, The King and the Commissioner, paired him with Suresh Gopi’s Bharath Chandran IPS, creating a high-octane narrative that brought together two iconic characters.
- 4 The People (2004) & By The People (2005)
4 The People, directed by Jayaraj, captured the rebellion of four youngsters against corruption. Its sequel, By The People, carried forward the story, exploring the consequences of their actions.
- Udayananu Tharam (2005) & Padmasree Bharat Dr. Saroj Kumar (2012)
Mohanlal’s Udayananu Tharam, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, offered a satirical take on the film industry. Its spin-off, Padmasree Bharat Dr. Saroj Kumar, focused on Sreenivasan’s titular character, presenting a humorous yet thought-provoking commentary.
- Honey Bee (2013) & Honey Bee 2: Celebrations (2017)
Jean Paul Lal’s Honey Bee was a youthful entertainer, filled with humor and camaraderie. Its sequel, Honey Bee 2: Celebrations, retained the charm, revolving around the challenges faced during a wedding.
Upcoming Duologies
- Lucifer (2019) & Empuraan (2025)
Lucifer, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, redefined political thrillers in Malayalam cinema. The highly anticipated sequel, Empuraan, promises to delve deeper into Stephen Nedumpally’s enigmatic world, with even grander stakes.
- Mikhael (2019) & Marco (2024)
Nivin Pauly’s Mikhael, directed by Haneef Adeni, introduced a gripping family drama with shades of vengeance. The sequel, Marco, is expected to unravel the mysteries hinted at in the first film.
Conclusion
Malayalam cinema’s duologies have not only celebrated iconic characters but also showcased evolving storytelling styles. From timeless classics to modern narratives, these films remain etched in the hearts of movie lovers. With upcoming sequels like Empuraan and Marco, the legacy of memorable duologies is set to continue.
