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Stree 2
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| Stree 2 | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Amar Kaushik |
| Written by | Niren Bhatt |
| Based on | Stree by Raj & DK |
| Produced by | |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Jishnu Bhattacharjee |
| Edited by | Hemanti Sarkar |
| Music by |
|
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 143 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Budget | ₹50–105 crore[a] |
| Box office | est. ₹875 crore[7] |
Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank (transl. Woman 2: Terror of the Headless) is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language comedy horror film directed by Amar Kaushik, written by Niren Bhatt and produced jointly by Maddock Films and Jio Studios. A sequel to the 2018 film Stree (2018), which spawned the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, it serves as the fourth instalment in the franchise. The film stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana as a group of friends who must defeat Sarkata, a headless malevolent entity abducting the women of Chanderi including Shama played by Tamannaah.
Kaushik expressed interest in developing a sequel to Stree in October 2018. By February 2022, Rao confirmed that the project was in development, but original writers and producers Raj & DK were no longer involved, having parted ways with producer Dinesh Vijan over disputes regarding the rights to the franchise. Bhatt eventually took over as writer, having written the other two instalments Bhediya (2022) and Munjya (2024). The sequel was officially announced by Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande in April 2023. Principal photography began in July of the same year, primarily taking place in Chanderi and Bihar, and concluded by mid-2024. The soundtrack album was composed by Sachin–Jigar, while the background score was composed by Justin Varghese, who replaced Ketan Sodha from the original. The cinematography and editing were handled by Jishnu Bhattacharjee, who replaced Amalendu Chaudhary from the original, and Hemanti Sarkar, respectively.
Stree 2 was theatrically released worldwide on 15 August 2024, coinciding with Independence Day, and received positive reviews from critics. The film grossed over ₹875 crore (US$100 million) worldwide, emerging as the third highest-grossing Indian film and the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024, as well as the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film and the eleventh highest-grossing Indian film of all time.[7][8] A sequel is in development.
Stree 2 received 14 nominations at the 70th Filmfare Awards including Best Film, Best Director (Kaushik), Best Actor (Rao) and Best Actress (Kapoor), winning Best Female Playback Singer (Bagchi for "Aaj Ki Raat).[9]
Plot
[edit]After Stree abstains from haunting Chanderi, a headless demon called Sarkata emerges and abducts an unaccompanied woman. A few years later, the townsfolk of Chanderi worship Stree and believe that the women Sarkata abducted in the past few years left their homes to seek better opportunities. Meanwhile, Rudra receives an anonymous envelope containing a few missing pages of the "Chanderi Puran" and a message saying, "Vo Aayega" (transl. He will come). He promptly confides in Vicky, who brushes him off.
The townsfolk discern the existence of Sarkata after he abducts Bittu's girlfriend Chitti. The enigmatic woman, who vanished from the bus, briefly reappears to Vicky and cautions him about Sarkata. Vicky, Rudra and Bittu examine the missing pages of 'Chanderi Puran' and discover that Sarkata is the malevolent ghost of Chandrabhan, a former chieftain of Chanderi, who murdered Stree and her partner while their young daughter spectated helplessly. He was murdered by Stree but was destined to emerge from the dead after her supposed exit from the town; he despises progressive women and targets them. Realizing that they need Stree's assistance in defeating him, Vicky and Bittu meet with Jana, who was once a medium for Stree, at his werewolf cousin Bhaskar's residence and convince him to return home for a "stage play".
They search for Stree at her lair, where Sarkata attacks Jana and the latter briefly has an out-of-body experience; his soul visits Sarkata's lair, where he finds the missing women including Chitti. His soul returns to his body and the group leaves the fort with Sarkata in pursuit. The woman (Shraddha Kapoor) shows up again and fights Sarkata, having acquired Stree's powers through her braid but he destroys Stree's statue to indicate his authority. Women of the town fear getting abducted and urge Vicky to find a solution; The woman motivates Vicky and reminds him that he is the saviour of the town. She gives him a mystical dagger that is capable of killing Sarkata. To lure Sarkata, they arrange for a dance performance by Rudra's beautiful lover Shama(Tamannaah)who runs a dance troop outside of Chanderi. Sarkata appears to abduct her after her performance but Vicky fails to muster the courage to kill him; he subsequently enchants the men of the town and abducts Shama, devastating Rudra. Elsewhere, the bewitched men turn chauvinistic and begin to dominate women in their homes.
Desperate to rescue the town, the group traces the writer of the letter to a mental asylum, where they realize that he is the descendant of Sarkata. He reveals that Sarkata could only be defeated by a person, who is neither a man nor a woman but both. The woman merges her soul with Vicky for the time being and they enter Sarkata's lair. They confront Sarkata and sever his head but each dismembered part forms a new Sarkata and creates terror. Bhaskar comes to their rescue but they are still overwhelmed by Sarkata. Having no choice, the woman calls for Stree, who is revealed to be her mother. Stree arrives and presumably kills him by dragging Sarkata into lava, releasing the abducted women and disenchanting the men of Chanderi. While the townsfolk celebrate, the woman reveals herself to be a ghost to Vicky and that her true purpose is to help her mother attain salvation. She finally whispers her name in Vicky's ears and promises to meet again.
