Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee, and Pankaj Tripathi
Director: Amar Kaushik
Rating: 3.5/5
The Amar Kaushik-directed ‘Stree 2’ has created a great deal of buzz among movie buffs with its catchy songs and intriguing concept. Moreover, its well-cut trailer suggested that the horror-comedy would be funnier and spookier than Stree, which hit screens in 2018. So, did the eagerly-awaited sequel live up to these expectations? Let’s find out
What’s Stree 2 About?
‘Stree 2’ is set in Chanderi and revolves around the events that unfold when Sarkata, a headless ghoul, kidnaps “progressive” women to teach them a lesson. This sets the stage for the unnamed girl (Shraddha Kapoor) to return to the town and work her magic.
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She is joined by Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), Jana (Abhishek Banerjee), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi) on this mission. The basic storyline, much like the one seen in Stree, features a liberal mix of humour and chills.
Moreover, at its core, it centres on the fight between “good” and “evil”. These factors make the film a relatable affair.
Competent Screenplay Makes This A Compelling Watch
‘Stree 2’ nearly reaches its potential due to the deft writing. The film begins with a spooky sequence in which Sarkata, the menacing antagonist, abducts the woman.
This re-introduces the audience to the film’s world. The focus then shifts to Vicky as he longs to reunite with his “pisachini”.
Familiar characters such as Bittu (Aparshakti Khurana) and Rudra then make their presence felt as the original gang returns to deliver a few laughs. The film features quite a few punches that land and leave the audience wanting for more. In a quirky sequence, Vicky teases Bittu about his new nickname. While the gag isn’t exactly family-friendly, it has been handled with maturity.
The first half features several well-executed jump scares, which keep fans on the edge of their seats. Shardhha’s “entry” sequence is a treat to watch on the big screen and proves that she is an inseparable part of the horror-comedy universe. The pre-interval sequence is grand and unnerving in equal measure and sets the stage for what is to follow.
‘Stree 2’ slows down a bit in the second half but manages to entertain nonetheless. Jana’s sequences with his friends are quite goofy to say the least. The subplot involving Tamannaah projects Rudra in new light even though it is a bit predictable.
Akshay Kumar’s cameo fails to impress even though the character is likely to appear more prominently in the franchise’s future installments. His scene with Jana feel cringeworthy rather that funny.
The action-packed climax, however, makes up for this shortcoming even though it feels a bit stretched. Varun Dhawan’s cameo is the icing on the cake here and makes the film “bigger” than the first part.
Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao Shine Bright
Coming to the performances, Rajkummar adds a new dimension to the film with his impeccable comic timing. Watch out for the scenes featuring him as “Chanderi Ka Devadas”. Pankaj Tripathi supports him with ease and hits the right notes with his quirky mannerisms in the “Chitthi-Chitti” scene.
Abhishek and Aparshakti are good in their respective roles even though the Vedaa actor has less screen time here. Shraddha steals the show with her cute and glamorous looks and crackling chemistry with Rajummar Rao.
The Bottomline
The music is top-notch with the enertic and sensuous Aaj Ki Raat being the pick of the lot. The cinematography is spot on as the dark and eerie feel/setting gels with the film’s theme. The editing too is brilliant as nothing feels out of place.
To conclude, ‘Stree 2’ is a rib-tickling and spooky film that checks the right notes and proves to be a worthy sequel to ‘Stree’.
