Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank, directed by Amar Kaushik and written by Niren Bhatt, is a 2024 Hindi-language comedy horror film that continues the intriguing saga of its predecessor, Stree (2018). This film is the fifth installment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe and features a notable ensemble cast including Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana.
Plot Summary
Stree 2 opens with a haunting callback to the end of the first film, where Stree is seen contemplating her return to Chanderi. However, her decision to leave sets the stage for a new threat: Sarkata, a headless ghost who abducts women into a nightmarish alternate dimension. The residents of Chanderi, oblivious to the true nature of the menace, mistakenly believe the women have left town for better opportunities.
Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), still pining for "She" (Shraddha Kapoor), who is later revealed to be Stree's daughter, finds himself embroiled in the unfolding terror. Alongside his friends Bittu (Aparshakti Khurana) and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi), Vicky uncovers the origin of Sarkata, a vengeful spirit seeking to destroy progressive women. The quest to stop Sarkata leads them to seek help from Jana (Abhishek Banerjee), who was once possessed by Stree.
The film takes viewers through a series of thrilling confrontations, magical interventions, and humorous moments as the characters battle Sarkata and unravel the ghost’s dark past. The climactic battle features an unexpected twist involving She and Vicky merging to become a unique being capable of defeating Sarkata.
Performance and Direction
Rajkummar Rao delivers a commendable performance as Vicky, balancing humor and emotion with ease. His chemistry with Shraddha Kapoor is palpable, and Kapoor's portrayal of She adds depth to the supernatural element of the film. Pankaj Tripathi once again shines as Rudra, bringing his signature charm to the role. Abhishek Banerjee’s portrayal of Jana, with a touch of humor and vulnerability, is a standout.
Amar Kaushik’s direction manages to blend horror and comedy effectively, maintaining the charm of the original while introducing new elements. The visual effects and the haunting score by Sachin–Jigar and Justin Varghese enhance the film’s atmosphere, although some critics felt that the visual effects for Sarkata fell short in terms of creating a genuinely menacing antagonist.
Music and Cinematography
The soundtrack, composed by Sachin–Jigar, is vibrant and complements the film's tone well. Tracks like "Aaj Ki Raat" and "Khoobsurat" are catchy and add to the film’s engaging nature. Cinematographer Jishnu Bhattacharjee captures the eerie settings of Chanderi and Bihar with skill, contributing to the film’s visual appeal.
Reception and Box Office
Stree 2 premiered to positive reviews, with critics praising its humor, performances, and entertaining blend of horror elements. It grossed over ₹456 crore globally, marking it as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. However, some reviewers noted that the film's plot could feel repetitive and its scares occasionally lacked the punch of the original.
Conclusion
Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank is a successful sequel that builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor. It offers a mix of humor, horror, and supernatural thrills, anchored by strong performances and a clever script. While it may have some flaws in pacing and visual effects, the film's overall charm and engaging narrative make it a worthy watch for fans of the genre and those invested in the Maddock Supernatural Universe.