Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank, starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana, has been released across India. The Bollywood movie, directed by Amar Kaushik is a sequel to the 2018 movie Stree,featuring the same characters.
The first movie was a massive success, and the sequel created an enormous buzz before its release. The horror-comedy is expected to surpass Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, to become the movie with the biggest opening in 2024.
The box office collection of Stree 2 is shattering records and continues to rise as Independence Day unfolds. It is projected to become the year’s highest box office opener, with reports suggesting that the film could earn over Rs 40 crore on its opening day. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film has already amassed over Rs 23 crore in its advances bookings.
Stree 2 Review
As the trailer hinted, the new storyline of the horror-comedy revolves around a headless monster named Sarkate, who kidnaps women in the small town of Chanderi. As the townspeople are terrorized by Sarkate, Vicky, Rudra, Jana, and Bittu, along with Shraddha’s character (who remains unnamed), devise a plan to stop Sarkate. In the trailer, Rudra reveals that it was Sarkate who turned Stree into an angry spirit that haunted men. At the end of the trailer, Vicky decides to seek the help of Stree to confront the headless monster.
Niren Bhatt (story, screenplay, dialogue credits) keeps the pace in check, with the first half quite excellent. The jokes just don’t stop coming, and that’s exactly what the viewers are looking for. It’s naughty, it’s original. The storyline takes a turn in the second half reminiscent of Stranger Things, with women held captive in an alternate universe accessible only through a Nine and Three-Quarters gateway. At this point, the film borrows heavily from the West, diluting the originality that made the first Stree so special.
The climax falls a bit flat, making me question the point of the whole battle. Then there are the cameos—intended to thrill fans with nods to Bhediya and another surprise character, they also create unresolved plot holes that weaken the story. The post-credits scene, awkwardly sandwiched between two songs, only adds to the confusion, leaving viewers unsure whether to stick around or head out.
Stree 2 will spook you out right from the start but it is also delightful with well-balanced humour. The film sets the right tone to enjoy a horror movie with endless joke and punchlines. It is so captivating that you won’t want to blink for fear of missing a moment. Overall, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable experience, filled with laughter and scares, resulting in a spooky entertaining ride.
Stree 2 Review: Cast Performances
On the acting front, Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao steer the ship effortlessly to the end. Shraddha delivers one of her best performances, especially in her action scenes. However, it’s disappointing that her role is limited, especially given how much the Stree universe relies on her character. Rajkummar Rao delivers another memorable performance, showcasing his versatility across genres. Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana are scene-stealers. They keep the film afloat during slower moments, and Pankaj and Abhishek’s on-screen camaraderie is a highlight.
The film also features a cameo by Akshay Kumar teasing the possibility of Stree 3. Tamannaah Bhatia is Rudra Bhaiya’s sizzling Shama making a special appearance in the song Aaj Ki Raat. On the other hand, Varun Dhawan joins in as Bhediya.
Director Amar Kaushik has magnificently brought Stree 2 to the silver screen with twice the fright, fun, and magic making it a spellbinding spectacle watch. The soundtrack, combining haunting melodies with catchy tunes, perfectly compliments the film’s eerie yet entertaining tone. The album composed by Sachin Jigar has maintained the connectivity with the story and audience appeal. The narrative is packed with jokes, scares, and chills. Punches are amusing if connected with the simplicity of the character and situation turning into a laughter riot.
The film is entertaining, despite a confusing climax. Watch it for the laughs—it’s worth the ride
