Terming Stree 2’s success as the victory of content, Aparshakti Khurana is riding high on the wave created by the horror-comedy sequel. The film, which features Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor as the leads, has become a box office sensation, garnering widespread acclaim and love from audiences. Despite not having a big star-driven presence, the movie managed to win over both critics and the audience, a fact that fills Khurana with pride. “Despite there being no major names 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,” Khurana articulates.
Khurana, who portrays the character Bittu, has been receiving amusing requests from fans to sing a lullaby from the movie. “People are requesting me to sing ‘Soft Chitti, Warm Chitti,’” he laughs, referencing a memorable scene from the film. His playful demeanor reflects the overall comedic undertone that has made Stree 2 a hit among viewers.
As discussions unfold about the true pillars of Stree 2’s success, some fans lean towards attributing it to Rajkummar Rao’s performance, while others feel that Shraddha Kapoor’s role was crucial. Khurana distances himself from the debate, emphasizing that the movie owes its success to collective efforts. “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,” he comments, underlining the idea that the film industry’s victories are communal.
An often underappreciated aspect of the Stree franchise has been the on-screen camaraderie between Khurana’s character Bittu and his co-stars Rao (Vicky) and Abhishek Banerjee (Janaa). This off-screen friendship lent invaluable support to Khurana during a particularly challenging phase in his personal life. “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,” says Khurana, highlighting the unity that kept his spirits high.
The end of Stree 2 sparked excitement with a teaser for a new installment titled Vampires of Vijay Nagar, starring none other than Khurana’s brother, Ayushmann Khurrana. This potential crossover could mark the first on-screen collaboration of the real-life siblings, a prospect that Aparshakti finds thrilling. “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,” he says with a smile, lighting up at the thought of working with his brother.
The anticipation around a Stree-Vampires of Vijay Nagar crossover is palpable among fans and industry insiders alike. It promises not just a blend of horror and comedy but also the unique chemistry that the Khurana brothers bring to the table. The filmmakers have a golden opportunity to intertwine two beloved cinematic worlds, creating a narrative rich in both laughs and scares.
Meanwhile, the success of Stree 2 has reaffirmed the notion that solid storytelling transcends star power in the Indian film industry. It’s a revelation for many actors and filmmakers who aim to create meaningful cinema without relying on star-studded casts. Khurana’s pride in this achievement is well-placed, as it symbolizes a shift towards valuing content over mere celebrity.
This journey, punctuated with personal loss and professional triumphs, has been a transformative period for Aparshakti Khurana. Finding strength in his friendships and reveling in the craft of storytelling, he continues to build a path of his own in an industry brimming with expectations. The possible collaboration with Ayushmann Khurrana is among the many exciting prospects that lie ahead, promising fans an entertaining and heartwarming cinematic experience.
In the end, the tale of Stree 2 is not just one of commercial success but a testament to the power of content, camaraderie, and creativity in the world of film. As Aparshakti Khurana basks in the glow of this achievement, the future looks bright with promises of more enthralling stories and the delightful chance to work alongside his brother in a universe cherished by many.
