Bollywood is abuzz with the latest sensation as ‘Stree 2’, directed by Amar Kaushik, breaks box office records and secures its place as one of the most successful sequels in recent memory. With its gripping plot and memorable characters, this film has also sparked a wave of speculation, with numerous theories circulating about Akshay Kumar’s cameo, raising the most intriguing question: Is Akshay Kumar actually Sarkata, the malevolent entity haunting Chanderi? Director Amar Kaushik addresses these theories and sheds light on the development of the supernatural franchise.
In a conversation with Mid-day, Kaushik expressed his delight over the film’s success and shared his excitement for what’s next in the ‘Stree’ universe. The original ‘Stree,’ released in 2018, starred Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its iconic phrase, “Oo Stree Kal Aana,” has permeated social media, becoming a staple in memes and online humor. The film’s soundtrack also found a dedicated fanbase with hits like “Milegi Milegi” and “Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe.”
‘Stree 2’ continues the eerie and thrilling narrative, returning audiences to the haunted town of Chanderi. This time, the plot thickens with the emergence of Sarkata, an evil spirit launching a relentless assault on the village. Unlike the ghostly menace in ‘Stree’ that targeted men, Sarkata is a dark force preying on modern, empowered women, shifting the narrative to a more sinister tone. The film follows the protagonists Bicky (Rajkummar Rao), Bitu (Aparshakti Khurana), JD (Abhishek Banerjee), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi) as they band together with the enigmatic Stree to protect Chanderi from Sartaka’s dangerous pursuit.
Amar Kaushik disclosed that the team has already laid the groundwork for a third installment through subtle hints embedded in ‘Stree 2’. “The universe of ‘Stree’ is set now. Because of Easter eggs, we know what our third part will be. It’s not written out, but Niren and I made notes and know the flow,” Kaushik shared, suggesting an exciting continuation of the story that fans eagerly anticipate.
One of the standout moments in ‘Stree 2’ is undoubtedly the special appearance by Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar. While details of his role remain shrouded in mystery, Kaushik hints at the longevity of Kumar’s character within Maddock’s supernatural universe.
. This revelation has given rise to several conspiracy theories, the most compelling of which suggests that Akshay Kumar’s character is none other than Sarkata himself. Fans have been quick to draw connections and postulate on social media, though Kaushik is quick to dispel these claims.
Addressing these speculations directly, Kaushik asserted, “No. We had an actor Mukesh [Kumar]; we modeled Sarkata on his face,” dismissing the notion that Akshay Kumar assumes the role of the dreaded antagonist. This clarification, however, only adds a layer of mystery to Kumar’s character, fueling even more theories and fan speculation about his role in the future of the franchise.
Landing Akshay Kumar for the cameo was a stroke of casting genius, and surprisingly, Kaushik shares that it was a straightforward process. “It was the easiest casting I’ve ever done! I was producing ‘Sky Force,’ which he stars in. I mentioned the character to him during lunch break one day. He was more than happy to do it. On a Sunday, he came in and shot for us!” Kaushik described, indicating Kumar’s eagerness and professionalism in joining the project.
‘Stree 2’, released in theaters on Independence Day, faced stiff competition at the box office, primarily from films like ‘Khel Khel Mein’ and ‘Thangalaan’. Despite this, it managed to captivate audiences and secure impressive ticket sales, solidifying its place as a major hit.
By the end of its run, ‘Stree 2’ not only delighted its audience with its chilling storyline and captivating performances but also maintained significant cultural traction, much like its predecessor. As the anticipation builds for the third movie in the series, fans can expect a continuity of mystery, horror, and the unique blend of humor that ‘Stree’ has become known for. With Easter eggs and cliffhangers strategically placed, Amar Kaushik’s vision for the ‘Stree’ franchise promises to offer even more twists and intrigue in the chapters to come.
For now, audiences will have to keep speculating and watching closely, decoding every clue ‘Stree 2’ has left behind, all while eagerly awaiting Akshay Kumar’s mysterious character’s next move.