The Indian film industry is abuzz with news of forthcoming sequels as director Amar Kaushik wraps up the post-production of ‘Stree 2’, setting sights on another horror comedy that has captured the audience’s imagination. According to insider sources, after the completion and delivery of ‘Stree 2’ to the studios by March, Kaushik is set to dive into the development of ‘Bhediya 2’. In this next installment, Varun Dhawan is all set to return as the enigmatic shape-shifting werewolf that won hearts in the first film.
The 2018 hit ‘Stree’, which combined elements of horror and comedy in a way that resonated with audiences, saw considerable success with Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles. Its sequel ‘Stree 2’ has garnered much anticipation, and as it gears up for delivery, the focus shifts towards expanding the horror comedy universe conceived by producer Dinesh Vijan. It is this narrative universe that brings ‘Bhediya’ and its impending sequel under the spotlight.
The original writer behind ‘Bhediya’, Niren Bhatt has started penning down ‘Bhediya 2’, backed by the keen storytelling strengths of both him and Kaushik. Sources close to the production convey, “‘Bhediya’ was not a one-off story; it was designed from the ground up to be developed into a franchise. Amar Kaushik and Niren Bhatt have envisioned a larger narrative, and their next step involves finalizing the script for the awaited sequel. Their plan is to have a solid draft ready by mid-2024.” If all goes as projected, ‘Bhediya 2’ will be set to commence production later the same year.
The success of the original ‘Bhediya’ hinged upon the captivating special effects and the unique storyline that blended folklore with modern-day sensibilities. Fans were treated to an unexpected take on the werewolf legend, set against the lush backdrop of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Varun Dhawan’s portrayal of the protagonist grappling with his newfound lycanthropic abilities added layers of depth to this supernatural adventure. His commitment to the role was evident in his performance and is a promising sign for the sequel.
Nevertheless, the Mumbai film industry, often known by its moniker Bollywood, is renowned for its hectic schedules and packed calendars. Varun Dhawan, who has been winning over audiences film after film, is not without other commitments. After Kaushik completes his current project, Dhawan will be in the middle of shooting for Atlee’s new venture. Following that, he has an additional three projects lined up. Only after the wrap-up of these engagements will he then be able to return his focus to his role in ‘Bhediya 2’.
While details around ‘Bhediya 2’ remain closely guarded, anticipation is growing. The original film received praise for its innovation within the genre, and with the audience’s appetite for cinematic thrills and laughs unabated, the sequel is expected to raise the stakes.
The journey of bringing these supernatural tales to the screen is a testament to the Indian film industry’s increasing embrace of genre blending and universe building. ‘Stree’ kickstarted the trend, ‘Bhediya’ built upon it, and now with ‘Bhediya 2’, Amar Kaushik, Niren Bhatt, and Dinesh Vijan are looking to etch their mark even deeper in this niche, yet increasingly popular territory. The promise of more laughter, scares, and the undeniable charm of Varun Dhawan is a recipe that looks set to captivate audiences once again. As ‘Stree 2’ approaches its release and ‘Bhediya 2’ its inception, the lure of the horror-comedy genre shows no signs of dimming, much to the delight of fans everywhere.
