Pic/Instagram
In a sensational turn of events, Aparshakti Khurana has become the subject of a peculiar trend. Wherever he goes, requests pour in for him to sing a lullaby. As curious as it may sound, the origin of this odd demand is rooted in his recently successful film, Stree 2. The horror-comedy has catapulted Khurana into newfound fame, especially due to a hilariously memorable scene where his character, Bittu, sings a lullaby to his onscreen lover. “People are requesting me to sing ‘Soft Chitti, warm Chitti,’” he chuckles, attributing this whimsical phenomenon solely to the movie’s impact.
Stree 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit Stree, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, has taken the Indian box office by storm. Delivering a mix of chills and laughter, the film has cemented its place as a blockbuster. Aparshakti Khurana beams with pride when discussing the film’s runaway success. “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 explains.
The online discourse surrounding Stree 2’s success has been nothing short of amusing. On social media, fans have passionately debated who should be credited for the film’s triumph. While some steadfastly attribute the movie’s success to Rao, others believe it owes much to Kapoor’s performance. Khurana has a more inclusive take on the matter. “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 observes.
The camaraderie between Bittu, Vicky (played by Rao), and Janaa (portrayed by Abhishek Banerjee) has been a standout element of the Stree franchise. This bond is not merely reserved for the screen; it extends into real life.
. Khurana shares that the support of his co-stars was invaluable, especially during a difficult personal time. He shot Stree 2 shortly after the death 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. Amar, Raj, Abhishek, and I are friends before collaborators. Raj and I worked out to devotional songs during Stree 2,” he fondly recalls.
The conclusion of Stree 2 has set the stage for the next installment in the horror-comedy universe—Vampires of Vijay Nagar. This news has already generated significant buzz among fans, primarily because this film will star Ayushmann Khurrana, Aparshakti’s older brother. The potential for a crossover between Stree and Vampires of Vijay Nagar has fans on the edge of their seats. Such a crossover would mark the first on-screen collaboration between the Khurrana brothers.
Commenting on this exciting possibility, Aparshakti reveals his enthusiasm. “I’m more than looking forward to that. 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 says with a hopeful smile.
As Aparshakti Khurana reflects on his journey with Stree 2, he appreciates the impact of a well-crafted story and strong ensemble. The film’s success, devoid of any mega-star appeal, exemplifies the industry’s evolution and the audience’s shifting expectations. With the potential crossover project with Ayushmann on the horizon, it looks like the next chapter in this universe promises even more thrilling and hilarious adventures.
In conclusion, Stree 2’s success is a testament to the power of compelling content and the collective effort of a dedicated team. Aparshakti Khurana stands as a proud member of this ‘Stree universe,’ and his eagerness to work alongside his brother Ayushmann in the anticipated crossover, Vampires of Vijay Nagar, adds yet another layer of excitement for fans. Both films’ triumphs epitomize a contemporary cinematic landscape where the script’s strength and the ensemble’s synergy matter more than star power, offering audiences an engaging and entertaining experience.
