Stree 2 Review – Can it Revive Bollywood’s Fortune?
Bollywood has been in a financial slump, struggling to draw audiences back to theaters. But with the release of Stree 2, the tide might finally be turning. Over a long weekend, I tried booking tickets, only to find theaters almost fully booked. The excitement was palpable, with tickets selling fast and theaters packed—something I hadn’t seen for a Hindi movie in a long time.
Stree, released in 2018, remains one of the funniest and most wholesome movies released recently. Naturally, the anticipation for its sequel was high. I went in with high expectations, and while Stree 2 largely delivered, it wasn’t without its flaws. Let me walk you through the highs and lows so you can decide whether it’s worth your time.
What Stree 2 Gets Right
It’s been ages since I’ve seen a Hindi movie that genuinely filled a theater with laughter and joy. Stree 2 manages this feat with humor that lands just right. Rajkummar Rao deserves a special mention for his impeccable comic timing. At times, it’s not even the jokes that make you laugh but his expressions and body language that bring the whole situation to life. Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee also excel in their roles, contributing to the film’s humor.
The crossover with Bhediya is seamlessly integrated, adding another layer to Maddock Films’ burgeoning supernatural horror-comedy universe. It’s refreshing to see Shraddha Kapoor make a grand entrance, one that outshines the male leads—a welcome change. There’s also an interesting cameo that caught me by surprise and works well within the film’s narrative.
While some have criticized the CGI, I found it visually immersive and engaging throughout. The special effects might not be groundbreaking, but they serve the story well and add to the overall experience.
Where Stree 2 Falls Short
Despite its humor, Stree 2 does miss the mark set by its predecessor, particularly in terms of its social commentary. The first film, written by Raj and DK, masterfully balanced humor with sharp societal insights. Unfortunately, Stree 2 lags slightly in this regard, and you can feel the absence of Raj and DK’s distinctive touch.
The film feels tailor-made for the theatrical experience, and I suspect it may lose some of its charm when it eventually hits OTT platforms. The big-screen experience, with an audience laughing along, amplifies the film’s appeal, which might not translate as well in a more solitary viewing environment.
Stree2 – A Beacon of Hope for Bollywood
Despite its imperfections, Stree 2 has already achieved a significant milestone—breaking even a day before its release. With more money expected to flow in over the coming weeks setting record box office collection for Stree 2, this could be the boost the Hindi film industry desperately needs.
For this weekend, with all the releases out there, Stree 2 is the clear frontrunner. It’s not just a movie; it’s an experience that could mark the beginning of Bollywood’s resurgence. If you’re looking for a reason to head to the theaters, Stree 2 offers plenty of them.
Image Courtesy: Youtube
I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!
