Plot Summary: “Stree 2” picks up where the original left off, diving deeper into the supernatural world that captivated audiences in the first film. Set in the same eerie small town, the sequel continues the story of the mysterious female spirit, Stree, who haunts the men of the village. The film builds on the legend, adding new twists and a fresh storyline that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) and his friends are back, trying to unravel the mystery of Stree’s return. The film cleverly balances horror elements with comedy, offering a unique blend that made the original a hit. As they delve deeper into the curse, new characters are introduced, and old ones develop in unexpected ways, keeping the narrative fresh and exciting.
Performance Highlights:
- Rajkummar Rao once again proves why he is one of the most versatile actors in the industry. His portrayal of Vicky is a perfect mix of humor, fear, and determination. Rao effortlessly carries the film on his shoulders, making the character’s journey both relatable and entertaining. His comic timing, particularly in moments of sheer panic, adds a layer of authenticity to the film.
- Abhishek Banerjee is the undeniable highlight of “Stree 2.” As Jana, Vicky’s loyal but often terrified friend, Banerjee delivers a performance that is both hilarious and heartfelt. His ability to switch between comedy and genuine emotion makes him a standout, and his scenes often steal the spotlight. Banerjee’s role is more prominent in the sequel, and he makes the most of every moment.
- Shraddha Kapoor returns as the enigmatic woman linked to Stree. While her role is more mysterious this time around, Kapoor brings an intensity to the character that keeps the audience guessing. Her chemistry with Rajkummar Rao adds depth to the film’s emotional core.
- Pankaj Tripathi reprises his role as Rudra, the knowledgeable but quirky local who knows more about Stree than he lets on. Tripathi’s effortless humor and charisma bring a sense of groundedness to the film, balancing the supernatural elements with a touch of realism.
- Aparshakti Khurana also returns, providing much of the comic relief alongside Banerjee. His timing and delivery are spot on, adding to the film’s overall humor.
Direction and Cinematography: Directed by Amar Kaushik, “Stree 2” successfully maintains the tone and style of the original while expanding the universe it created. The director’s ability to blend horror with comedy is commendable, as both elements are given equal importance. The pacing of the film is brisk, with enough suspenseful moments to keep the audience on edge, balanced by well-timed comedic scenes.
The cinematography enhances the eerie atmosphere of the small town, with its dark alleys and dimly lit streets. The use of lighting and shadows creates a sense of dread, while the vibrant colors in daytime scenes contrast with the darkness, symbolizing the dual nature of the town’s existence.
Writing and Screenplay: The screenplay of “Stree 2” is sharp and witty, with dialogues that range from laugh-out-loud funny to spine-chillingly eerie. The writers have done an excellent job of continuing the story from the first film, introducing new elements that add depth to the narrative. The humor is more refined, and the horror is more intense, making for a sequel that feels both familiar and fresh.
Music and Soundtrack: The soundtrack of “Stree 2” complements the film’s tone, with songs that are both catchy and atmospheric. The background score plays a crucial role in building tension, especially during the more suspenseful scenes. The use of traditional instruments mixed with modern beats gives the music a unique flavor that enhances the overall experience.
Final Verdict: “Stree 2” is a worthy successor to the original, offering more laughs, more scares, and a deeper dive into the legend of Stree. Rajkummar Rao leads a strong cast, with Abhishek Banerjee delivering a standout performance that elevates the film. The clever mix of horror and comedy, combined with strong writing and direction, makes “Stree 2” a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the story, this sequel is sure to entertain and thrill in equal measure.
Hidden commentary on social issues
I sometimes wonder whether filmmakers indeed put in so much thought and metaphors into their films, as us critics analyse it to be. Women who dare to cross boundaries set by a patriarchal society… are gagged. A sexist leader influences men to stop women of their house from using mobile phones or go to school. Women wearing white sarees with their heads shaved have no voice, their eyes soulless… These might be just another scene if you watch Stree 2 for timepass entertainment. However scratch the surface just a bit, and there’s a lot beneath.
Humour on point
And let’s talk about what fuels the film- the humour. 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.
Performance report card
After a point, it isn’t the joke alone which lands. It’s the sheer talented bunch who make Stree 2 what it is, led by an able Rajkummar Rao. He gets it all so correct that you forget for a moment that he’s the same guy who, just this year, played a specially abled businessman in Srikanth or a frustrated ex-cricketer in Mr and Mrs Mahi.
Abhishek Banerjee is such a precious find. With a face like his, he is as menacing in Vedaa (which has released alongside Stree 2), as naive he is as the bumbling Jana here. He leaves you laughing each time he appears on screen. Same goes for Aparshakti.
Pankaj’s a pro now at taking even average lines and elevating them with his deadpan dialogue delivery. Shraddha Kapoor, who gets a hoot-worthy entry sequence towards the intermission, is no doubt integral to the storyline, but the trio and Pankaj get such good punches that her character takes a slight backseat.
Starry, starry cameos
Some starry cameos are sprinkled and bring the house down. Tamannaah Bhatia steals the show the moment she enters the proceedings. What has worked in the favour of Stree 2 is the music, specially Aaj Ki Raat. Where the sequel lacks is the unimaginative cameo by Bhediya (played by Varun Dhawan) in Stree’s universe. I wish the connection was more elaborate.
But credit where it’s due: Stree 2 is a rare sequel that delivers bang for the buck. And this gem of a line which Jana tells Bhedia, who wants to impress Bicky’s love interest, “Bhediya hai tu bhediya, Animal mat ban.” Vanga is logging into his Twitter account as we speak.
Critics’ Reviews
Tushar Joshi of India Today
“Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor’s multiverse of madness is entertaining.” He noted that the film offers a humorous and thrilling continuation of the franchise with a clever script and improved VFX. Although it struggles with pacing and coherence in its multiverse crossover, it shines thanks to strong performances, particularly from Rajkummar Rao and a surprising cameo by Akshay Kumar.
Shilajit Mitra of The Hindu
“Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor and gang deliver the laughs, but not much else.” According to him, the film retains the charm of its predecessor but feels like a factory-made sequel, losing some of the original’s nuanced commentary on patriarchy amidst a convoluted plot. While Rajkummar Rao delivers a delightful performance as Vicky, the film struggles with its overreliance on franchise complexity and lacks the fresh edge that made the first installment resonate.
