Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language comedy-horror film, directed by Amar Kaushik and written by Niren Bhatt.
A sequel to the 2018 hit Stree, this film continues the chilling yet comedic tale set in the small town of Chanderi.
Produced jointly by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, Stree 2 has emerged as a box-office juggernaut, grossing over ₹840 crores worldwide. It stands as the second-highest-grossing Indian film and the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024.
Table of Contents
The Plot: A New Horror Unfolds
The film opens where Stree (2018) left off, with the titular ghost departing Chanderi. However, the peaceful days in Chanderi are short-lived as a new supernatural threat arises—the headless ghost Sarkata, who abducts women under the cover of night.
The town, unaware of the lurking danger, misinterprets the women’s disappearances as them leaving for better opportunities. Vicky, played by Rajkummar Rao, remains haunted by memories of his past love interest, referred to as “She” (Shraddha Kapoor), while Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi) receives a mysterious letter forewarning the town of impending doom.
As Sarkata wreaks havoc, the townsfolk turn to Vicky, Rudra, and their friends to unravel the mystery.
With the help of Jana (Abhishek Banerjee), once possessed by the original Stree, they set out on a quest to find answers hidden in ancient scriptures. Sarkata’s backstory is unveiled as a vengeful spirit wronged by the original Stree, and now targeting modern women. The group soon realizes that to defeat Sarkata, they must enlist Stree herself.
However, as the tension mounts, Sarkata’s power grows stronger, leading to a thrilling, supernatural showdown.
Production: From Script to Screen
Director Amar Kaushik first expressed interest in a sequel in 2018, shortly after Stree‘s release.
However, script development faced delays, and it wasn’t until 2022 that lead actor Rajkummar Rao confirmed the project’s official development. The film went into pre-production in early 2023, with shooting commencing in July of the same year.
The film was shot across various locations in India, including Chanderi, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, and boasted impressive production values that added to the film’s supernatural atmosphere.
The original film’s production team underwent some changes, with Raj & DK stepping aside as writers and Niren Bhatt stepping in. Music composition was handled by Sachin-Jigar, with additional scoring by Justin Varghese, while Hemanti Sarkar took charge of editing.
Despite some production challenges, including a hefty ₹25 lakh royalty fee for an improvised song by Rao, the film was completed by mid-2024.
Characters and Performances
Stree 2 sees the return of many beloved characters from the original film.
Rajkummar Rao reprises his role as Vicky, whose pure-heartedness is pivotal in the fight against Sarkata. Shraddha Kapoor returns as the mysterious “She,” who holds a deeper connection to Stree’s legacy.
Kapoor’s character development explores her connection to the original Stree, giving the audience a glimpse into her ghostly origins.
Pankaj Tripathi’s performance as Rudra brings his signature dry humor, while Abhishek Banerjee’s portrayal of Jana adds an element of comic relief, even in moments of peril.
Aparshakti Khurana also returns as Bittu, another member of the ragtag team fighting against the supernatural. Tamannaah Bhatia and Varun Dhawan make cameo appearances, with Dhawan reprising his role as Bhaskar from Bhediya, adding a multiverse crossover into the Maddock Supernatural Universe.
Reception and Success
Upon its theatrical release on August 15, 2024, Stree 2 received largely positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film earned a 67% approval rating, with praise directed at its mix of horror, humour, and strong performances. Bollywood Hungama described it as “laced with humour and horror in ample doses,” awarding it 4.5 stars.
The film struck a balance between humour and social commentary, with critiques of patriarchy and the struggles of modern women in a supernatural setting. Critics lauded the film’s clever script and standout performances, particularly by Rao and Banerjee.
However, some reviews criticized the film’s pacing and lack of genuine scares, feeling that it leaned too heavily on its predecessor’s formula.
Despite these minor critiques, Stree 2 became a massive commercial success competing with Kalki 2898 AD. It earns Rs 603.7 cr on the 39th day of release creating history, according to the report by the IndianExpress.
By the end of its fifth week, the film continued to break records, making it the highest-grossing film in both Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s careers.
Casts
Rajkummar Rao as Vicky
Shraddha Kapoor as She, Stree’s daughter and Vicky’s love-interest
Pankaj Tripathi as Rudra
Abhishek Banerjee as Jana, Vicky’s friend
Aparshakti Khurana as Bittu, Vicky’s friend
Atul Srivastava as Vicky’s father
Mushtaq Khan as MLA
Sunita Rajwar as Jana’s mother
Anya Singh as Chitti
Arvind Bilgaiyan as Jana’s father and others
Final Thoughts
Stree 2 continues the trend of blending horror with humour in a way that is uniquely Indian, offering fans of the genre a thrilling and comedic experience.
It delves deeper into the mythology surrounding the original Stree, providing fans with the answers they sought, while also setting the stage for future instalments in the Maddock Supernatural Universe.
The film’s combination of clever writing, strong performances, and supernatural thrills ensures its place as a highlight of 2024’s Hindi cinema. For fans of the original Stree and lovers of horror-comedy, Stree 2 is a must-watch.
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