Stree, released in 2018, was a horror-comedy that was lapped up by the audience. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film was set in the town of Chanderi where a spirit kidnaps men. The lore of Stree is such that people write ‘O Stree Kal Aana’ on their walls. The sequel takes the story ahead and starts from the same point where the first film ended. Six years after sleepy little Chanderi was swept up with the doings of a mysterious woman (played by Shraddha Kapoor) who ensnared Rajkummar Rao’s local ‘ladies tailor’ Vicky (still pronounced as Bicky), another entity using its severed head as a weapon invades it, and starts targeting young women especially ‘azaad khayalon waali auratein’ or independent women who dare to cross boundaries set by a patriarchal society.
This time, however, the locals living in Chanderi team up with the mysterious character, as they confront the other ghost known as ‘Sarkata’. Characters played by Rajkummar, Aparshakti, Abhishek return to confront the ghost and they are joined by Pankaj Tripathi’s Rudra. The town needs Stree, the only one who can stop ‘Sarkata’. What happens next is the rest of the story.
The thing that makes the movie watchable is the likeability of the characters, their goofiness and funny interactions that keep coming throughout the film. It’s the sheer talented bunch who make Stree 2 what it is, led by an able Rajkummar and Shraddha. Rajkummar proves yet again that he is a versatile actor and you forget for a moment that he’s the same guy who, just this year, played a specially abled businessman in Srikanth or a failed and frustrated cricketer in Mr and Mrs Mahi. Abhishek Banerjee never lets down his audience even once. If he is as menacing in Vedaa (which has been released alongside Stree 2), he is as naïve in the Stree sequel. He leaves you laughing each time he appears on screen. Same goes for Aparshakti.
Tumhare Hi Rahenge Hum: A Timeless Love Ballad from Stree 2 Captivates Hearts
Next, and most importantly Niren Bhatt (story, screenplay, dialogue credits) keeps the pace in check, with the first half brilliant. What also keeps the audience invested and entertained is humour.There are some rib-tickling dialogues: “Rona band karo, tum Sneha Kakkar nahi ho,” says an irritated Bicky to his friend Bittu (played by Aparshakti Khurana) who is crying about his lost girlfriend. Then there is another gem of a line which Banerjee’s character tells Bhedia, who wants to impress Bicky’s love interest, “Bhediya hai tu bhediya, Animal mat ban.” But at times humour is a bit basic and unsophisticated. The name of Bittu’s girlfriend, Chitti, and a chitthi (letter) that Rudra Bhaiya receives cause much confusion among the friends. Then there is very basic wordplay on actress Disha Patani. At one point of time Rudra says he is an old man. Someone replies: “Aap Atal ho”.
Some starry cameos are sprinkled in Stree 2 which has been hidden from the audience and we would not like to spoil your surprise by giving out names.Tamannaah Bhatia definitely steals the show especially the song picturised on her, Aaj Ki Raat which will have the audience hooting and whistling. There are two more much bigger names but we want to stay tight-lipped and would want the audience to experience it themselves. What has also worked in the favour of Stree 2 is its foot-tapping music by Sachin-Jigar and excellent choreography.
Stree 2 is a fantastic follow-up to the first one. There is horror, humour, music making it a solid package. It is not easy to balance the two genres – comedy and horror but director Amar Kaushik has ensured that the film never misses a beat and has all the elements in right balance. The film seamlessly transitions from chills to laughs while keeping the narrative engaging and consistent. Final word? The horror-comedy universe gets a boost thanks to Stree 2. Naturally now the expectations from the third instalment have taken a tremendous leap.
Stree 2 is releasing against John Abraham -starrer Vedaa and Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein but both these films have failed to generate any buzz. Stree 2 also has an advantage of the audience’s loyalty to become the biggest hit of the year. It is likely to cross the Rs 100 crore in the first couple of days itself. It can be easily called among the best horror comedies of Hindi Cinema. The screenplay is a blend of chills, thrills, humour, romance and emotion, with the conflict deep-rooted in Indian folklore. Despite a powerful performance by Rajkummar Rao and an inspired performance by the ensemble cast, Shraddha Kapoor is the clear standout in Stree 2.
Stree 2 Trailer
Stree 2 Movie Cast & Crew
| Movie Name | Stree 2 |
| Language | Hindi and others |
| Release Date | 15 August 2024 |
| Director | Amar Kaushik |
| Movie Cast | Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkumar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Pankaj Tripathi, Tamanna Bhatia |
| Produced by | Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande |
