Highlights
Starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi and other stars, Stree 2 has been in the theatres for over 50 days. The horror comedy has raked in Rs 592.55 crores in India already, making headlines for its thought-provoking narrative and box office collection.
‘Stree’ hit theatres in 2018. It left the majority of theatregoers surprised – as something initially expected to be just another horror comedy turned into a genre-defining project that not only entertained but also delivered a notable social message.
Stree also laid the foundation for Maddock Films’ horror comedy universe. Stree 2 continues this legacy, presenting an entertaining blend of humour, supernatural elements and creative plot that lets the audience laugh and reflect.
Stree 2: Sarkata making men believe outdated ideologies
If you are curious about the core of the project, Stree 2 is essentially a continuation of the story that started in the fictional village of Chanderi. The men there used to be thoroughly afraid of Stree – believed to be a vengeful spirit born from a tragic backstory.
In the first film, Vicky (played by Rajkummar Rao) and his friends tried to rid Chanderi of Stree. But their plan didn’t bear the right fruits, leaving room for more horror. In Stree 2, the story embraces a creative transition as Sarkata returns to the village.
The return of this antagonist – responsible for turning Stree2 into an apparition – ushers in a fresh sequence of terror in Chanderi. But the uniqueness here is that Sarkata doesn’t target the men. He, instead, manipulates them into believing in outdated, patriarchal ideologies.
Stree 2: Light-hearted moments and a serious social message
Stree 2’s intriguing narratives takes a dig at societal issues, especially the regressive attitudes that persist in different parts of the globe even today. Sarkata’s return to Chanderi leads the men there to lock up the female population of the village.
The film’s comic elements serve as a contrast to the serious underlying message. The movie cast makes even the most absurd situations hilarious. But beneath the surface of these light-hearted moments lies a plot on the dangers of letting harmful beliefs resurface.
Contemplating the bear vs man hypothesis
Prominent actor-turned-author Tinkle Khanna lauded Stree 2 in her latest column in The Times of India about ghosts not scaring the Indian Stree. She commended the film for conveying and important message and keeping the audience entertained, too.
Khanna used examples like the recent rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata to highlight the message delivered by the movie. She stressed the need for rules to be enforced rather than confining women at home.
“Till then, I suppose it is safer for the stree of this country to encounter a ghost in a dark alley than a man,” Khanna concluded her column. Similarly, in the viral ‘Man or Bear’ debate on social media, the ladies think about being stuck in the forest and their companion.
Spoilers ahead: Major cameos in Stree 2
1. Akshay Kumar
Kumar’s cameo in Stree 2 is certainly one of the most surprising facts about the movie. His special appearance made a lot of noise on social media. He is introduced as the last living member of Sarkata’s bloodline and a patient in a psychiatric hospital.
2. Tamannaah Bhatia
Bhatia’s special role in Stree 2 isn’t limited to just a song. The actress also has a considerable role as Shama, the love interest of Rudra (played by Pankaj Tripathi). On his insistence, Bhatia’s character agrees to be the bait for Sarkata.
3. Varun Dhawan
Varun’s Bhaskar gets a loud cheer from the audience as he first transforms into Bhediya on screen. He doesn’t have a lot of spoken dialogue, and the only one is at the end as he asks for clothes and Shraddha Kapoor’s character’s contact.
