The supernatural thriller ‘Stree 2’ has not only shattered box office records but has also ignited a whirlwind of conspiracy theories among fans. The most compelling theory? Many believe that Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar plays the malevolent entity, Sarkata. But what does director Amar Kaushik have to say about this intriguing speculation?
The director, riding high on the success of ‘Stree 2,’ clarifies, “No, Akshay is not Sarkata. We had an actor named Mukesh [Kumar]; we modeled Sarkata on his face.” This revelation might come as a surprise to fans who were convinced that the film’s prodigious narrative twists point to Akshay Kumar’s character being the notorious spirit.
‘Stree 2,’ a film that revisits the haunted town of Chanderi, has captivated audiences from the moment its plot thickened around the presence of a vengeful spirit named Sarkata. Differing from its predecessor, which depicted a ghost preying on men, this sequel introduces an entity that targets modern, empowered women. Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao headline the movie once again, carrying forward the legacy of the first part, which hit theaters in 2018.
The original film, known for its memorable line ‘Oo Stree Kal Aana’ and its catchy tracks like ‘Milegi Milegi’ and ‘Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe,’ became a cultural phenomenon, featuring in numerous memes and social media conversations. Naturally, the expectations for its sequel were sky-high.
‘Stree 2’ does not disappoint. The storyline revolves around the familiar characters Bicky (Rajkummar Rao), Bitu (Aparshakti Khurana), JD (Abhishek Banerjee), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi) as they join forces with the enigmatic Stree to protect their village from Sarkata. The narrative keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, blending horror and comedy in a unique concoction that only a skilled filmmaker like Kaushik can deliver.
One aspect that has garnered particular attention is Akshay Kumar’s special cameo in the film. Though his role is still shrouded in mystery, the intrigue surrounding his character’s involvement in Maddock’s supernatural universe suggests that Kumar may have an enduring presence in the franchise’s future installments.
“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 [Bhatt] and I made notes and know the flow,” Kaushik tells Mid-day. The film is infused with subtle hints and clues about future storylines, keeping fans engaged and discussing possible outcomes.
The speculation about Kumar being Sarkata likely originated due to his star power and the meticulous plotting of Kaushik’s cinematic universe. However, Kaushik puts these theories to rest by explaining the casting 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 a lunch break one day. He was more than happy to do it. On a Sunday, he came in and shot for us!”
Kumar’s effortless integration into the project speaks volumes about the camaraderie and mutual respect within Bollywood’s film fraternity. Yet, despite the ease of his inclusion, the decision to feature Kumar has added layers of depth and curiosity to the film, ensuring that conversations about ‘Stree 2’ extend beyond the theaters.
The film’s release on Independence Day put it in direct competition with other major releases like ‘Khel Khel Mein’ and ‘Thangalaan.’ Despite this intense box office clash, ‘Stree 2’ has managed to carve a significant niche, bolstered by its gripping storyline and star-studded cast.
Looking forward, the question remains: What does the future hold for the ‘Stree’ franchise? Kaushik remains tight-lipped but teases that there are plenty of surprises still in store. The deliberate planting of plot points and character arcs make it clear that the filmmakers have a long-term vision for this supernatural series.
In conclusion, while the question of whether Akshay Kumar is Sarkata has been laid to rest by Amar Kaushik, the excitement and theories surrounding ‘Stree 2’ are far from over. The film serves as a testament to the creativity and innovation that is possible within the realms of Bollywood’s horror-comedy genre. With its successful formula of compelling storytelling and powerful performances, ‘Stree 2’ has set the stage for an eagerly anticipated third installment.
