Stree is back

Anshita Mehra

After capturing the hearts of audiences with Stree back in 2018, the beloved cast and crew are back with a highly anticipated sequel. On the eve of the film’s release, Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana, along with director Amar Kaushik and producer Dinesh Vijan, gathered in Delhi for a press conference that was nothing short of a laugh riot.

Hosted at the Imperial Hotel, the event quickly transformed from a formal press briefing to a lively reunion, as the stars pulled each other’s leg, shared jokes and reflected upon their journey. The chemistry between the cast was evident as they bantered back and forth, with Rajkummar Rao kicking off the fun by saying, “Stree ne hamesha hume sirf diya hai. Stree was one huge jump in the careers of all of us, and I think Stree 2 will again give it a big boost.” His words set the tone for the rest of the event, which was a mix of heartfelt reflections and playful jabs.

Aparshakti, never one to miss an opportunity for a good quip, chimed in about the sequel, saying, “Stree 1 made a paradigm shift in the way we make films in our country. And now, we’re coming up with its second part — it’s bigger, it’s better, funnier and scarier, all together.” The excitement was palpable as he spoke, hinting at the high stakes and even higher expectations surrounding the sequel.

But it wasn’t all just about the movie; it was also about the bond that has formed between the cast over the years. Shraddha shared how returning to the sets felt like slipping into a familiar old routine. “The world is the same. Before going to the sets, I felt like arre paanch saal guzar gaye, but the moment I got into the zone it felt that it hadn’t been too long and the movie just felt like a continuation of the first part,” she said. Her genuine excitement to be back with the crew was clear, as she gushed, “I feel so excited to be part of such an incredible cast. It’s been one of the best movies, groups, and the best gang that I could ever be a part of.”

And, of course, what’s a Stree event without a bit of bromance? Rajkummar, Abhishek, and Aparshakti took centerstage, with Rajkummar emphasising that the friendship between their characters is the backbone of the film. “Stree ki backbone uski friendship hai. Bittu, Jaana and Vicky’s friendship is a very important part of this film. What’s more incredible about the bunch is that we are not insecure, jealous, and there is nothing negative in the love that we share for each other. We genuinely love each other in life,” he said.

The trio’s camaraderie extended off-screen as well, with Aparshakti adding, “There’s no competitiveness in us.” The director, Amar, couldn’t resist jumping in, sharing that the actors often volunteered to give each other the best lines, showcasing their genuine affection and respect for one another.

The conference wrapped up on a high note, with the cast and crew teasing the audience just enough to leave them on the edge of their seats. As the event wore on, it became clear that Stree 2 isn’t just a sequel; it’s a celebration of everything that made the original a hit — humour, horror and a whole lot of heart!