In recent days, wherever Aparshakti Khurana goes, the actor is greeted with an unusual request: to sing a lullaby. Curious, isn’t it? Well, it’s all thanks to his memorable performance in “Stree 2,” the sequel to the hit horror-comedy “Stree,” where he sings a humorous lullaby, “Soft Chitti, Warm Chitti.” “People are requesting me to sing Soft Chitti, Warm Chitti,” Khurana chuckles. This quirky scene has resonated with audiences, and it’s just one of the many reasons why “Stree 2” has become a box-office sensation. Khurana is elated about the film’s success. “Despite there being no big star in ‘Stree 2,’ the audience believed it deserved these numbers, their love, and respect. This is the victory of content, our writer Niren Bhatt, director Amar Kaushik, the makers, and the actors. It’s great to be in a space where you get accepted without any star value,” he expresses.
“Stree 2,” starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, has captivated audiences and sparked considerable chatter on social media about who should be credited for the film’s resounding success. While one section of the audience attributes it to Rao’s performance, another believes Kapoor deserves the accolades. Khurana, known for his balanced perspectives, chimed in, “Sometimes, things begin trending [online] without any reason. For instance, Boycott Bollywood. Why boycott Bollywood? What did Bollywood do? I think it’s everybody’s film.”
One of the endearing highlights of the “Stree” franchise has been the camaraderie between Khurana’s character Bittu, Rao’s Vicky, and Abhishek Banerjee’s Janaa. Interestingly, this bond extends beyond the screen. Khurana disclosed how the friendship with his co-stars made filming “Stree 2” emotionally supportive, especially after the passing of his father, P Khurana. “It was the first film I shot after losing Papa. That was difficult for me because I used to regularly call and tell him about my scripts and my day at shoot. Amar, Raj, Abhishek, and I are friends before collaborators. Raj and I worked out to devotional songs during ‘Stree 2,’” he fondly recalls.
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The film not only provided an emotional sanctuary for Khurana but also hinted at an exciting future. The conclusion of “Stree 2″ teased the next entry in this horror-comedy universe—”Vampires of Vijay Nagar,” starring Ayushmann Khurana, Aparshakti’s brother. The prospect of a crossover between the world of “Stree” and the forthcoming film is high, possibly marking the first on-screen collaboration of the Khurana brothers. “I’m more than looking forward to that. For a while, we were looking to pick up a script where we could be together. Let’s see how and when we can be together in this universe,” Aparshakti smiles with anticipation.
While “Stree 2” continues to rake in accolades, Khurana remains pragmatic about success in the film industry. He recognizes that the lifeline of a movie is contingent not just on acting prowess but also on storytelling and direction. “This is the victory of content,” he reiterates, applauding the collective effort behind the film’s success. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many as stories with fresh perspectives and dynamic narratives continue to outperform films that rely solely on star power.
Furthermore, the engaging debates about “Stree 2” underscore that cinema, at its best, is a team effort. When questioned about his own standing in the midst of such discussions, he offered a magnanimous view that acknowledges the contributions of all involved. “I think it’s everybody’s film,” he reflects, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the community-centric atmosphere on the set, which he vividly described.
In summarizing the potential collaboration in “Vampires of Vijay Nagar,” Khurana’s enthusiasm is palpable. The brothers have long sought a project where their talents could intersect, and the “Stree” universe, with its unique blend of humor and horror, might just offer the perfect opportunity. “For a while, we were looking to pick up a script where we could be together,” he shares. Given the success and affection that “Stree 2” has garnered, there’s substantial interest from fans and industry insiders alike to see how the Khurana brothers will blend their talents on the big screen.
As “Stree 2” inches towards becoming a cultural milestone, Aparshakti Khurana’s reflections on content triumphing over star power, the unity among the cast, and the prospects of future collaborations offer important insights into the evolving nature of Bollywood. From singing a quirky lullaby to engaging in meaningful cinema, Khurana’s journey is a testament to dedication and the magic of good storytelling.
