There was a time in Bollywood when bringing together two top stars in a single film was considered a rarity — and a risk. Today, it’s becoming the new normal. With projects like Ramayan, Border 2, and Housefull 5 in the pipeline, the multi-starrer format is making a serious comeback
Yash is all set to play Ravana to Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Rama in Nitish Tiwari’s Ramayan. The latest to join the cast is Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. Each of these actors, known for their fiercely loyal fan bases and box office pull, have long been capable of carrying entire films on their own. Now, they’re sharing screen space.
Trade analyst Girish Wankhede says, “In an age where audiences crave larger-than-life narratives, the multi-starrer format offers a unique opportunity to weave intricate storylines that can captivate viewers. The collective star power not only enhances the film’s visibility but also minimizes production risk, as the combined fan base ensures wider reach.”
He further adds, “The success of films like Gadar 2 and Jaat featuring Sunny Deol indicates a robust appetite for stories that bring a veteran actor like him back to the mainstream. As the industry evolves, the multi-starrer format appears to be a sustainable model balancing artistic integrity with commercial viability.”
Ramayan is just one of several multi-starrers coming out of the Bollywood stables. The sequel to JP Dutta’s 1995 blockbuster Border, Border 2, will be led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh. Housefull 5 has an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Fardeen Khan.
Multi-starrers have traditionally been safe commercial bets, with the occasional exception —Thugs of Hindostan and Kalank, for instance, which were high-profile flops.
Mega cast, mega bucks
Rewind to the 60s, 70s, and much of the 80s, and multi-star vehicles were all the rage. BR Chopra’s Waqt (1965), The Burning Train (1980), Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay (1975), Yash Chopra’s Kabhi Kabhi (1976), and Manmohan Desai’s Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) and Naseeb (1981) not only brought together star-studded ensembles but also delivered cinematic experiences that resonated with audiences.
“These films thrived on the chemistry of their diverse casts, drawing in fans from various demographics and ensuring box office success,” says Wankhede.
Tollywood too has its own legacy of successful multi-starrers. From A Nageswara Rao and NT Rama Rao’s Maya Bazar, and Chanakya Chandragupt to SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali and RRR, star power has consistently drawn audiences to theatres.
“Multi-starrer films strike a chord and resonate with men a lot more than women, who form a large percentage of the cinema-going demographic. In most of these films, one hero plays the good guy, another the bad, and a third carries shades of grey. Women characters are either in need of saving — or rarely, the saviour. So for many men, it feels autobiographical — there’s on-screen machismo and bravado they relate to,” says a film critic.
It’s a classic case of ‘more the merrier’ and a smart business proposition too. In a cinematic landscape where solo-hero projects are increasingly proving to be damp squibs — with a few exceptions — the combined star power of multi-starrers seems to be a winning formula. Franchises like Dhoom, Golmaal, and Housefull have already shown the power of ensemble casts.
Akshay Kumar, who has starred in multiple two-hero projects like Yeh Dillagi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, and Dhadkan, as well as the successful Housefull franchise, remains a staunch supporter of the format. “These films were made before too, so budget is not the issue. It’s usually about one actor fearing the other may overshadow them. But if you like the your role, go for it. I’ve done a seven-hero film myself — Jaani Dushman — and what matters is a good story and solid entertainment.”
The recent announcement of new instalments in the Dhamaal and Hera Pheri franchises further underscores Bollywood’s focus on ensemble stories with proven franchise potential. “The emphasis on ensemble casts is not just a passing trend but a strategic move to leverage brand loyalty. It reflects a broader understanding of audience preferences — viewers are drawn to familiar narratives with their favourite stars,” says Wankhede.
Quotes:
For people across the country to come and watch your film, you need to cater to diverse audiences. But the fundamental thing is storytelling. The audience no longer shows up just for a star. They want an emotional connect. Multi-starrers are great — but they need stories that speak to everyone,” says an exhibitor in Delhi.
And this isn’t just a Bollywood phenomenon. Jr NTR, Tollywood’s superstar joins Hrithik Roshan in War 2, and Prithviraj will share screen space with Mahesh Babu in SSMB2. Exhibitors are calling this a forward-thinking approach that caters to a pan-Indian audience.
It’s a classic case of ‘more the merrier’ and a smart business proposition too. In a cinematic landscape where solo-hero projects are increasingly proving to be damp squibs — with a few exceptions — the combined star power of multi-starrers seems to be a winning formula. Franchises like Dhoom, Golmaal, and Housefull have already shown the power of ensemble casts in generating strong brand recall and big box office numbers.
