Meet Sunil Kumar, the towering figure behind the role of the demonic character Sarkata in the Bollywood hit ‘Stree 2.’ Sunil Kumar brings to life the fearsome headless villain who haunts the town of Chanderi, causing a stir among the townsfolk with his supernatural abilities. Standing at an extraordinary height of 7 feet 7 inches, Kumar is not just your average character actor; he adds a towering presence to the horrors of Chanderi. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, has enjoyed an impressive run since its release, captivating audiences and dominating the box office with its unique blend of horror and comedy.
### The Man Behind the Monster
Kumar, a native of Jammu, has earned quite the reputation, often referred to as ‘The Great Khali of Jammu.’ This name draws a parallel to the renowned Indian WWE wrestler known for his colossal build and intimidating ring presence. Kumar’s towering stature has not only earned him recognition but also significantly boosted his career in the entertainment industry. Apart from his acting stint, Sunil Kumar serves as a constable in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. His role in ‘Stree 2’ showcases his versatility, seamlessly blending his policing duties with acting and other athletic pursuits.
### A Hunt for the Tallest Actor
In a recent interview, the director of ‘Stree 2,’ Amar Kaushik, shared insights into how Sunil Kumar was cast as the villainous Sarkata. Kaushik recounted the meticulous search undertaken by the casting team to find an actor whose physical attributes matched the menacing aura required for the role. “The casting team found him,” Kaushik revealed. “We wanted a man with such height, and he fit the bill. We used his body shots while the face of Sarkata was CGI-generated.” This combination of real-life physical intimidation and computer-generated enhancements brought to life a terrifyingly realistic character that exceeded audiences’ expectations.
### Sports and Beyond
Kumar’s entry into the film industry was no stroke of luck; it is rooted in his diverse athletic background. He secured a job in the police force under the sports quota, being active in handball and volleyball. His athletic prowess doesn’t end there; he also indulges in wrestling and participated in the WWE Tryout in 2019. It seems that Kumar is no stranger to the limelight and physical challenges, making him a perfect fit for the physically demanding role of Sarkata.
### Box Office Success of ‘Stree 2’
The film ‘Stree 2,’ directed by Amar Kaushik, has been a blockbuster since its release on August 15. It faced tough competition from other big titles such as ‘Khel Khel Mein’ and ‘Vedaa,’ yet emerged victorious, claiming the top spot among moviegoers. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh described the film’s performance as a “storm” or “tsunami,” emphasizing the massive impact it had on its competition. “Call it a STORM or a TSUNAMI or a TYPHOON.
… #Stree2 records a SENSATIONAL extended weekend… The two major #Hindi films that released alongside it [#KhelKhelMein, #Vedaa] were severely impacted by the #Stree2 wave,” Adarsh noted.
### Staggering Numbers
The film hit a major milestone by earning Rs 200 crore (NBOC) within just four days—a remarkable feat for a mid-sized film. Adarsh elaborated on the significance of this achievement, adding, “#Stree2 has hit a DOUBLE CENTURY [Rs 200 cr NBOC] in just 4 days, a feat accomplished by only a select few #Hindi biggies in the past… A HISTORIC feat for a mid-sized film. #Stree2 hit the ball out of the stadium on Day 4 [Sun], creating HAVOC by surpassing its Day 1 [Thu] numbers [#IndependenceDay]… It only goes to prove once again that a well-made desi entertainer will always be embraced by the audiences.” The partial holiday of Raksha Bandhan further contributed to the film’s extraordinary box office performance.
### Special Cameos and Continuation of a Hit
Adding to the allure of ‘Stree 2’ is a special cameo by actor Varun Dhawan, which only heightened audience expectations and excitement. The original ‘Stree’ released in 2018, was also a crowd favorite, combining a gripping storyline with stellar performances. Directed by Amar Kaushik, only time will reveal the extent to which ‘Stree 2’ will continue its triumphant run. Already, its strong opening and sustained popularity suggest that it will mark another significant chapter in Bollywood’s ever-evolving narrative landscape.
### Future Prospects
As ‘Stree 2’ continues its successful run, audiences eagerly await what Kaushik and his talented team will bring next. With actors like Sunil Kumar breaking barriers and redefining roles, the film industry is witnessing a fresh wave of talent and storytelling. The future indeed looks promising, both for the country’s cinematic landscape and for actors like Kumar, who bring unique attributes and exceptional talents to the big screen.
