The buzz surrounding Amar Kaushik’s directorial venture ‘Stree 2’ has reached fever pitch, with the film making waves at the box office and igniting a plethora of conspiracy theories. Among these, one theory has captivated fans and film enthusiasts alike: the notion that Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who makes a special appearance in the movie, is actually the sinister spirit known as Sarkata.
Akshay Kumar, Amar Kaushik Pic/Instagram
The original ‘Stree,’ starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, made its debut in 2018 and became an instant hit. With its catchy phrase ‘Oo Stree Kal Aana’ and chart-topping tracks like ‘Milegi Milegi’ and ‘Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe,’ the movie not only entertained but also found a place in the cultural zeitgeist. As ‘Stree 2’ picks up in the haunted town of Chanderi, fans eagerly awaited how the narrative would evolve.
In this sequel, the focus shifts to an entity known as Sarkata, who brings terror upon modern, empowered women, unlike the first film’s ghost who preyed on men. The story follows the characters of Bicky (Rajkummar Rao), Bitu (Aparshakti Khurana), JD (Abhishek Banerjee), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi) as they team up with the mysterious Stree to save their village from Sarkata’s malevolent clutches.
Amid the excitement, director Amar Kaushik disclosed intriguing details to Mid-day about the future of the franchise. Though the third part of the series isn’t scripted yet, Kaushik and co-writer Niren Bhatt have already outlined the storyline through well-placed Easter eggs in ‘Stree 2’. “The universe of ‘Stree’ is set now. Because of Easter eggs, we know what our third part will be. It’s not written out, but Niren and I made notes and know the flow,” Kaushik revealed.
A significant highlight of ‘Stree 2’ has been Akshay Kumar’s cameo. His role has fueled speculation and prompted a slew of theories, the most popular of which posits that Kumar is Sarkata. Kaushik, however, swiftly debunked this theory. “No. We had an actor Mukesh [Kumar]; we modelled Sarkata on his face,” he confirmed, putting an end to the speculation while adding a layer of intrigue to Kumar’s actual role.
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Gaining Akshay Kumar’s participation for the cameo appears to have been remarkably straightforward. Kaushik explained, “It was the easiest casting I’ve ever done! I was producing Sky Force, which he stars in. I mentioned the character to him during lunch break one day. He was more than happy to do it. On a Sunday, he came in and shot for us!”
The compelling narrative of ‘Stree 2’, combined with Akshay Kumar’s presence, has not been without its challenges. Released on Independence Day, the film had to contend with stiff competition at the box office, squaring off against other major releases like ‘Khel Khel Mein’ and ‘Thangalaan’. Despite this, ‘Stree 2’ managed to enthrall audiences, bolstered by its suspenseful plot and star-studded cast.
As ‘Stree 2’ garners attention for its record-breaking success, the franchise’s future looks bright. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation for the third installment, encouraged by the strategic hints laid down by Kaushik and Bhatt. The universe of ‘Stree’ continues to mesmerize audiences with its blend of humor, horror, and mystery, promising more thrills in the forthcoming chapters.
In essence, ‘Stree 2’ has not only continued the successful legacy of its predecessor but has also expanded the narrative universe in unforeseen ways. Kaushik’s ability to tie in different storylines and characters, all while maintaining an element of surprise, speaks volumes about his directorial prowess. The decision to include Akshay Kumar in a still-obscure yet pivotal role further adds to the layers of the story, ensuring that fans remain hooked on the unfolding saga.
As Amar Kaushik revels in the triumphs of ‘Stree 2,’ the suspense and speculation surrounding the film reflect its impact on popular culture. With each revelation and new development, the world of ‘Stree’ grows richer and more intricate, setting the stage for even more gripping narratives in the future. For the devotees of the franchise, the excitement is far from over, and ‘Stree 3’ is already becoming one of the most eagerly awaited releases in the sphere of Indian cinema.
