Stree 2 successfully lives up to the hype. The story picks up right after the events of the 2018 horror comedy. The town of Chanderi now relies on Stree for protection, but a new threat, Sarkata, emerges. Sarkata is a sinister figure who targets women who defy traditional gender roles, as brilliantly explained by Jana (Abhishek Banerjee). The town needs Stree to stop Sarkata, and the rest of the movie follows this quest.
Beneath the surface, the film cleverly touches on social issues. It subtly comments on how women who challenge patriarchal norms are often silenced. For instance, a sexist leader in the town discourages women from using mobile phones or pursuing education. Women in the film who have been oppressed are depicted as voiceless, soulless figures. While these themes might go unnoticed by viewers seeking pure entertainment, they add depth to the narrative.
Humor plays a key role in Stree 2, with Niren Bhatt’s writing keeping the pace lively, particularly in the first half. The jokes are constant and well-executed, adding a unique charm to the film.
The performances elevate the humor, with Rajkummar Rao leading the way. His portrayal of Vicky is so convincing that it’s easy to forget his diverse roles in other films. Abhishek Banerjee is another standout, perfectly balancing his menacing role in Vedaa with his naive, bumbling character in Stree 2. Aparshakti Khurana and Pankaj Tripathi also shine, with Pankaj’s deadpan delivery turning even average lines into memorable moments. Shraddha Kapoor, who makes a strong entry before the intermission, is crucial to the plot, though the male leads and Pankaj’s character often steal the spotlight.
The film also features some notable cameos, with Tamannaah Bhatia making a significant impact. The music, especially “Aaj Ki Raat,” adds to the film’s appeal. However, the cameo by Bhediya (Varun Dhawan) feels underwhelming, and a more developed connection to the Stree universe would have been appreciated.
