From the bustling town of Chanderi comes another spine-chilling tale in the sequel to the hit horror-comedy, “Stree.” Released on August 15, “Stree 2” continues to captivate audiences and dominate the box office. This film, featuring the impressive duo of Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, rekindles the eerie atmosphere of its 2018 predecessor with a new, ominous villain—Sarkata, the headless man.
The film weaves its narrative right where it left off, inviting viewers back to Chanderi, a town now grappling with a new supernatural terror in the form of Sarkata. This menacing character, distinguished by his towering frame and superhuman prowess, preys on modern women, casting a long, dark shadow over the town.
The portrayal of Sarkata has left audiences both horrified and intrigued. The role demanded an actor of extraordinary height, a requirement admirably fulfilled by Sunil Kumar, who stands at an astounding 7 feet 7 inches. Hailing from Jammu, Sunil Kumar has earned the moniker “The Great Khali of Jammu,” surpassing even the notable Indian WWE wrestler of the same nickname in stature.
Kumar’s real-life persona is as captivating as his onscreen presence. Beyond his acting role, he serves as a constable in the Jammu and Kashmir Police and is an avid sportsman, engaging in wrestling, handball, and volleyball. His impressive physique and athletic abilities earned him a job under the sports quota. In 2019, he even had a stint at a WWE Tryout, showcasing his diverse talents.
The journey to casting such a unique character as Sarkata was no easy feat. Director Amar Kaushik revealed during an interview with Bollywood Hungama the meticulous search that led to Sunil Kumar. “The casting team found him. We wanted a man with such height, and he fit the bill. We used his body shots while the face of Sarkata was CGI-generated,” Kaushik explained. This blend of practical effects and computer-generated imagery brought Sarkata to life on the silver screen, making him an unforgettable villain.
Since its release, “Stree 2” has not only been a fan favorite but also a box office sensation. The film, which faced competition from other releases like “Khel Khel Mein” and “Vedaa,” has emerged as the top choice for audiences. Its success is evident in the numbers, having hit a double century at the box office with a collection of over Rs 200 crore in just four days.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh described the film’s performance as nothing short of phenomenal. “Call it a STORM or a TSUNAMI or a TYPHOON… #Stree2 records a SENSATIONAL extended weekend..
.. The two major #Hindi films that released alongside it [#KhelKhelMein, #Vedaa] were severely impacted by the #Stree2 wave. #Stree2 has hit a DOUBLE CENTURY [Rs 200 cr NBOC] in just 4 days, a feat accomplished by only a select few #Hindi biggies in the past… A HISTORIC feat for a mid-sized film. #Stree2 hit the ball out of the stadium on Day 4 [Sun], creating HAVOC by surpassing its Day 1 [Thu] numbers [#IndependenceDay]… It only goes to prove once again that a well-made desi entertainer will always be embraced by the audiences. Expect another big, fat total today [#RakshaBandhan partial holiday]. [Week 1] Wed previews 9.40 cr, Thu 55.40 cr, Fri 35.30 cr, Sat 45.70 cr, Sun 58.20 cr. Total: Rs 204 cr. #India biz. #Boxoffice,” Taran wrote on X.
“Stree 2,” directed by Amar Kaushik, not only retains the core elements that made “Stree” a hit but also introduces new layers of suspense and horror. Additionally, the film features a special cameo by actor Varun Dhawan, adding to its star-studded appeal.
As audiences flock to theaters, “Stree 2” stands as a testament to the success of well-crafted Indian cinema, merging elements of horror and comedy while employing advanced CGI to bring mythical monsters to life. With the captivating performances of Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and the imposing figure of Sunil Kumar as Sarkata, “Stree 2” continues to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of filmgoers.
In conclusion, the success of “Stree 2” at the box office and its gripping storyline ensures it will be remembered as a landmark in the genre of horror-comedy. Its blend of traditional folklore with contemporary cinematic techniques, coupled with the unique casting of Sunil Kumar, has garnered widespread acclaim. As the saga of Chanderi unfolds, one can’t help but be haunted by the presence of Sarkata, brought to life by the extraordinary talents and stature of Sunil Kumar.