In a post-credits scene, after his fight with Sarkata, Bhaskar finds himself stranded naked in a jungle. Jana brings him clothes and learns from Bhaskar that a creature, apparently a vampire, has been wreaking havoc in Delhi. Elsewhere, the remains of Sarkata reach his descendant at the mental asylum and his ghost possesses him, implying his return.
Cast
[edit]- Rajkummar Rao as Vicky
- Shraddha Kapoor as a phantasm with undisclosed name;[b] the character is billed in the end credits as She (Stree's Daughter)
- Pankaj Tripathi as Rudra
- Aparshakti Khurana as Bittu
- Abhishek Banerjee as Jana
- Anya Singh as Chitti, Bittu's girlfriend
- Atul Srivastava as Vicky's father
- Mushtaq Khan as MLA
- Sunita Rajwar as Jana's mother
- Arvind Bilgaiyan as Jana's father
- Bhoomi Rajgor as Stree (Rajgor replaces Flora Saini from the original)
- Sunil Kumar as Chandrabhan / Sarkata
- Aakash Dabhade as Narendra, Jana's friend
- Simran Sharma as Mamata, Narendra's wife
- Ajay Pal as postman
- Mustaqueem Khan as Durga
- Badriprasad Chavan as Lokesh
- Vipasha Arvind as Anju Bhabhi
- Special appearances
- Tamannaah Bhatia as Shama, Rudra's love interest
- Varun Dhawan as Bhaskar / Bhediya
- Akshay Kumar as Sarkata’s descendant
- Amar Kaushik as homeless beggar; Kaushik also appears briefly in the song "Aaj Ki Raat"
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]In October 2018, following the success of Stree, Amar Kaushik announced plans for a sequel.[11] The project, produced by Raj and DK alongside Dinesh Vijan, was initially set to begin filming in 2019.[12] According to producer Vijan, the sequel would delve into Shraddha Kapoor’s character's backstory and answer several unanswered questions from the first film.[13] The original cast would return, with new additions, and the narrative would primarily focus on the characters played by Rajkummar Rao and Kapoor.[14]
However, script development continued throughout 2019, with filming postponed to 2020; in the meantime, Raj & DK distanced themselves from the sequel after a fallout with Vijan over the rights to Stree. In February 2022, Rao confirmed the sequel's development.[15] By October 2022, Kapoor also confirmed that shooting would commence soon.[15] That same month, it was reported that Kaushik and his team had finalised the storyline for the sequel, which would continue from where the first film left off.[16]
In March 2023, the film entered pre-production, with filming scheduled to start in July 2023.[17][18] In April 2023, Jio Studios joined as co-producers.[19] The filmmakers announced that the sequel is set for release on 30 August 2024.[20]
Casting
[edit]Rao, Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana reprise their respective roles, with Tripathi returning as Rudra, Banerjee as Jana, Khurana as Bittu, and Sunita Rajwar as Jana's mother. Tamannaah Bhatia makes a special appearance in a song, while Varun Dhawan features in a cameo, reprising his role from Bhediya.[21] According to a report from Hindustan Times, Akshay Kumar would be appearing in a cameo.[22]
Filming
[edit]Principal photography began on 10 July 2023, with the initial shoot taking place in Chanderi.[23][24] Filming schedules were adjusted to accommodate Pankaj Tripathi's commitments to his role in Main Atal Hoon (2024).[25] The first schedule concluded within the same month.[26] The second schedule commenced in November 2023, with the crew relocating to Madhya Pradesh for additional filming.[27] In December 2023, scenes were shot in Indore, and a dance number featuring Tamannaah Bhatia was filmed in Bihar, choreographed by Vijay Ganguly.[28][29][30] In January 2024, the production moved to an old fort in Bhopal.[31] Varun Dhawan joined the set in February 2024 to film a guest appearance at a Mumbai studio, reprising his role from Bhediya (2022).[32]
Post-production
[edit]The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) did not mandate any visual cuts for Stree 2. However, the board requested two audio modifications: the removal of a celebrity's name and the muting of a national monument's name. After these changes, the film was granted a U/A rating and has a runtime of 149 minutes.[1] One improvised scene involved Rajkummar Rao singing "Calm Down" by Rema and Selena Gomez, which led to the producers paying ₹25 lakh in residuals.[33]
Music
[edit]The film's music was composed by Sachin–Jigar, with lyrics written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, replacing Vayu from the original, and the background score by Justin Varghese in his second Hindi film, replacing Ketan Sodha from the original. The soundtrack, distributed by Saregama, consisted of four original tracks, namely "Aaj Ki Raat",[34] "Khoobsurat",[35] "Aayi Nai"[36] and "Tumhare Hi Rahenge Hum"[37]—all of which were released as singles.[38]
Marketing
[edit]The teaser for Stree 2 premiered in theatres during the end credits of Munjya on 14 June, and was later released on social media on 25 June 2024.[39][40] The trailer of the film was released on 18 July 2024 and received over 10 million views across platforms within 24 hours.[41]
Release
[edit]Theatrical
[edit]Stree 2 was initially scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 30 August 2024, but was later rescheduled to premiere on Independence Day. The day before its release, nearly 3,000 paid preview night shows were held.[42][43]
Home media
[edit]The film began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 10 October 2024.[44]
Reception
[edit]Box office
[edit]Stree 2 grossed ₹9.40 crore from paid previews in select theatres the day before its official release, the highest ever for a Hindi film, breaking the previous record set by Chennai Express (2013).[45] Released on Independence Day alongside Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein, the film earned ₹64.80 crore on its opening day, making it the second-highest opening day for a Hindi film, only behind Jawan (2023).[46][47] It marked the highest opening of Rajkummar Rao's career and the second-highest for Shraddha Kapoor, following Saaho (2019).[48] Worldwide, the film crossed ₹100 crore on its second day, the ₹300 crore mark on its eighth day and the ₹400 crore mark in its first week.[49][50][51] Additionally, it surpassed the earnings of Stree on its third day.[50] In its fifth week, the film earned an additional ₹16 crore, setting a record for the highest fifth-week collection in Indian cinema history.[52]
Internationally, the film debuted within the top 10 at the U.S. domestic box office with an opening gross of $2.57 million.[53] It also became the eleventh Indian film to cross A$2 million in Australia and crossed £1 million in the United Kingdom, the first for an Indian horror film.[54] Box Office India reported that the film did particularly well overseas despite the fact it did not have a prominent male lead.[55]
As of 10 October 2024, the film has grossed ₹739.40 crore in India and ₹134.30 crore internationally, bringing its total worldwide gross to ₹875 crore.[7]
Critical response
[edit]Stree 2 received positive reviews from critics, who praised its blend of horror and comedy, performances, and sharp dialogue, though some found the sequel lacking in novelty.[56] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 57% of 14 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.1/10.[57]
A critic for Bollywood Hungama rated the film 4.5 out of 5, calling it "the birth of a successful franchise" and highlighting its seamless mix of humour and horror.[58] Similarly, Simran Khan of Times Now awarded it 4 out of 5, describing it as a "well-packaged entertainer" with a standout performance from Rajkummar Rao, while also commending Shraddha Kapoor and Pankaj Tripathi. Though she noted a predictable climax, she emphasised that the film effectively balances horror and comedy, making it an engaging watch.[59]
Abhishek Srivastava of The Times of India echoed this sentiment, also rating it 4 out of 5 and calling it "a headless wonder that's got humour in spades." He praised the film's clever script and its introduction of a male villain, Sarkata, though he found the second half to suffer from pacing issues.[60] Tushar Joshi of India Today rated it 3.5 out of 5, describing it as a "multiverse of madness" that is entertaining but occasionally struggles with coherence. He pointed out the film's improved visual effects and praised its performances, particularly Rao's and a cameo by Akshay Kumar.[61]
Like Srivastava, Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times believed the sequel surpassed the original, writing that “Rajkummar Rao leads a sequel that's better than the original; Abhishek Banerjee is the highlight.” Suri appreciated the film's blend of humour with social commentary, particularly its take on patriarchal constraints, and praised the sharp dialogue and Banerjee's performance.[62] Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com rated it 3 out of 5, noting that while the film capitalises on the goodwill of the original and the camaraderie among the actors, its "spirited return" has its highs and lows.[63]
Shilajit Mitra of The Hindu offered a more mixed review, remarking that while Rao, Kapoor, and the ensemble deliver laughs, the film “feels like a factory-made sequel.” He found that it retained the charm of the original but sacrificed its nuanced social commentary in favour of franchise expansion.[64] Similarly, Pratiksha Mishra of The Quint criticised the film's visual effects, stating that they made the antagonist, Sarkata, appear "less menacing and more cartoonish," which undercut the intended horror.[65]
Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV India was more critical, rating the film 2.5 out of 5 and commenting that "Shraddha Kapoor's film is bemusing rather than petrifying." He felt that while the sequel builds on the success of its predecessor, its reliance on predictable humour and outdated tropes made it feel repetitive despite moments of creativity.[66]
Accolades
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Nominee/Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 25th IIFA Awards | Best Film | Stree 2 – Sarkate Ka Aatank | Nominated | [67][68] |
| Best Director | Amar Kaushik | Nominated | |||
| Best Actress | Shraddha Kapoor | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Abhishek Banerjee | Nominated | |||
| Best Music Director | Sachin–Jigar | Nominated | |||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Madhubanti Bagchi for "Aaj Ki Raat" | Nominated | |||
| 70th Filmfare Awards | Best Film | Stree 2 – Sarkate Ka Aatank | Nominated | [69] | |
| Best Director | Amar Kaushik | Nominated | |||
| Best Actor | Rajkummar Rao | Nominated | |||
| Best Actress | Shraddha Kapoor | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Pankaj Tripathi | Nominated | |||
| Best Story | Niren Bhatt | Nominated | |||
| Best Screenplay | Nominated | ||||
| Best Dialogue | Nominated | ||||
| Best Male Playback Singer | Pawan Singh | Nominated | |||
| Best Music Director | Sachin–Jigar | Nominated | |||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Madhubanti Bagchi | Won | |||
| Best Editing | Hemanti Sarkar | Nominated | |||
| Best Choreography | Vijay Ganguly | Nominated | |||
| Best Special Effects | Digital Domain | Nominated |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Stree 2's reported budget varies between ₹50 crore (India Today[2]) – ₹60 crore (DNA India[3] and The Financial Express[4]) – ₹90 crore (Hindustan Times[5]) – ₹105 crore (Bollywood Hungama[6])
- ^ A script leak tells her name to be Gayatri, but not yet revealed in film.[10]
References
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- ^ Khan, Simran (14 August 2024). "Stree 2 Movie Review: Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi Starrer Is A Well-Packaged Entertainer". Times Now. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ Srivastava, Abhishek (15 August 2024). "Stree 2 Movie Review: This sequel is a headless wonder that's got humour in spades". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ Joshi, Tushar (15 August 2024). "Stree 2 Review: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor's multiverse of madness is entertaining". India Today. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ Suri, Rishabh (15 August 2024). "Stree 2 review: Rajkummar Rao leads a sequel that's better than the original, Abhishek Banerjee is the highlight". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ Verma, Sukanya (15 August 2024). "Stree 2 Review: Monster On The Money!". Rediff. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.




