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"Rona band karo, tum Sneha Kakkar nahi ho," says a frustrated Vicky (or rather, Bicky, played by Rajkummar Rao) to his friend Bittu (Aparshakti Khurana), who is mourning the loss of his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Rudra, played by Pankaj Tripathi, quips to a daydreaming Bicky, "Aise swapn dekhoge toh swapn dosh bhi nahi hoga." These lines, amusing on paper, truly come to life in the hands of this talented cast. If you're here to find out if Stree 2 lives up to the hype, the answer is yes—you can stop reading now if that’s all you needed.
What’s it About
Stree 2 picks up right where the 2018 horror-comedy left off. The residents of Chanderi now view Stree as their protector. However, a new threat emerges in the form of Sarkata (brilliantly portrayed by Abhishek Banerjee), a being described as someone "whose head is cut off," who is now abducting women. Specifically, women who don’t conform to traditional domestic roles are targeted. In one scene, Rudra ominously tells a frightened woman who uses social media, "Aap kataar mein hain."
Social Commentary
One can't help but wonder whether filmmakers consciously infuse their movies with as much symbolism and subtext as critics tend to dissect. The film subtly critiques patriarchal society, portraying women who dare to defy societal norms as being silenced or oppressed. A sexist leader influences men to restrict the women in their lives from using mobile phones or attending school. The visual of women in white sarees, with their heads shaved and eyes void of life, serves as a stark reminder of their voiceless existence. While these scenes might seem like just another part of the plot for those watching Stree 2 purely for entertainment, a deeper look reveals layers of meaning.
Humor on Point
A major driving force behind the film is its humor. Niren Bhatt, credited with the story, screenplay, and dialogue, maintains an excellent pace, particularly in the first half. The jokes flow consistently, which is precisely what the audience seeks. The humor is playful and original, keeping viewers engaged throughout.
Performance Report Card
The success of Stree 2 doesn't rest solely on the strength of its script; it’s the exceptional performances that elevate the film. Rajkummar Rao leads the pack, delivering such a convincing portrayal that it's easy to forget he recently played vastly different characters in films like Srikanth and Mr and Mrs Mahi. Abhishek Banerjee proves to be an invaluable asset, showcasing his versatility. While he plays a menacing character in Vedaa, released alongside Stree 2, he is equally effective as the naive, bumbling Jana in this film, eliciting laughter every time he’s on screen. Aparshakti Khurana also shines in his role.
Pankaj Tripathi, a seasoned actor, has mastered the art of transforming even the simplest lines into something memorable with his deadpan delivery. Although Shraddha Kapoor’s character is crucial to the plot and she makes a grand entrance just before the intermission, the focus remains on the trio of Rajkummar, Abhishek, Aparshakti, and Pankaj, who are given the best lines.
Starry Cameos and Music
Stree 2 also benefits from a few star-studded cameos that add to the film's charm. Tamannaah Bhatia makes a significant impact as soon as she appears, stealing the spotlight. The music, particularly the song "Aaj Ki Raat," has been well-received and adds to the film’s appeal. However, the film falters slightly with Varun Dhawan’s unimaginative cameo as Bhediya in the Stree universe. A more elaborate connection between the characters would have been welcome.
In conclusion, Stree 2 is a rare sequel that manages to deliver on expectations. It's a worthy follow-up that not only entertains but also subtly critiques societal norms, all while being driven by outstanding performances and humor. And let's not forget Jana’s witty line to Bhediya, who’s trying to win over Bicky’s love interest: "Bhediya hai tu bhediya, Animal mat ban." It’s a line that’s sure to be remembered long after the credits roll.
Also read: Stree 2 Twitter Review: Fans praise Rajkummar-Shraddha Sequel, Akshay as Thanos
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