Horror is one genre that the Indian film industry has struggled with. However, in 2018, audiences got to have a unique experience with Amar Kaushik’s Stree. It was a perfect blend of horror and comedy. Even after being touted as a horror-comedy, it had a pretty story to tell and had some tender moments as well. The film was a gigantic hit due to its amazing storytelling, brilliant comedy, and extraordinary performances. So, it doesn’t come as a shock that producers and makers wanted to tell more stories like it. Six years later, Kaushik has returned to Chanderi to tell another chilling tale in Stree 2. In the first film, viewers saw a female spirit haunting the town of Chanderi and abducting men at night if they were roaming on roads alone. Apart from that, she would also abduct men from the houses where it is not written: “O Stree, Kal Aana” (O Woman, Come Tomorrow). The first film ended on a positive note, but there was surely room for more stories to tell.
In Stree 2, the town of Chanderi has changed. The boys and girls have a new mindset and want to experience the modern world. However, there’s a new threat in the town, and this time, a male spirit is abducting women having modern thoughts. But this story has its connections with the first film, and as the story progresses, we get to know why this headless demon is here to torment the town of Chanderi again. Although viewers will get references to what happened in the first film, it’s better to watch it before they go to see the sequel. Not just because of the connection but because of how brilliant it is. It’s not easy to create a sequel to a blockbuster film, but Stree 2 is different and manages to create a similar kind of effect as the first one did.
The first film took the Indian cinema landscape by storm with its unique blend of horror and comedy. The film’s sharp wit, memorable characters, and social commentary on gender roles nabbed both critical commercial success. With Stree 2, Kaushik and the rest of the cast try to take this franchise to a whole new level. But were they able to do that? The answer to that question is a big YESS!!!!!! The film manages to capture the magic of the original film while delivering fresh thrills and laughs. One of the strengths of the movie lies in its ability to knit social commentary into its storytelling without being preachy. While the first movie masterfully addressed issues like gender inequality and the expectations that have been placed on women by society, the sequel delves deeper into the consequences of patriarchy and the power dynamics of men and women. Of course, these are hard-hitting issues to talk about, but the best aspect of the film is that it never wanders away from its path and remains highly entertaining.
But there is one stark difference between the first and the sequel. The original Stree leaned heavily on the horror elements and blended that element with comedic moments. However, Stree 2 is packed with laughs and witty dialogues, showcasing the cast’s comedic timing. The shift in tone doesn’t mean that there are no scary sequences, it merely means that the eerie atmosphere that made Stree so enthralling is still present, but it takes a backseat to the humor. As a result, the sequel is more of a comedy with horror elements rather than a horror-comedy and that approach has worked undoubtedly.
Stree 2 also makes it clear that director Amar Kaushik is more confident and assured about his craft. Throughout the film, he seamlessly navigates the tonal shifts between horror and comedy. The pacing of the movie is brilliant, with just the right amount of suspense to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, the cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee skillfully captures Chanderi’s eerie atmosphere. Even though the visual effects are minimal, they have effectively enhanced the supernatural elements without overshadowing the storyline. Special mention to the sound design for keeping the tensions high and delivering effective scares.
When it comes to performances, every actor has delivered and enhanced the viewing experience. Rajkummar Rao is the heart of the film and once again shows why he is one of the finest actors of this generation. His comedic timing and dialogue delivery are impeccable. Meanwhile, Shraddha Kapoor is equally brilliant and brings a raw intensity to the film. The supporting cast – Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee, and Pankaj Tripathi – are brilliant in their respective roles, especially Banerjee. He is one of the very few actors who can play a villain and a comedy role with equal precision. There are certain sequences where Banerjee outshines the entire cast and comes out as the standout performer.
Overall, Stree 2 is a worthy successor to the original, even if the story is not as hard-hitting as the first one. It is a perfect mixture of comedy, horror, and social commentary. Additionally, the film’s strong performances make it a must-watch for the fans of the genre. Stree 2 is a really entertaining movie that stands on its own merit
Stree 2 is now in limited theaters.
You might also like…
‘X’ is a Strong Start to a Fantastic Horror Trilogy