- ^ Mitra, Shilajit (15 August 2024). "'Stree 2' movie review: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor and gang deliver the laughs, but not much else". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ Mishra, Pratikshya (15 August 2024). "'Stree 2' Review: A Hilarious Sequel That Could've Been Much More Sinister". TheQuint. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Chatterjee, Saibal (15 August 2024). "Stree 2 Review: Shraddha Kapoor's Film Is Bemusing Than Petrifying". ndtv.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ Awasthi, Pragati (7 March 2025). "IIFA Awards 2025: Date, time, host, venue, nominees list and more". Wion. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
- ^ "IIFA Awards 2025: Laapataa Ladies Sweeps 10 Awards. Kartik Aaryan Named Best Actor. Check Full List Of Winners". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
- ^ "Filmfare Awards 2025 Nominations Announced: Laapataa Ladies, Stree 2 lead the chart". India TV. 26 September 2025.
External links
[edit]- Stree 2 at IMDb
- Stree 2 at Bollywood Hungama
Stree 2
View on GrokipediaSynopsis
Plot Summary
In Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank, set several years after the events of the original film, the town of Chanderi experiences renewed supernatural terror as young women begin vanishing without trace, abducted through mirrors by Sarkata, a vengeful headless entity.[8] The victims are lured by visions of their ideal partners in reflective surfaces, with eyewitness accounts describing the monster's grotesque, floating head that detaches to hunt independently.[9] Protagonist Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), now a prosperous tailor alongside friends Bittu (Aparshakti Khurana) and Rudra (Abhishek Banerjee), reunites with a mysterious woman (Shraddha Kapoor) resembling his lost love from the prior hauntings; she discloses her quest to free her mother's spirit and enlists their aid against Sarkata, revealing the entity's origins as the cursed soul of Chandrabhan, a local collaborator beheaded during India's independence struggle for betraying freedom fighters.[9] Guided by local elder Jana (Pankaj Tripathi), the group delves into ancient lore, uncovering Sarkata's creation as a counterforce to Stree's protective spirit and his method of sustaining power by possessing women's bodies via mirrors.[8][10] As abductions escalate, including Bittu's girlfriend Chitti, the friends travel to Delhi to retrieve Rudra—previously taken by Stree—and devise traps using dummies and incantations to capture Sarkata's head, ultimately luring the full entity to an abandoned mansion.[9][11] In the confrontation, the woman invokes Stree, her mother, who engages Sarkata in a fierce spectral battle, severing his regenerative abilities and restoring the abducted women, though the woman absorbs lingering malevolent energy, hinting at future threats.[8][12] A post-credits sequence introduces a new antagonist, Bhediya, merging with the narrative universe.[10]Cast and Characters
Principal Cast
Rajkummar Rao reprises his role as Vicky, the protagonist and tailor in the town of Chanderi, who becomes central to combating supernatural threats including the headless entity Sarkata.[13][14] Shraddha Kapoor portrays the unnamed woman, Vicky's love interest whose character possesses mysterious connections to the spirit Stree, aiding in the village's defense against malevolent forces.[13][14] Pankaj Tripathi plays Rudra, a knowledgeable elder versed in ancient lore and manuscripts that reveal details about Sarkata's origins and weaknesses.[13][14] Abhishek Banerjee returns as Jana (full name Janardan), Vicky's loyal but comically inept friend who previously encountered possession by Stree in the prior installment.[13][14] Aparshakti Khurana embodies Bittu, another of Vicky's close companions, whose arc involves temporary manipulation by Sarkata before recovery.[13][14]Supporting and Guest Roles
Abhishek Banerjee portrays Jana (full name Janardan), Vicky's timid yet resourceful friend who previously channeled Stree's spirit and assists the group by leveraging his supernatural connections to summon her aid against Sarkata.[15] [16] Aparshakti Khurana plays Bittu, the enthusiastic and loyal companion who contributes comic relief through his exaggerated reactions and unwavering support during confrontations with the antagonist.[13] [17] These characters, recurring from the original film, emphasize themes of friendship and vulnerability in the face of horror.[18] Guest roles include Tamannaah Bhatia as Shama, depicted as Rudra's longstanding love interest who provides crucial narrative insight and features prominently in the dance number "Aaj Ki Raat," enhancing the film's commercial appeal through her performance.[19] [20] Varun Dhawan appears in a cameo as Bhaskar, also known as Bhediya from the 2022 film of the same name, intervening in high-stakes action sequences to aid the protagonists and participating in the song "Khoobsurat" alongside Shraddha Kapoor.[21] [22] These appearances interconnect the Maddock Supernatural Universe, bridging narratives across films without altering core plot progression.[23]Production
Development and Writing
