Ajay Devgn makes for the unrivaled 'franchise star' with blockbuster hits from 'Golmaal', 'Singham', to 'Raid'

Ajay Devgn, often hailed as the "Mass Maharaja" of Indian cinema, has firmly established himself as the undisputed king of Bollywood franchises. In an industry where standalone films are increasingly giving way to multi-film franchises, Devgn stands out as the actor who has consistently headlined a range of successful series. From comedy to action and thrillers, his ability to seamlessly slip into various characters has paved the way for him to dominate Bollywood's franchise space. 

The Franchise Boom and Ajay Devgn’s Leading Role

In recent years, Bollywood has seen a significant shift toward film franchises, a trend that mirrors the global appetite for sequels and cinematic universes. Ajay Devgn has been at the forefront of this movement, effortlessly breathing life into his characters across multiple genres. Unlike many actors who may be associated with one or two long-running franchises, Devgn has a unique distinction: he has anchored several highly successful franchises, each belonging to a different genre.

This trend began with his foray into the comedy space with the Golmaal series and expanded with intense action-packed roles like Singham. From the laugh-out-loud moments in Golmaal to the gripping tension of Drishyam, Devgn has showcased his versatility while ensuring that each franchise he is part of thrives and builds anticipation for the next installment.

Golmaal Series: The Comedy Juggernaut

One of Ajay Devgn’s earliest and most beloved franchises is the Golmaal series. Directed by Rohit Shetty, this comedy franchise, with four films to date, has set the benchmark for ensemble comedies in Bollywood. Devgn’s portrayal of Gopal, a lovable but mischievous character, has left an indelible mark on audiences. The slapstick humor, quirky characters, and hilarious situations have made Golmaal one of the most successful comedy franchises in India.

Each film in the series has been a box-office hit, with fans eagerly awaiting every new installment. Speculations are rife that a fifth part might be in the works, and given the audience's love for the series, it’s safe to say that Ajay Devgn will return to deliver yet another laughter-filled adventure.

Singham and the Rise of the Cop Universe

Ajay Devgn’s association with Rohit Shetty goes beyond just comedy. With Singham, Devgn became synonymous with the portrayal of an honest, fearless cop, Bajirao Singham. This franchise, with two films so far, has cemented Devgn’s place as an action hero. The roaring success of the Singham series also contributed to the creation of Rohit Shetty’s much-celebrated cop universe, which includes Simbaa (starring Ranveer Singh) and Sooryavanshi (starring Akshay Kumar), both of which featured Devgn in significant roles as Singham.

The cop universe is now one of Bollywood’s most anticipated film series, and fans are eagerly waiting for the upcoming installment, Singham Again, where Devgn will once again take on the mantle of the brave and righteous officer. The anticipation surrounding Singham Again is sky-high, with many predicting that it will be one of the biggest releases this year. 

Drishyam: A Masterclass in Suspense

Shifting from action and comedy, Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam franchise has showcased his knack for intense, dramatic performances. The first Drishyam film, a remake of the Malayalam original, was a gripping thriller that left audiences on the edge of their seats. Devgn’s portrayal of Vijay Salgaonkar, a father willing to go to any lengths to protect his family, was met with critical acclaim and commercial success.

The second installment, Drishyam 2, released in 2022, continued the story and added new layers to the character’s moral dilemmas and struggles. The film was both a box-office hit and a critical darling, cementing the franchise as one of the best thrillers in recent Bollywood history.

The Return of Raid and De De Pyaar De

Ajay Devgn’s penchant for leading successful franchises doesn’t stop at action and thrillers. The 2018 film Raid, where Devgn played an incorruptible income tax officer, was another film that resonated with audiences. With its gripping storyline and Devgn’s powerful performance, the film became a surprise hit, and now a sequel is on the horizon. Raid 2 is one of the most highly anticipated films, with fans looking forward to another round of high-stakes drama.

In addition, the lighthearted romantic comedy De De Pyaar De is also set to return for a sequel. The first film, which explored themes of love and relationships with a modern twist, was a refreshing addition to Devgn’s filmography. The sequel, featuring Rakul Preet Singh and other cast members, promises to bring more of the same charm and humor that made the first movie a success.

Son of Sardaar: The Mass Entertainer

Ajay Devgn’s 2012 hit Son of Sardaar was a perfect blend of action, comedy, and mass entertainment. The film quickly gained a cult following, and now a sequel is in the works. Given the film’s strong fan base, Son of Sardaar 2 is expected to recreate the magic of its predecessor, with Devgn once again playing the larger-than-life character audiences loved. Ajay Devgn’s ability to transition across genres and deliver blockbuster performances has made him a household name in Indian cinema.

With multiple sequels and new installments in the pipeline, including Singham Again, Raid 2, De De Pyaar De 2, and Son of Sardaar 2, Ajay Devgn’s reign over Bollywood’s franchise universe shows no signs of slowing down. As fans eagerly await his return in these iconic roles, Devgn continues to cement his legacy as one of Bollywood’s most successful and beloved stars.