The film “Stree 2” has left audiences mesmerized with its blend of horror and comedy, but it’s an iconic scene featuring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor that has caught everyone’s attention. Shot in the historic town of Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, this particular scene stands out because of the imposing Kati Ghati gateway in the backdrop. This 10-meter tall and 25-meter wide gateway, carved directly out of a rock hillside, has an intriguing and tragic history.
Chanderi has served as the primary filming location for Amar Kaushik’s acclaimed “Stree” franchise. The sequel, “Stree 2,” was eagerly awaited and recently hit the big screens. The story resonates with the audience even more as it intricately weaves the real-world historical significance and folklore associated with its scenic locations. One of the standout moments of the film is when Shraddha Kapoor’s character bids farewell to that of Rajkummar Rao’s in front of Kati Ghati.
Situated in Ashoknagar district, Kati Ghati is not just another architectural marvel; it is a monument enveloped in layers of legends and historical anecdotes. According to records mentioned on swatijain.com, the inscriptions in Devnagari and Nashq scripts on the gate attribute its construction to Jiman Khan, the son of Sher Khan, who was the governor of Chanderi at the time, dated back to 1480 CE.
The origin story of Kati Ghati is deeply engrossing. It is said that Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khilji of Malwa announced a sudden visit to Chanderi, thus necessitating the urgent construction of the gate for his reception. Jiman Khan, responsible for this grand task, promised a generous reward to anyone who could complete the gate overnight. From approximately 100 masons, only one courageous mason accepted this daunting challenge and remarkably completed it by morning.
The account becomes sorrowful at this juncture. Despite the mason’s Herculean effort, Jiman Khan decided not to honor his promise. He argued that since the gate lacked a door, it had structural shortcomings that could jeopardize the Sultan’s safety. Heartbroken by the unfair treatment and the absence of appreciation for his remarkable work, the mason tragically took his own life.
. His sacrifice is memorialized by a grave situated beside the gateway, a somber testament to his unrecognized contribution and a tale far removed from jubilation.
Visitors to Chanderi today often stop by Kati Ghati, drawn both by its architectural grandeur and its poignant backstory. While the narrative involving the mason is the most widely known, an alternate version exists. Some sources claim that the gateway’s inception was due to Babur’s army, which faced obstruction by the hill when trying to enter Chanderi. Babur then ordered the hill to be cut through, leading to the creation of Kati Ghati. However, this variant is less frequently recounted.
Shifting focus back to the film “Stree 2,” directed by Amar Kaushik, it has garnered significant box-office success. The film raked in an impressive Rs 55.40 crore in India on its opening day. Released on Independence Day, it faced stiff competition from high-profile releases including Akshay Kumar’s ‘Khel Khel Mein’, John Abraham’s ‘Vedaa’, and Vikram’s ‘Thangalaan’.
The appeal of “Stree 2” lies not just in its fictional narrative, but also in its celebration of real-world locations such as Kati Ghati. The juxtaposition of eerie folklore with tangible historical sites has struck a chord with audiences, lending an air of authenticity to the cinematic experience. Chanderi, with its timeless allure, serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes an integral character in the narrative of the Stree franchise.
The intricate stonework and cultural lore surrounding Kati Ghati provide a layered context that adds depth to the cinematic portrayal. As the gateway stands silently, it narrates its own tales of valiant efforts, unfulfilled promises, and timeless endurance. The story of the mason, although tragic, imbues the film with a poignant sense of real-world history and human emotion.
Indeed, whether you’re a cinephile drawn by “Stree 2” or a history enthusiast captivated by the legends of Chanderi, Kati Ghati offers an experience that bridges the past and present. This melding of cinema and history ensures that the legacy of this ancient gateway will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.
