Review: 'Stree 2' is a fun and frolic ride that will make you say “O Stree 3 jaldi aana’

The Independence Day bonanza is here and amid all the releases, the much-awaited one taking over all the buzz and hype is 'Stree 2'. So the film has been watched and I need to put it out already, it lives up to all the hype and frenzy. 

PS: Please wait till the end of the film until both the songs 'Aayi Nahi' and 'Khoobsurat' for the post-credit sequence and the big cameo revelation. 

Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank takes the intriguing narrative of its predecessor and propels it to new heights, seamlessly blending folklore, humor, and horror into a captivating sequel. Directed by Amar Kaushik, this film not only builds on the successful formula of the original but also introduces fresh elements, expanding the film’s unique horror-comedy universe.

Set in the haunted town of Chanderi, Stree 2 introduces a new evil spirit, Sarkata, shifting the sinister focus from men to modern, empowered women. The story follows Bicky (Rajkummar Rao), Bitu (Aparshakti Khurana), JD (Abhishek Banerjee), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi) as they team up with the enigmatic Stree to protect their village from Sarkata’s terror. The sequel maintains a brisk pace, balancing horror and humor to keep the audience engaged.

Amar Kaushik’s direction is a standout feature, adeptly blending suspenseful moments with comedic relief. His skillful handling of the film’s dual elements—horror and comedy—makes Stree 2 both a compelling continuation and a refreshing new experience. The screenplay by Niren Bhatt is meticulously crafted, featuring clever dialogue and effective character interactions that enhance the film’s entertaining qualities. The quips and one-liners in between will surely take you for a fun ride, and the chuckling game ain't stop. Not only that but this time with get a connection between Bhediya, Munjya, and the Stree universe, linking it all into a thin rope that leaves us intrigued and yearning to see what Dinesh Vijan will unfold in his universe. This is probably the first time that we see Varun Dhawan and Rajkummar Rao sharing the screen space and it's a delightful sight. 

Shraddha Kapoor returns as Stree, infusing her performance with renewed vitality that elevates the film’s narrative. Her portrayal adds depth and excitement to the film’s thrilling and spine-chilling scenes. Rajkummar Rao shines once again as Bicky, balancing humor with emotional depth, though his impact is slightly less pronounced compared to the original film. Nevertheless, his performance remains a highlight.

Aparshakti Khurana excels as Bitu, while Abhishek Banerjee and Pankaj Tripathi bring significant gravitas to the ensemble cast. Their performances contribute depth and richness to the film, further enhancing the overall experience. Pankaj as Rudra has his wit and charm and it never dusts off. From meta humor to easter eggs like 'Atal', 'Rajkummar', 'Neha Kakkar' and taking digs at various other things, these characters make the banter even more lively and relatable. 

The film’s music and background score are crucial in creating atmospheric tension, adding to the cinematic experience. Cinematography is exemplary, capturing both eerie and humorous moments with visual flair. The sharp editing ensures that the film maintains its momentum, making it an engaging watch from start to finish.

Stree 2 features strong dialogue, delivering memorable lines and goosebumps-inducing moments, particularly with the introduction of new ghost characters. The writing effectively balances horror with humor, contributing to the film’s appeal through clever dialogue and an engaging script.

Backed by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank is a solid and entertaining follow-up to the original. Its successful blend of horror and comedy, sharp direction, strong performances, and effective dialogue make it a worthwhile watch.

Rating

****(4/5) stars