In an online world where celebrities frequently connect with their admirers, Pankaj Tripathi, the Indian actor celebrated for his expressive charm and everyman persona, recently engaged with his audience through an engaging AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Reddit. Among the numerous questions buzzing with anticipation, one query caught the spotlight – a fan’s eager ask for information about the sequel to the popular film, “Stree.” The actor’s response was as unexpected as it was mirth-inducing.
During the lively Reddit exchange, an astute fan seized the moment to question Tripathi about “Stree 2,” the much-anticipated follow-up to the 2018 smash-hit horror-comedy film. Tripathi’s answer was not a straightforward revelation but a humorous nudge – he shared a GIF from his famed web series “Mirzapur,” which depicted him in the formidable avatar of ‘Kaleen Bhaiya’ with the words ‘Risk Hai’ emblazoned across. He then added the cryptic remark, “Balak, Kyu Darna Chahte ho,” which loosely translates to “Child, why do you want to be afraid?” This clever and cryptic reply brought forth a wave of laughter and further incited the curiosity of fans about the enigmatic update relating to “Stree 2.”
“Stree,” a blend of humor and horror set against the backdrop of the quaint town of Chanderi, is based on a myth of a spectral woman who comes to haunt the town during an annual festival, targeting and abducting men, leaving the townspeople in a state of dread. The narrative revolves around Vicky, a local tailor renowned for his craftsmanship for women’s clothing, and his friends, who become entangled with the spine-chilling phenomenon. Tripathi’s role as Rudra, a quirky librarian well-versed in folklore and occult knowledge, was widely praised. Balancing frights with laughs, the movie not only entertained but subtly critiqued gender stereotypes and societal superstitious tendencies, all the while delivering a much-needed discourse on gender respect and equality.
Pankaj Tripathi has indeed risen as a virtuoso of the Indian film industry, not only due to his talent but also due to his unique charisma and ability to connect with audiences on screen and off. His recent portrayal as Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the biopic “Main Atal Hoon,” which graced the cinemas on January 19, 2024, underscores his versatile acting portfolio. The actor is sitting tight, as are his fans, for the box office results of his latest dramatic endeavor.
Aside from the hopeful sequel to “Stree,” Tripathi’s upcoming projects include the third installment of the gritty web series “Mirzapur” and a role in Anurag Basu’s upcoming film “Metro Inn Dino.” In this feature, he stars alongside Sara Ali Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur, promising yet another showcase of his thespian skills.
While Tripathi’s brief but playful interaction regarding “Stree 2” on the Reddit AMA may have been a tight-lipped tease, it undoubtedly spurred a renewed wave of enthusiasm among his legion of followers. The anticipation for “Stree 2” is palpable given the original film’s successful marriage of satire and suspense, coupled with ample laughs and a thoughtful message.
The original “Stree,” a cinematic concoction of folklore, fear, and fun, starred not only Pankaj Tripathi but also Rajkumar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana, all contributing to the eerie yet enjoyable experience. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film has secured a special place in the annals of the horror-comedy genre in India.
In a world ravenous for entertainment that both tickles and terrifies, the lure of a sequel to “Stree” is undeniable. With the latest hint dropped by Pankaj Tripathi, the enigmatic ‘Stree’ just might be preparing to walk among us again, leaving fans in joyful trepidation of her potential return. As Tripathi’s career continues to flourish and his performances resonate with viewers, the horizon indeed seems bright, not just for him but for an audience eagerly awaiting the return of the ghostly ‘Stree’ and the beloved characters who dared to face her once before.
