The much-awaited sequel, Stree 2, starring Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi, has finally hit the screens. This horror-comedy, which runs for 2 hours and 29 minutes, has already garnered a 3.5-star rating from Dainik Bhaskar. Let’s dive into what this film has to offer.
The story picks up right where the first film left off, in the quaint village of Chanderi. This time, the village is struck by a new terror as young women start disappearing one by one, snatched by a headless ghost. Unlike before, Stree (Shraddha Kapoor) takes it upon herself to save the village, enlisting the help of Vicky (Rajkummar Rao). Vicky is joined by his loyal friends Bittu (Aparshakti Khurana), Jana (Abhishek Banerjee), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi). The narrative revolves around their efforts to defeat the headless entity and restore peace to the village.
The trio of Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi delivers an entertaining performance that keeps the audience engaged. Rajkummar and Pankaj, in particular, shine with their impeccable comic timing, drawing laughs effortlessly. Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee also add to the humor, making their mark with witty dialogues and humorous situations.
One of the biggest surprises in the film is Akshay Kumar’s cameo, which is sure to leave the audience astonished. Seeing him on screen unexpectedly is a delightful experience. Additionally, Varun Dhawan appears as ‘Bhediya,’ engaging in a few action-packed scenes against the headless ghost. Tamannaah Bhatia also makes a brief but impactful appearance.
Director Amar Kaushik has pulled out all the stops to make Stree 2 an entertaining ride. The film is packed with a solid dose of comedy and horror from start to finish. The dialogues are sharp and witty, and the visual and sound effects are top-notch, adding to the overall spooky atmosphere.
The first half of the movie is particularly impressive, setting high expectations. However, the second half, while still engaging, doesn’t quite match up, leading to a climax that feels slightly underwhelming. The story builds up well but stumbles towards the end, leaving a bit to be desired.
Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films have begun establishing their horror universe, and Stree 2 offers a glimpse into that expanding world. The film references Maddock’s previous horror-comedy ventures, Munjya and Bhediya, hinting at a larger narrative that might unfold in future films. It’s also suggested that Akshay Kumar’s character might play a more significant role in this universe moving forward.
The film’s music is another strong point, with songs that have already become chartbusters. They sound even better in the theater, enhancing the overall experience. However, while the music is commendable, the background score (BGM) could have been more polished. At times, the BGM feels more like noise than an enhancement to the scene.
Despite a few shortcomings, Stree 2 is an overall enjoyable film. It strikes the right balance between comedy, horror, and entertainment. With a mix of humor, engaging performances, and catchy music, it makes for a good watch, especially during a long holiday weekend. It’s a film that can be enjoyed with family, making it a worthy one-time watch.
Whether you’re a fan of the original or just looking for a fun, spooky movie experience, Stree 2 delivers enough to keep you entertained, even if it falls short of perfection in its final moments.