The development of Stree 2 began shortly after the 2018 release of Stree, with director Amar Kaushik expressing interest in a sequel amid its commercial success. Progress continued through 2019 with initial script work, though production delays shifted timelines. By February 2022, lead actor Rajkummar Rao publicly confirmed the project's active development. Producers Dinesh Vijan and Jio Studios executive Jyoti Deshpande formally announced the film in April 2023, positioning it within the expanding Maddock Horror Comedy Universe that includes crossovers from films like Bhediya. Niren Bhatt handled the story, screenplay, and dialogues, drawing on the original film's urban legend framework to introduce new threats while maintaining continuity. The writing process spanned two-and-a-half years and involved 12 to 14 drafts, focused on escalating the narrative scope without succumbing to sequel pressures. Bhatt collaborated iteratively with Kaushik on core concepts—brainstorming folklore-inspired elements and plot threads—before incorporating Vijan's feedback for refinements. Balancing horror's tension with comedy's timing proved challenging, requiring extensive revisions to ensure seamless integration of scares, humor, and subtle thematic layers. Key antagonist Sarkata originated from lore hints in the first film, such as cave murals depicting a headless figure tied to Stree's backstory; Bhatt evolved this into a distinct entity portrayed as the killer of Stree and her lover, distinct from romantic ties due to prior events. Bhatt described Sarkata as embodying patriarchal control through visual metaphors like the ardhanarishvara form, embedding social commentary amid entertainment without overt preaching. This approach prioritized organic universe expansion, pursuing risky, fresh story beats over formulaic repetition.Casting Process
The principal cast from the 2018 film Stree—including Rajkummar Rao as Vikram "Vicky" Rao, Shraddha Kapoor in the titular role, Pankaj Tripathi as Rudra, Abhishek Banerjee as Jana, and Aparshakti Khurana as Bittu—was retained for Stree 2 to maintain continuity in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.[24] Director Amar Kaushik described these selections as inherently fitting, noting that the actors' natural alignment with their characters minimized adjustments needed for the sequel's expanded narrative.[25] To integrate crossovers from the shared universe, cameo appearances were arranged, including Varun Dhawan reprising Bhaskar from Bhediya (2022) and Tamannaah Bhatia as a new character.[14] A pivotal addition was Akshay Kumar in a special appearance as a key antagonist figure, reportedly finalized in mid-2024 to elevate the film's stakes and tease future installments; Kaushik recounted Kumar's enthusiastic participation, providing multiple takes during a brief shoot.[26] This casting decision aligned with producer Dinesh Vijan's strategy to unify the franchise through high-profile cameos, announced publicly around July 10, 2024, ahead of the film's August release.[27] No open auditions were publicly detailed for principal roles, reflecting the sequel's reliance on established ensemble chemistry over new discoveries.[28]Filming and Locations
Principal photography for Stree 2 commenced on July 10, 2023, under the direction of Amar Kaushik, with the production team announcing the start via social media updates from producer Dinesh Vijan.[29] The initial shooting schedule focused on establishing shots in the historic town of Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, which served as the primary filming location to maintain continuity with the original Stree film's aesthetic of a quaint, folklore-infused small-town setting.[30] The Chanderi schedule, involving lead actors Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and supporting cast members like Aparshakti Khurrana, concluded by July 28, 2023, after capturing key narrative sequences amid the town's narrow lanes, heritage havelis, and architectural landmarks such as Chanderi Fort.[31] Additional exterior and interior scenes were filmed in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, leveraging the region's urban-rural contrasts to depict expanded story elements involving hauntings and pursuits.[32] While some production reports indicated supplementary shoots in Bihar for specific rural backdrops, Chanderi remained the core site, chosen for its authentic medieval fabric that enhanced the film's horror-comedy tone without relying on extensive set construction.[33] Filming wrapped principal photography by mid-2024, allowing time for integration with the Maddock Films horror-comedy universe elements, though no major delays or on-location incidents were publicly reported.[34] The choice of Madhya Pradesh locations underscored a commitment to real-world verisimilitude, drawing on Chanderi's historical association with local legends that paralleled the screenplay's supernatural themes.[35]Visual Effects and Post-Production
The visual effects for Stree 2 were executed by Labyrinth Studios, which delivered CGI elements central to the film's supernatural horror sequences, including the creation of the headless antagonist Sarkata through modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation processes.[36] [37] The studio's showreel highlights compositing techniques to integrate digital creatures with live-action footage, emphasizing atmospheric effects like fog and shadows to enhance the folklore-inspired dread.[38] Post-production commenced after principal photography wrapped in early 2024, with VFX integration focusing on amplifying the comedy-horror hybrid by syncing creature movements with comedic timing and practical stunts.[39] Actor Abhishek Banerjee confirmed in April 2024 that VFX work was progressing toward a more expansive scope than the original Stree, involving extensive rendering to handle crowd simulations and environmental distortions in Chanderi town settings.[39] Maddock Films' approach, consistent across its horror universe, prioritized cost-effective VFX by leveraging low-light nighttime scenes to conceal integration seams, though this drew mixed reception for occasionally prioritizing narrative pace over seamless realism.[40] Director Amar Kaushik acknowledged production pressures that influenced post-production decisions, aiming to balance spectacle with the franchise's grounded folk elements without over-relying on high-budget effects.[41] The final output featured no mandated visual alterations from certification bodies, allowing the unedited VFX sequences to contribute to the film's 149-minute runtime.[1]Music and Soundtrack
