‘Stree 2’ box office collection week 3: Shraddha Kapoor-Rajkummar Rao’s film tops Gadar 2’s lifetime biz, eyes bumper third weekend

Deepak Kumar August 29, 2023

Stree 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy Stree, has continued to dominate the box office well into its third week, outshining even the lifetime earnings of major blockbusters like Gadar 2. Starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, the film has captured the audience’s imagination with its unique blend of humor, horror, and social commentary. Directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Stree 2 has not only cemented its place as a major commercial success but has also reaffirmed the viability of the horror-comedy genre in Bollywood. This article delves into the box office performance of Stree 2, exploring how the film has managed to maintain its stronghold even in a competitive market, its impact on the audience, the reasons behind its success, and what this means for the future of Bollywood horror-comedies. We also analyze the film’s journey, the strategies employed by its makers, and the performances that have made Stree 2 one of the most successful films of the year. Stree 2 opened to packed theaters on its first weekend, earning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film’s strong word-of-mouth helped it maintain a solid pace at the box office, with audiences appreciating the blend of scares and laughs that made the first film such a hit. The film’s opening weekend collection was impressive, with figures surpassing expectations and setting the tone for its continued success. As of the third week, Stree 2 has surpassed the lifetime earnings of Gadar 2, one of the biggest hits of recent times. This achievement is no small feat, given the massive fan base and nostalgia factor that drove Gadar 2’s box office performance. With its steady growth, Stree 2 is now eyeing a bumper third weekend, with analysts predicting that the film could set new records for horror-comedy films in Bollywood. The first week of Stree 2 set the stage for its box office triumph. Opening to a massive response, the film collected approximately ₹120 crore in its first week, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year right out of the gate. The film’s release coincided with a period of renewed interest in horror-comedy, with audiences flocking to theaters to experience the unique blend of fear and laughter that only Stree 2 could provide. The strong performances of Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao were instrumental in drawing audiences. Both actors reprised their roles from the first film, bringing the same chemistry and comedic timing that made their characters beloved. Kapoor, as the mysterious woman with supernatural powers, and Rao, as the lovable yet clueless Vicky, delivered performances that resonated deeply with fans of the franchise. As the second week rolled around, Stree 2 continued to perform admirably despite facing competition from other big releases. The film managed to hold its ground, earning an additional ₹90 crore, bringing its two-week total to ₹210 crore. The consistency in its earnings was a testament to the film’s appeal and the strong word-of-mouth it garnered from audiences. The makers cleverly utilized strategic marketing, including engaging social media promotions and interactive fan events, to keep the buzz alive. The hashtag #Stree2Fever trended consistently on Twitter, and the film’s quirky promotional videos and memes kept the conversation going online. This digital presence played a crucial role in sustaining audience interest, driving more viewers to the theaters even after the initial hype had settled.

In its third week, Stree 2 achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing the lifetime box office collection of Gadar 2, a film that had set the box office ablaze with its emotional narrative and patriotic fervor. Gadar 2 was celebrated for its nostalgic value, bringing back Sunny Deol’s iconic character and touching a chord with fans of the original. However, Stree 2 managed to outdo this emotional pull through its clever script, relatable humor, and strong performances. As of now, Stree 2 has amassed a total of ₹275 crore, overtaking Gadar 2’s lifetime collection of ₹265 crore. This achievement has not only solidified the film’s standing as a box office juggernaut but has also highlighted the evolving tastes of the audience, who are increasingly gravitating towards films that offer a mix of entertainment, innovation, and fresh narratives.

Here’s a closer look at the elements that worked in the film’s favor: One of the defining aspects of the Stree franchise is its ability to blend horror with comedy seamlessly. This genre mix is relatively rare in Bollywood, making it a refreshing change for viewers looking for something different from the usual drama and action-heavy films. Stree 2 takes this blend further, offering more scares and more laughs, creating a rollercoaster experience that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The film’s script, penned by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., balances light-hearted moments with genuine scares, ensuring that the horror elements never overshadow the comedy and vice versa. The humor is often derived from the characters’ interactions and the absurdity of the situations they find themselves in, making the film not just a horror-comedy but also a social satire. The chemistry between Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao is one of the highlights of the film. Their dynamic, established in the first film, continues to evolve in Stree 2, with both actors bringing new dimensions to their characters. Kapoor’s portrayal of the enigmatic Stree is both chilling and endearing, while Rao’s comedic timing and emotional depth make his character immensely relatable. Supporting performances by Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee also add to the film’s appeal. Tripathi, in particular, shines as the quirky and superstitious Rudra, providing much of the film’s comic relief with his deadpan humor and eccentric theories about the supernatural. One of the biggest drivers of Stree 2’s box office success has been its strong word-of-mouth. From its opening day, audiences took to social media to praise the film, generating organic buzz that translated into ticket sales.