In an amusing and heartwarming trend, actor Aparshakti Khurana finds himself frequently asked to sing a lullaby wherever he goes these days. The reason? A hilarious sequence in the blockbuster sequel, Stree 2, which features Khurana’s character, Bittu, serenading his lover with a lullaby. “People keep asking me to sing ‘Soft Chitti, Warm Chitti,’” he laughs. The film, a sequel to the 2018 hit Stree, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, has stormed the box office, gaining both critical and commercial acclaim. Khurana, naturally, couldn’t be more thrilled. “Despite there being no big star in Stree 2, the audience believed it deserved these numbers, their love, and respect. This is the victory of content, our writer Niren Bhatt, director Amar Kaushik, the makers, and the actors. It’s great to be in a space where you get accepted without any star value,” he asserts.
Stree 2 has sparked an interesting online debate about who should be credited for the film’s success. While some believe that Rajkummar Rao’s performance deserves the accolades, others argue that it’s Shraddha Kapoor’s presence that made the film a hit. Khurana, however, offers a balanced perspective. “Sometimes, things begin trending [online] without any reason. For instance, Boycott Bollywood. Why boycott Bollywood? What did Bollywood do? I think it’s everybody’s film,” he declares.
A significant part of Stree 2’s charm lies in the camaraderie depicted between Bittu, Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), and Janaa (Abhishek Banerjee). Their onscreen friendship translates seamlessly into real life, forming an emotional backbone for Khurana, especially as he filmed the movie after the passing of his father, P Khurana. “It was the first film I shot after losing Papa. That was difficult for me because I used to regularly call and tell him about my scripts and my day at shoot,” he shares. The support from his co-actors and friends helped him cope during this challenging period. “Amar, Raj, Abhishek and I are friends before collaborators. Raj and I worked out to devotional songs during Stree 2.”
The end of Stree 2 dropped a tantalizing hint at the next possible adventure in the horror comedy universe—a crossover featuring the worlds of Stree and Vampires of Vijay Nagar. The latter will star Ayushmann Khurrana and has stirred excitement among fans as it promises the first on-screen collaboration of the Khurana brothers.
. Aparshakti is particularly eager about this potential crossover. “For a while, we were looking to pick up a script where we could be together. Let’s see how and when we can be together in this universe,” he remarks with a smile.
Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s return in Stree 2 has undoubtedly reignited the love for the horror-comedy genre within Indian cinema. Unlike many conventional Bollywood sequels, Stree 2 stands out due to its witty dialogue, thrilling screenplay, and impeccable performances by the ensemble cast. Writers like Niren Bhatt and directors like Amar Kaushik are being rightfully lauded for crafting a universe that successfully intertwines humor, horror, and social commentary.
The film’s success is further underscored by the fact that it thrived without the backing of a conventional ‘big star’. Instead, it relied on robust storytelling and strong character portrayals. It’s this organic appreciation from the audiences that makes Khurana particularly proud. “In today’s age, where star power often overshadows content, it’s refreshing to see a film being appreciated purely for its story and acting. It’s a nod to the changing landscape of Indian cinema,” he states.
Aparshakti’s experience shooting for Stree 2 wasn’t merely professional; it was also profoundly personal. Coping with the loss of his father while shooting necessitated immense emotional strength. Yet, the actor found solace in the camaraderie and support of his co-actors. The unique bonding shared among the trio—Bittu, Vicky, and Janaa—transcends the screen, making their performances even more authentic and relatable. Their shared experiences, including working out to devotional songs, added an extra layer of depth to their relationship both on and off-screen.
As the end of Stree 2 hints at a larger universe with ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar,’ fans are eagerly anticipating what comes next. The prospect of seeing Ayushmann and Aparshakti Khurana together adds another layer of excitement. Their collaboration has been a long-awaited event in the industry, and gauging from Aparshakti’s enthusiasm, it’s clear that both brothers are keen on making it a reality soon.
In conclusion, Stree 2 isn’t just a film’s success but a celebration of innovative storytelling and the emergence of content-driven cinema in Bollywood. The potential future collaboration of the Khurana brothers in the horror-comedy universe only elevates the anticipation. As Aparshakti aptly puts it, this is indeed the “victory of content.” The entertainment sphere eagerly waits to see how this dynamic genre and charismatic duo will weave new tales, offering audiences yet another reason to flock to the theaters.
