Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s Stree 2 has hit the theatres today, August 15. Although Akshay Kumar-Taapsee Pannu starrer Khel Khel Mein and John Abraham-Sharvari Wagh’s Vedaa are also releasing on the same day, Stree 2 is not expected to have much competition. Sacnilk earlier reported that Stree 2 has minted nearly Rs 10 crore in day one advance bookings, surpassing the records of Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 and Ranbir Kapoor’s Bhrahmastra Part 1.
Experimentation in the horror genre and bringing Indian folktales to life has led to an increase in excitement in Indian cinema. From werewolves to black magic, when it comes to horror, Indian filmmakers stand unafraid. Here’s a look at some successful inventive horror films in recent history:
Munjya
Munjya marked Sharvari Wagh’s second Bollywood film as the lead and Abhay Verma’s debut performance. Despite a newer cast and stiff competition from Kalki 2898 AD and Chandu Champion, the film managed to enter the Rs 100 crore club within a few weeks. Munjya is a horror-comedy which is based in Pune and the Konkan region. It follows the story of the eponymous mythical creature who wreaks havoc in the life of Bittu, played by Abhay. The film blends elements of horror and culture to weave a story that is both enthralling and deeply rooted in Indian mythology.
Shaitaan
R Madhavan, Ajay Devgn and Jyotika starrer Shaitaan is a psychological horror film which explores the themes of hypnosis and mind control. The film faced tough competition from Crew and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. However, it quickly entered the Rs 200 club at the global box office and became the second highest-grossing film of 2024 (at that time), after Hrithik Roshan’s Fighter. Shaitaan was followed by Munjya in box office collections.
Bhediya
Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon’s Bhediya took us to the forests of Arunachal Pradesh. The 2022 film is a part of Amar Kaushik’s horror-universe and plays out a part of Indian werewolf folklore in live-action. The film faced grim competition from Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 2 but managed to stay afloat and mint Rs 90 crore.
Tumbbad
Director Rahi Anil Barve’s Tumbbad marries the narratives of the mythological disgraced demon god Hastar and a modern family plundering his wealth. Tumbbad, named after a coastal village in Maharashtra where it rains all year round, witnesses fantasy blending with the horror genre. The 2018 film was made on a budget of Rs 5 crore but managed to earn nearly Rs 20 crore at the global box office, making it a hit. The film stars Sohum Shah as the lead and took five years to make.
Stree
Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s Stree marked the inception of Amar Kaushik’s horror universe in 2018. The film is set in Chanderi and tells the story of a ghost who haunts the men of the village. The film minted nearly Rs 190 crore during its theatrical run and paved the way for films like Bhediya and Munjya.
The live-action treatment of Indian folklore in the horror genre has proven to be a successful formula recently. Most of these films bring forward small-town narratives with relatable characters and a touch of humour. The latest to follow suit is Stree 2.
News18 Showsha gave the film 3.5/5 stars. Our review reads, “ Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao steer the ship effortlessly to the end. It’s refreshing to see Shraddha in an action role, and she should explore more of it in the future. However, it’s disappointing that her role is limited, especially given how much the Stree universe relies on her character. Rajkummar Rao delivers another memorable performance, showcasing his versatility across genres, from serious in Shrikant to emotionally intense in Mr & Mrs Mahi, and now comedy in Stree 2.”
Comments
0 comment