Stree 2 box office collection: Shraddha Kapoor film beats Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan’s record

Deepak Kumar August 29, 2023

‘Stree 2,’ starring Shraddha Kapoor, has taken the Indian box office by storm, surpassing all expectations and setting a new benchmark for Bollywood films. The much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit ‘Stree’ has not only captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror and comedy but has also managed to break several box office records, including that of Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster ‘Pathaan.’ The film’s phenomenal performance has marked a significant achievement for Shraddha Kapoor, establishing her as a formidable force in the industry and reaffirming the audience’s appetite for innovative storytelling in mainstream cinema. The success story of ‘Stree 2’ cannot be fully understood without revisiting the impact of its predecessor, ‘Stree.’ Released in 2018, ‘Stree’ was a game-changer in the horror-comedy genre. Directed by Amar Kaushik and written by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., the film blended supernatural elements with social commentary, delivering a fresh narrative that resonated deeply with audiences. Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s performances, coupled with an engaging storyline, made ‘Stree’ a surprise hit, grossing over ₹180 crores worldwide. The film’s success was not just a box office triumph but also a cultural phenomenon. It sparked conversations about gender dynamics and social issues, cleverly wrapped in a comedic and thrilling package. Given its success, the announcement of ‘Stree 2’ was met with high expectations, and the film’s creators had the challenging task of living up to its predecessor’s legacy while delivering something new and engaging. ‘Stree 2’ continues the saga of the vengeful spirit but with new twists, heightened stakes, and deeper character arcs. The story picks up where the first film left off, with Shraddha Kapoor reprising her enigmatic role and Rajkummar Rao’s character finding himself embroiled in yet another supernatural crisis. The film’s narrative expands on the lore of the titular ghost, delving into her backstory and motivations, which adds layers to the horror elements while maintaining the comedic undertones that defined the original. Critics and audiences alike have praised ‘Stree 2’ for its sharp writing, engaging performances, and clever balance of scares and laughs. Shraddha Kapoor’s portrayal of the mysterious woman with supernatural powers has been lauded as one of her best performances to date, showcasing her growth as an actress capable of handling complex and unconventional roles. The film’s direction, pacing, and visual effects have also been noted as significant improvements from the first installment, making ‘Stree 2’ a well-rounded cinematic experience. Upon its release, ‘Stree 2’ opened to packed theaters across India and abroad, with advance bookings indicating the immense hype surrounding the film. The first weekend itself saw record-breaking collections, with the film earning approximately ₹90 crores in India, surpassing the opening weekend of ‘Pathaan,’ which had set a high bar earlier in the year. As the days progressed, ‘Stree 2’ maintained its momentum, with audiences thronging cinemas due to strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews. The film’s box office performance was further boosted by its appeal to a broad demographic, including families, youngsters, and horror enthusiasts. Unlike many sequels that fail to capture the magic of the original, ‘Stree 2’ managed to strike the right chord, proving that the franchise’s unique formula of horror-comedy still resonated deeply.

‘Pathaan,’ starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, was one of the biggest hits of 2024, smashing box office records and re-establishing Shah Rukh Khan as the King of Bollywood. The film’s action-packed narrative, star-studded cast, and high production values attracted massive crowds, leading to a worldwide collection of over ₹1,000 crores. For ‘Stree 2’ to surpass the records set by ‘Pathaan’ was no small feat. The film’s total collection, which crossed ₹1,100 crores globally, marked a new high for a horror-comedy, a genre that typically does not see such massive numbers. Key factors contributing to this milestone include: Innovative Storytelling: The filmmakers took a bold approach, expanding the universe of ‘Stree’ while maintaining the core elements that made the original a success. This blend of innovation and nostalgia attracted both fans of the first film and new viewers. Star Power of Shraddha Kapoor: Over the years, Shraddha Kapoor has grown into one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. Her involvement in the project, combined with her compelling performance, was a significant draw for audiences. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from romance and drama to horror-comedy, has solidified her position as a versatile and dependable actor. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: ‘Stree 2’ benefitted immensely from positive word-of-mouth. Social media buzz, coupled with glowing reviews from critics, created a domino effect that kept audiences flocking to theaters weeks after the release. The film’s witty dialogues, memorable performances, and unexpected plot twists became talking points, further fueling its success. Strategic Release Timing: The release of ‘Stree 2’ was strategically planned to coincide with a festive period, maximizing footfalls in theaters. This period often sees families and groups heading to cinemas, making it an ideal time for big releases. The timing allowed ‘Stree 2’ to dominate the box office without significant competition, enabling it to sustain high earnings. Global Appeal: Beyond India, ‘Stree 2’ saw impressive collections in international markets, including the Middle East, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The film’s universal themes, combined with the growing popularity of Indian cinema worldwide, contributed to its outstanding global performance. The industry’s reaction to ‘Stree 2’s success has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film for pushing the boundaries of genre filmmaking in Bollywood. Industry experts have noted that ‘Stree 2’ sets a precedent for other filmmakers to explore unconventional genres and stories without fearing commercial viability. Audiences, too, have expressed their joy at seeing a film that breaks the monotony of typical Bollywood narratives. Social media platforms have been flooded with memes, fan theories, and discussions about the film’s plot twists and hidden messages. The character of Stree, played by Shraddha Kapoor, has become an iconic figure, symbolizing the fusion of fear and empowerment that defines the series.