Actor Rajkumar Rao says he will take the sequel to his critically acclaimed horror-comedy “Stree” with the same sincerity and affection that he had for the original.
Also starring Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana and Shraddha Kapoor, the film became one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed films of 2018.
The makers confirmed the sequel last month with director Amar Kaushik returning the lead cast.
“Sri’ is very special to all of us. Amar and I discussed not to push it. We will make it with the same honesty and love as we made the first part. We will maintain the same integrity in both parts,” Rao told PTI at the IIFA Rocks Awards on Friday.
“Stree” is set in Chanderi, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, where an evil spirit named ‘Stree’ kidnaps humans at night during festivals. It is based on the urban legend “Nale Baa” that went viral in Karnataka in the 1990s.
Rao said the follow-up is currently in pre-production and will start shooting soon. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jio Studios, “Stree 2” will release in August 2024.
The actor co-hosted the IIFA Rocks event with filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan last night and was excited about the gig.
“I am hosting IFA Rocks for the first time, with Farah Ma’am, whom I love very much. She is amazing, amazing,” he added.
Khan, known for directing films like ‘Main Hoon Na’ and ‘Om Shanti Om’, praised Rao for his sense of humour.
“Raj has a great sense of humor and we get along well. Our tastes are very different but that’s the fun. I fight for commercial cinema and he waxes on about his kind of films. It’s good to have friends from different walks of life so you get different perspectives. It’s good to have young friends,” said the filmmaker.
The Phenomenon of ‘Stree’
‘Stree,’ directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan, emerged as a surprising hit upon its release. Combining elements of horror and comedy with a socially relevant narrative, the film resonated with audiences and critics alike. It not only performed exceptionally well at the box office but also became a cultural phenomenon, thanks to its unique blend of spine-chilling moments and hilarious satire on societal norms.
Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of Vicky, a small-town tailor embroiled in the mystery of a female spirit haunting the town, was widely praised. The film’s success sparked a wave of demand for a sequel, especially given its cliffhanger ending which left the door open for further exploration of its intriguing universe.
Rajkummar Rao’s Vision for ‘Stree 2’
Speaking on the matter, Rajkummar Rao underscored the importance of maintaining the creative essence that made ‘Stree’ special. “We are committed to making ‘Stree 2,’ but it will not be done under any sort of pressure,” he asserted. Rao highlighted that the team’s primary focus is on delivering a story that is both compelling and true to the spirit of the original film.
Rao elaborated, “The first ‘Stree’ was a labor of love, crafted with genuine passion and creativity. We don’t want to rush into making the sequel just because there is demand. It’s crucial that we take our time to develop a script that lives up to the expectations and brings something new to the table.”
The Importance of Quality Over Quick Sequels
In an industry where the rush to capitalize on a hit often leads to hastily made sequels, Rao’s approach is a breath of fresh air. He believes that the audience deserves a film that not only entertains but also respects their intelligence and emotional investment in the story. “We owe it to our fans to ensure that ‘Stree 2’ is a worthy successor. It has to be crafted with the same level of dedication and creativity as the original,” he added.
Rao’s stance reflects a growing sentiment in Bollywood, where more filmmakers and actors are advocating for the quality and artistic integrity of their projects over commercial pressure. This shift is essential for fostering a more sustainable and creatively fulfilling film industry.
