Tanu Weds Manu film poster. / Wikipedia

At a time when audiences are high on nostalgia and theaters are cashing in on the trend by re-releasing old favorites, it is not a stretch to imagine sequels being an instant hit. The viewers who resonated with these stories a decade or two ago would certainly want to know what happened to the characters all these years later — did their lives turn out the way they had imagined during the film, or did they end up disappointed with the future they had once so fervently chased?

‘Tanu Weds Manu’ set the bar high when its sequel explored the nuances of Tanu and Manu's post-married life with just as much tact as the first part handled their sublime romance. Haven't we all found ourselves wondering what could have happened to gold-diggers Amar and Prem, who had found their match in Raveena and Karishma but were still basically unemployed? Or what Mr. India was up to after Mogambo's downfall?

Sure, some may argue that it is better to let old cult classics be, instead of trying to take the story forward and risk marring the good memories of the characters. But what's life without a bit of risky creativity? At a time when sequels to average fares are lining up for release at the box office, Bollywood Insider takes a walk down memory lane to suggest some sequels. Here's hoping filmmakers take a cue...

Poster of the film. / Wikipedia

‘Sholay’

A cult classic, ‘Sholay’ has spun off several films and TV shows in its wake, but a sequel hasn't yet been attempted — perhaps due to its iconic status. While filmmakers are right not to cash in on the hype by coming up with a half-baked sequel, isn't it high time writers thought of an apt continuation to the story? What would have become of the common thug Veeru, who would now have to navigate life without his bestie Jai — clearly the saner one of the two? Do he and Basanti get to live their happily-ever-after, or do Gabbar's cronies exact revenge? We need a sequel, pronto!

Poster of the film. / Wikipedia

‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’

So, Babuji granted her permission to “jee le apni zindagi,” but what kind of life did Simran end up having with her Raj? Did the chemistry manufactured during a vacation and strengthened with rebellion stand the test of time? With marriages around us “breaking like biscuits,” to quote Seema Aunty from ‘Indian Matchmaking’, one wonders if a love that was the product of repressed emotions and basic attraction would have gone the distance. Could it have ended with a disillusioned Raj and Simran going their separate ways, or would they have continued to work through their differences to build the life they had fought for? Don't know about you, but we see potential here.

Poster of the film. / Wikipedia

‘Dil Chahta Hai’

It was agreed even back when the film released that it was ahead of its time. Now, at a time when audiences have had a taste of world cinema and are looking for similar stories in Bollywood, it would be perfect to revisit the story of three friends — Akash, Sid, and Sameer. It would be fascinating to see how their lives turned out in their 40s, with the added responsibilities of married life if they indeed all got married. And do they still vacation in a now-crowded Goa, or have they found a better, more secluded place to hold their bond together?

Poster of the film. / Wikipedia

‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’

This one would have to be Anjali's story. If, at 8, she managed to pull off the impossible feat of reuniting her father with his college sweetheart, it would be interesting to see what she grew up to be — a college Romeo spewing out dialogues such as “Pyaar dosti hai,” a fashionista like her mother, or an academician like her stepmother.

On that note, it would also be a hoot to see if the stepmother she risked her father's wrath for — while leaving Aman jilted at the mandap — turned out to be what she had hoped for. If not, it would still make for some really funny dialogue play, eh? And how can we forget the adorable li'l star-counter? Perhaps he's an astronaut now?

Poster of the film. / Wikipedia

‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’

The film had its twists and turns. Nandini falls in love with Sameer but is forced to marry Vanraj. She refuses to accept this, and Vanraj agrees to let her go — taking her to the love of her life himself. But she ends up changing her mind and wants to remain married to Vanraj despite being given an out. A vacation can really change your heart, it seems.

Anyway, while definitely convoluted, Sanjay Leela Bhansali did manage to make it a memorable watch with opulent sets, a beautiful cast, and enchanting love songs. Years later, we're dying to find out if Nandini and Vanraj managed to make a good life despite the rocky start they had. And what did Sameer do, having been crushed twice by the same woman he so loved? Now there's the tea we need.

Poster of the film. / Wikipedia

‘Jab We Met’

Sure, Geet got her happily-ever-after at the end of the film — or so we thought. Remember the time when Aditya tells her about his mother, who had run away with her lover, and Geet justifies it by saying, “Kyunki wah pyaar mein thi”? While it is a given that she is in love with Aditya, let's also not forget that he wasn't her first love to begin with. What if Anshuman learns his lesson and makes a comeback, asking for her forgiveness and love? Will Geet — flighty to begin with — give in to the temptation of finding out what life with Anshuman would look like, or will she stick to her brooding husband and their brood? Only time and a sequel will tell.