‘Stree 2’ has not only been a box office sensation but also a hotbed for conspiracy theories, sparking endless discussions among fans and critics alike. The most talked-about theory surrounds Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s cameo, suggesting he might be the villainous Sarkata. Director Amar Kaushik sheds light on this intriguing notion and the unexpected casting choices that have added more spice to the franchise.
Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Stree,’ released in 2018, got instant acclaim and went on to be a massive hit. The phrase ‘Oo Stree Kal Aana’ from the film became a cultural phenomenon widely used in memes, and the film’s tracks like ‘Milegi Milegi’ and ‘Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe’ received significant attention. Director Amar Kaushik, already basking in the success of the second installment, is enthusiastic about what the future holds for the ‘Stree’ universe.
‘Stree 2’ follows the chilling narrative set in the haunted town of Chanderi, where the malevolent spirit known as Sarkata terrorizes the populace. Departing from the previous movie that featured a ghost targeting men, this sequel revolves around a more sinister entity that preys on modern, empowered women. The central characters—Bicky (Rajkummar Rao), Bitu (Aparshakti Khurana), JD (Abhishek Banerjee), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi)—join forces with the enigmatic Stree to safeguard their village from Sarkata’s deadly intentions.
Amar Kaushik, speaking to Mid-day, reveals, “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.” He hints at a well-planned trajectory for the series, ensuring fans are taken on a thrilling adventure in successive installments.
Amid the buzz, one of the most compelling aspects is the special appearance by Akshay Kumar in ‘Stree 2.’ Although details about his character remain vague, his presence in Maddock’s supernatural universe is evident. This cameo has been the talk of the town, leading to a slew of theories, the most popular being that Akshay Kumar’s character is Sarkata. Addressing these speculations, Kaushik says, “No. We had an actor Mukesh [Kumar], we modelled Sarkata on his face.
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Interestingly, the process of casting Akshay Kumar was surprisingly straightforward. Kaushik recounts, “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!” This casual conversation at lunch led to an exciting addition to the ‘Stree’ franchise, promising more crossovers and enriching the narrative framework.
Released on Independence Day, ‘Stree 2’ navigated a challenging competitive landscape at the box office but still emerged triumphant. It faced fierce competition from other major films like ‘Khel Khel Mein’ and ‘Thangalaan.’ Yet, it managed to carve a niche due to its distinctive storytelling and memorable characters.
As fans speculate eagerly about the potential plot twists and character arcs, the ‘Stree’ universe is unmistakably expanding. The director’s confirmation of a third installment is sure to keep audiences on their toes. Fans eagerly await to see how Akshay Kumar’s character will evolve and what other surprises the filmmakers have up their sleeves.
The immense popularity and the barrage of conspiracy theories surrounding ‘Stree 2’ reflect a profound engagement from its audience, hinting at the franchise’s powerful impact. Amar Kaushik and his team have adeptly created a rich, layered narrative that keeps viewers guessing, thereby ensuring the longevity and vitality of this supernatural saga.
As the anticipation builds for ‘Stree 3,’ one thing is clear: the ‘Stree’ universe is here to stay. From its breakout success in 2018 to the record-breaking achievements of its sequel, the franchise continues to push boundaries and captivate hearts. With every new installment, the story grows richer, the characters deepen, and the excitement amplifies, establishing ‘Stree’ as a cornerstone of modern Bollywood horror-comedy.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the mysteries of Chanderi and beyond, with Akshay Kumar’s enigmatic character potentially leading the charge in an ever-expanding universe teeming with secrets, spirits, and suspense.