Composition and Tracks
The soundtrack for Stree 2 was composed by the musical duo Sachin–Jigar, who served as primary composers, producers, and arrangers for all four tracks.[42][43] Lyrics across the songs were written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, contributing to the album's blend of upbeat, folk-infused rhythms and romantic elements aligned with the film's horror-comedy tone.[42][44] The full album, consisting of original songs, was digitally released on August 10, 2024, five days before the film's theatrical debut.[43][42]| Track No. | Title | Singer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaj Ki Raat | Madhubanti Bagchi, Divya Kumar, Sachin-Jigar | 3:48[42] |
| 2 | Khoobsurat | Vishal Mishra, Sachin-Jigar | 4:04[42] |
| 3 | Aayi Nai | Pawan Singh, Simran Choudhary, Divya Kumar, Sachin-Jigar | 3:27[42] |
| 4 | Tumhare Hi Rahenge Hum | Varun Jain, Shilpa Rao, Sachin-Jigar | 3:21[44][42] |
Release and Chart Performance
The soundtrack of Stree 2, comprising four original songs composed by Sachin-Jigar with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, was released digitally on August 10, 2024, under the Saregama label, coinciding with promotional buildup to the film's theatrical debut five days later.[46][47] Individual tracks were unveiled progressively in the preceding week to generate anticipation: "Tumhare Hi Rahenge Hum" on August 7, "Khoobsurat" on August 9, and the full album aggregating "Aaj Ki Raat", "Aayi Nai", "Khoobsurat", and "Tumhare Hi Rahenge Hum" on August 10 via platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.[48][49][50] The tracks demonstrated strong chart performance in India and internationally, driven by viral social media traction and the film's box-office success. "Aaj Ki Raat", featuring vocals by Madhubanti Bagchi and Divya Kumar, topped the Billboard India Songs chart, reached number two on the UK Asian Music Chart, and entered the Billboard Global 200 at number 65.[51] "Aayi Nai" and "Khoobsurat" also secured positions in the top ten of Spotify India's Weekly Top Songs chart, contributing to a reported 100% strike rate for the album's singles.[52] By late August 2024, multiple tracks dominated Ormax media consumption metrics and Spotify playlists in India, with Saregama noting record highs in streaming volumes.[51] Streaming milestones underscored the soundtrack's endurance: as of September 2024, "Aaj Ki Raat" amassed over 242 million plays on Spotify, while "Khoobsurat" exceeded 136 million.[53][54] The full album surpassed 500 million equivalent album units (primarily streams) by March 2025, reflecting sustained popularity into the following year, including persistent airplay for "Aaj Ki Raat" on Indian radio stations.[55][56] This performance marked a commercial rebound for single-composer Bollywood albums amid a trend toward fragmented track releases.[52]Marketing and Promotion
Campaigns and Partnerships
The marketing campaigns for Stree 2 emphasized a blend of on-ground activations and digital engagement to build anticipation ahead of its August 15, 2024, release. The production team organized a nationwide promotional tour featuring lead actors Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, with stops in key cities including Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai, where they interacted with fans through public events and custom-themed appearances, such as Kapoor's red outfits symbolizing the film's titular character.[57] Additional activations extended internationally, including at the Canada South Asian Festival in Toronto, to broaden audience reach.[57] Social media efforts harnessed the cast's online popularity through memes, behind-the-scenes videos, and user-generated content tied to viral elements like the song "Aaj Ki Raat," which amassed over 82 million YouTube views and trended atop platforms including X and YouTube.[57] Cast members amplified these via personal posts, fostering organic buzz without heavy reliance on paid influencer endorsements, though collaborations with niche digital personalities were incorporated for thematic alignment.[57] Key partnerships included tie-ups with cinema chain PVR Cinemas for fan contests and exclusive meet-and-greet sessions in Delhi, enhancing theatrical hype.[57] Paytm Tickets facilitated promotional ticketing offers to drive early bookings.[57] The team also collaborated with the popular animated social media character Ganji Chudail—a quirky, horror-themed meme figure—for integrated content that seamlessly blended the character's absurd humor with the film's comedy-horror vibe, capitalizing on its existing viral appeal among younger audiences.[57] [58] This partnership, arranged via Maddock Films, extended prior ties from the Munjya promotion and contributed to cross-platform memes and videos.[59] Appearances by the cast at the Bigg Boss OTT 3 grand finale further leveraged television viewership for cross-promotion.[57]Trailers and Publicity Events
The teaser trailer for Stree 2 premiered exclusively in theaters on 21 June 2024 during screenings of the film Munjya.[60] The official trailer was released online on 18 July 2024, accumulating over 100 million views across platforms within 24 hours.[57] It featured returning cast members Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi, emphasizing the horror-comedy elements with the antagonist "Sarkata" and the tagline "O Stree, kal aana."[61] Promotional activities intensified in the lead-up to the 15 August 2024 release, with the cast visiting multiple cities for events. On 2 August 2024, Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao attended promotions in Lucknow.[62] A Jaipur event followed on 10 August 2024.[63] In Kolkata on 14 August 2024, Kapoor and Rao participated in a promotional tram ride through the city to engage local audiences.[64] A major promotional event occurred in New Delhi on 14 August 2024, featuring Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, director Amar Kaushik, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee.[65] The makers also announced special paid preview screenings on 14 August 2024 ahead of the official Independence Day release.[66] These efforts contributed to building anticipation, aligning with the film's marketing strategy of leveraging urban legends and regional outreach.[57]Release
