Vadh, Kahaani to Mardaani, these 5 spiritual sequel films will blow your mind, were box office hits, earned Rs…

After the heartfelt and intense reception of Vadh (2022), the makers have turned the story into a spiritual sequel titled Vadh 2. Written and directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu, the film is set to premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India(BHARAT) (IFFI), Goa, under the Gala Premiere segment on 23 November 2025. It will then hit theatres nationwide on 6 February 2026.

The success of spiritual sequels

A spiritual sequel doesn’t carry forward the same characters or plotline; instead, it preserves the vibe, themes, and emotional core of its predecessor. Vadh 2 follows this formula perfectly. While Vadh (2022) told the story of a middle‑class couple pushed to extreme measures against a loan shark, Vadh 2 dives into an entirely new narrative set against a backdrop of moral ambiguity. The makers have kept the tone, realism, intense performances, and a focus on ordinary people facing extraordinary ethical choices intact.

The landmark numbers of some iconic-sequels

This approach mirrors several successful spiritual sequels that have won both audience love and box-office success. Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani (2014) earned around Rs 59 crore, while Mardaani 2 (2019) collected nearly Rs 67 crore, proving strong demand for gritty, theme-driven continuations. Vidya Balan’s Kahaani (2012) became a major hit with over Rs 104 crore, and although Kahaani 2 (2016) made a modest Rs 56 crore, it carried the same atmospheric tension.

The iconic duo Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi cemented their legacy with Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) earning around Rs 74 crore, followed by Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) crossing Rs 127 crore, becoming a cultural milestone. Hollywood franchises have seen similar patterns — the Cloverfield films together grossed more than Rs 1,000 crore, the Mad Max franchise crossed Rs 2,500 crore, and The Blade Runner franchise amassed over Rs 2,600 crore worldwide, even though each installment introduced new characters and stories. These examples show that audiences connect deeply with the essence and emotional tone of a film, even when the narrative shifts.

The grand premiere at IFFI 2025

The film’s world premiere at the 56th IFFI Goa’s Gala Premiere segment is more than a festival slot. It marks a full‑circle journey, Vadh debuted at IFFI Goa in 2023, and the sequel returns two years later, highlighting the festival’s role in nurturing India(BHARAT)n cinema.

Story Highlights

1. Vadh 2, a spiritual sequel to Vadh (2022), is set for its world premiere at the 56th IFFI, Goa, on 23 November 2025 under the Gala Premiere segment.
2. The film does not continue the original story, but keeps the same tone of moral conflict, realism, and intense emotional themes.
3. Directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu, the film explores a new narrative centred on ordinary people facing extraordinary ethical dilemmas.
4. Lead actors Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta expressed joy as the film returns to IFFI, where the first Vadh also premiered.

Vadh 2 carries forward the emotional depth and moral tension that made its predecessor memorable, but with a fresh story and new characters.