10 Directors Who Got Replaced In The Sequels Despite The Success Of Originals

As much as Bollywood has encapsulated the idea of raking up successful movies to churn out sequels, rarely has a film outdone the bar set by the original. While movies like Dhoom 2, Tanu Weds Manu Returns are considered to be even better than the originals, most sequels however have fallen short of expectations. One major reason for the lost intensity in the sequels is the changing of directors.

When someone who creates something with his heart is no longer allowed to carry the legacy forward, the essence perhaps gets lost in the transition. While some believe in not cosseting the film they have made with so much love and choose to sit out, some directors are willfully replaced by producers when it comes to making a sequel.

With so many popular franchises existing in Bollywood, here are 11 directors who got replaces during the sequels despite creating the original:

Dhoom 3

Created By: Sanjay Gadhvi

Replaced By: Vijay Krishna Acharya

While the first two instalments of the series were directed by Sanjay Gadhvi, the filmmaker was replaced by Vijay Krishna Acharya to helm the third part when Aamir Khan joined the bandwagon. While Vijay did make the movie become the highest grosser at the time, the first two parts however stayed with viewers longer.

Phir Hera Pheri

Created By: Priyadarshan

Replaced By: Neeraj Vohra

One of the most iconic Indian comedies of all time, when Hera Pheri got a sequel, filmmaker Priyadarshan wasn’t available to helm it. Film’s writer Neeraj Vohra then had to replace him to direct Phir Hera Pheri. Though it was nowhere close to recreating the magic of original, the sequel wasn’t too bad either.

Dabangg 2

Created By: Abhinav Kashyap

Replaced By: Arbaaz Khan

As Dabangg became a box office hurricane and made further way for Salman Khan’s stardom, the sequel however saw director Abhinav Kashyap getting replaced in the sequel. According to reports, creative differences led to him being replaced and producer Arbaaz Khan then decided to helm the project.

Housefull 3

Created By: Sajid Khan

Replaced By: Sajid-Farhad

The comedy series that was helmed by Sajid Khan in the first two instalments saw him being replaced ever since the back to back debacles of two of his movies. While writers turned directors joined the team, the third part was also a success.

Force 2

Created By: Nishikant Kamath

Replaced By: Abhinay Deo

The 2011 action flick starring John Abraham found a new director when the film got a sequel in 2016. Not willing to head the second part of the series, the filmmaker was replaced by Abhinay Deo of Delhi Belly fame.

Ghayal Once Again

Created By: Rajkumar Santoshi

Replaced By: Sunny Deol

The movie that became a rage in the 90’s took more than two decades to get a sequel. However, when it came down to it, it was film’s lead actor Sunny Deol who had to come to the rescue and direct it. However, the film wasn’t able to create half the noise than what original did.

Rock On 2

Created By: Abhishek Kapoor

Replaced By: Shujaat Saudagar

While Abhishek Kapoor rose to fame by helming India’s first rock band movie ever, the filmmaker had creative differences when it came to helming the second part.  Tragically for team Farhan, the sequel that came out a few months ago was disastrous to say the least.

Shootout At Wadala

Created By: Apoorva Lakhia

Replaced By: Sanjay Gupta

Apoorva Lakhia helmed Shootout At Lokhandwala did create a lot of ripples at the time of its release. However a few years later when second in the franchise got made, it was film’s producer Sanjay Gupta wearing the director’s hat. While both films worked, it was the first part that got liked more.

Hate Story Series

Created By: Vivek Agnihotri

Replaced By: Vishal Pandya

While the bold franchise was introduced to us by filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, the second and third part of the series were directed by Vishal Pandya. Banking on the strirring appeal the franchise has set, all films of the series have done well.

Tiger Zinda Hai

Created By: Kabir Khan

Replaced By: Ali Abbas Zafar

The upcoming Salman Khan biggie that happens to be the sequel of his 2012 blockbuster Ek The Tiger has got his director replaces. While the original was directed by Kabir Khan, the sequel is being helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar of Sultan fame. The film releases on Christmas this year.

Firing the creator is not always the best idea, right?