Theatrical Distribution
Stree 2 was co-distributed in India by Pen Marudhar and PVR Pictures, enabling a wide theatrical rollout on August 15, 2024, coinciding with India's Independence Day holiday.[67][67] The distributors prioritized maximum screen occupancy amid competition from Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein, demanding allocation of all shows in single-screen theaters to capitalize on the film's anticipated audience draw from the original Stree.[68][69] This strategy drew criticism from exhibitors, who viewed it as aggressive and disruptive to scheduling balance in multiplexes and single screens.[70] Internationally, the film achieved its widest overseas release to date for a Hindi horror-comedy, screening across over 1,600 locations in markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe.[71] Distributors varied by territory, with Pen India handling key regions alongside partners such as Bakrania Media in the United Kingdom, Friday Entertainment in France, and Blue Sapphire Films in Italy.[72] The emphasis on broad accessibility supported strong initial occupancy, contributing to the film's record-breaking opening despite the crowded release slate.[73]Home Media and Digital Rights
Stree 2's digital streaming rights were secured by Amazon Prime Video, as reported by industry sources.[74] The film initially launched on the platform for paid rental access on September 27, 2024.[75] Full subscription-based streaming for Prime members commenced on October 10, 2024, allowing broader accessibility following its theatrical run.[76] [77] No announcements regarding physical home media formats, such as DVD or Blu-ray, have been documented as of October 2024, reflecting the industry's shift toward digital distribution for Indian films.[78] This OTT exclusivity on Prime Video aligns with producer Maddock Films' strategy to leverage streaming platforms for post-theatrical revenue, given the film's strong box office performance exceeding ₹800 crore worldwide.Commercial Performance
Box Office Earnings
Stree 2 grossed ₹627.5 crore nett in India over its theatrical run, marking it as a major commercial success.[79] Including entertainment tax and other levies, the India gross collection reached ₹740.45 crore.[79] Overseas markets contributed an additional ₹144 crore.[79] The worldwide gross totaled ₹884.45 crore, according to trade estimates as of late October 2024, when the film's run concluded.[79] Alternative tracking places the worldwide figure slightly lower at ₹874.58 crore, with overseas at ₹134.3 crore.[80]| Territory | Amount (₹ crore) |
|---|---|
| India Nett | 627.5 |
| India Gross | 740.45 |
| Overseas Gross | 144 |
| Worldwide Gross | 884.45 |
Records and Milestones
Stree 2 set multiple box office benchmarks upon its release on August 15, 2024, emerging as the highest-grossing Hindi film in India with net collections of ₹627.02 crore, surpassing the previous record held by Jawan (₹586 crore net) on September 18, 2024.[80] This milestone positioned it as the highest-earning Hindi-language film domestically, with gross India earnings reaching ₹740.28 crore.[80] Worldwide, the film amassed ₹874.58 crore, including ₹134.3 crore from overseas markets, ranking it among the top-grossing Indian productions of the year.[80] It achieved the third-fastest time to ₹500 crore gross in India, trailing only Dangal and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.[81] Additionally, Stree 2 recorded the highest opening day for a horror-comedy genre film and the second-highest Bollywood opening overall, while also claiming the biggest paid preview collection for a Hindi film at ₹6.65 crore, eclipsing Chennai Express.[82][83] The film further distinguished itself as the most profitable Bollywood release, with a return on investment exceeding 20 times its reported budget, underscoring its commercial dominance in a post-pandemic market.[84] In Mumbai circuit alone, it grossed over ₹150 crore, securing the fifth-highest position historically.[85] These records highlight its exceptional word-of-mouth driven performance, particularly in non-metropolitan areas.[86]Reception
Critical Reviews
Stree 2 received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its humor and performances tempered by criticisms of pacing and originality. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 57% approval rating based on 14 reviews, with an average score of 6.1/10.[5] Critics commended the film's ability to blend horror and comedy, often highlighting the lead performances. Devesh Sharma of Filmfare awarded 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting that it "effectively balances chills, thrills, and laughs" with "stellar performances, particularly by Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi."[87] Abhishek Srivastava from The Times of India gave it 4 out of 5 stars, praising its "clever script that brings a fresh twist" while retaining "the energy and charm of the original."[88] Similarly, Hindustan Times' reviewer described it as "better than the original," lauding Rajkummar Rao's "terrific" portrayal of the cowardly protagonist.[89] However, several reviewers found the sequel lacking in depth and scares compared to its predecessor. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars, arguing that it "dumbs down a sharp premise" with "low-hanging fruits distinctly lower this time around."[90] Saibal Chatterjee from NDTV also gave 2.5 stars, calling it "stodgy and laboured" despite banking on "quirks and surprises."[91] Common Sense Media scored it 2 out of 5, stating that the "Indian horror-comedy sequel lacks original's charm and wit."[92] Common critiques included a dragged storyline and diminished novelty in horror elements, with some noting the villain's portrayal as unconvincing.[93]Audience Feedback
Stree 2 garnered predominantly positive feedback from audiences, who appreciated its blend of horror and comedy elements. On IMDb, the film received a user rating of 6.9 out of 10, based on approximately 44,800 ratings as of late 2024.[1] Common praises included the strong performances by Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi, highlighted for their comedic timing and character portrayals, as well as effective jump scares and the expansion of the Maddock Supernatural Universe.[1] On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score reached 85% positive from over 250 verified ratings, underscoring enjoyment of the film's entertaining humor and production values.[5] Viewers often noted the first half's strong pacing and laugh-out-loud moments, with some describing it as a solid commercial entertainer that delivered on expectations for a sequel.[5] [1] Criticisms focused on the film's 149-minute runtime, which some felt contributed to a slower second half and dragged certain sequences, alongside perceptions that it lacked the originality of the 2018 original Stree.[1] A portion of reviews pointed to uneven horror elements and over-reliance on previously revealed trailer jokes, though these did not overshadow the overall fun for most.[1] Positive word-of-mouth, driven by social media shares and repeat viewings, amplified its appeal, particularly among Hindi cinema fans seeking light-hearted scares during the Independence Day weekend release on August 15, 2024.[1]Cultural and Social Commentary
Stree 2 draws on Indian urban folklore, particularly legends of vengeful female spirits like the chudail or nale ba, to explore persistent superstitions in rural and small-town settings. The film's narrative, set in the fictional Chanderi, amplifies these myths to highlight how communal fears and rituals—such as writing "O Stree, kal aana" on doors—reflect real societal anxieties about the supernatural intertwined with gender vulnerabilities. This approach revives indigenous horror tropes, contrasting with Hollywood-influenced films by grounding scares in verifiable regional tales from Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, where similar ghost stories have been documented in oral traditions since at least the 20th century.[94][95] Central to the film's social commentary is its portrayal of patriarchy through the antagonist Sarkata, depicted by writer Niren Bhatt as a symbol of distorted male dominance that manipulates societal norms to suppress women. In the plot, Sarkata's headless form targets women, inverting the original Stree's focus on male prey and underscoring how patriarchal structures foster division between genders, with men exhibiting bravado that crumbles under threat. This setup critiques how superstitions reinforce gender inequities, as men in Chanderi revert to controlling women's freedoms post-threat, echoing broader Indian societal patterns where folklore often justifies restrictive norms on female mobility after dark.[96][97][98] Critics have noted the film's blend of horror and comedy to address consent, the male gaze, and female agency, positioning horror as a vehicle for subtle feminist messaging without overt preaching. However, some analyses argue it undermines this by incorporating ableist, homophobic, or transphobic humor, particularly in side characters, diluting its anti-patriarchal edge compared to the first film. Despite such reservations, the sequel's success—grossing over ₹600 crore domestically by September 2024—signals cultural resonance, demonstrating audience appetite for narratives that fuse entertainment with commentary on tradition versus modernity in India.[95][99][100]Accolades
Major Awards
Stree 2 won Best Film at the 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, held on May 18, 2025, and accumulated seven awards in total across categories including performances and technical achievements.[101] [102] At the 70th Filmfare Awards, presented on October 12, 2025, the film secured the Best Playback Singer (Female) award for Madhubanti Bagchi's performance on the track "Aaj Ki Raat".[103] In the 7th Annual Global Demand Awards, announced January 29, 2025, Stree 2 was recognized as the Most In-Demand Movie of 2024, with additional wins for Most In-Demand Horror Movie, Most In-Demand Asian Export, and Most In-Demand Movie Premiere.[104]Nominations and Recognitions
Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank earned 14 nominations at the 70th Filmfare Awards held in 2025, spanning technical, creative, and performance categories.[105] These included recognition for its direction, screenplay, and lead performances, reflecting the film's commercial and artistic impact.[106] The following table lists the Filmfare nominations for Stree 2:| Category | Nominee(s) |
|---|---|
| Best Film | Stree 2 |
| Best Director | Amar Kaushik |
| Best Actor (Male) | Rajkummar Rao |
| Best Actress (Female) | Shraddha Kapoor |
| Best Supporting Actor (Male) | Pankaj Tripathi |
| Best Music Album | Sachin-Jigar |
| Best Playback Singer (Female) | Madhubanti Bagchi ("Aaj Ki Raat") |
| Best Story | Niren Bhatt |
| Best Screenplay | Niren Bhatt |
| Best Dialogue | Niren Bhatt |
| Best Editing | Hemanti Sarkar |
| Best Special Effects (VFX) | Digital Domain |
| Best Choreography | Vijay Ganguly ("Aaj Ki Raat") |
