‘Stree 2’ becomes highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024

Stree 2, a horror-comedy starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, has become the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024 after just five days.
The film, which had an outstanding four-day extended weekend gross of ₹193 crore, is now in the ₹200 crore club.
It has topped the lifetime receipts of the previous record holder, Fighter, with ₹201.5 crore.

The Success of “Stree 2”

A variety of elements contribute to the film’s success. First and foremost, the solid foundation provided by its predecessor, “Stree,” was critical. The original film was a surprising success due to its unique concept, intriguing storyline, and memorable performances. “Stree 2” capitalised on this success by reintroducing cherished characters and elaborating on the storyline created in the original film.

The sequel was released with immense anticipation, and it did not disappoint. On its first day of release, “Stree 2” raked in a whopping ₹54.35 crore, making it the highest-grossing opener of 2024 in the Hindi film industry​ (ABP Live). This momentum continued throughout its opening weekend, with the film entering the ₹200 crore club in just five days​ (India Today)​ (NewsBytes). Such numbers are rare and indicate the film’s widespread appeal across demographics.

Factors Contributing to the Box Office Success

Several elements contributed to the enormous box office success of “Stree 2.” One of the key reasons is the popularity of Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. Both actors have amassed a sizable fan base over the years, and their chemistry in the original “Stree” was a standout that viewers wanted to see more of. The reintroduction of supporting characters such as Abhishek Banerjee, Pankaj Tripathi, and Aparshakti Khurana added to the film’s appeal.

Another consideration is the movie’s marketing approach. “Stree 2” was widely advertised across multiple channels, with producers using teasers, trailers, and social media campaigns to generate anticipation. The film’s popularity was boosted by its deliberate distribution over a vacation season, which insured higher attendance in theatres.

Furthermore, “Stree 2” profited from the genre. Horror-comedy is a relatively unknown genre in Bollywood, and the unusual blend of scares and laughs brought something new and interesting for the audience. This combination also made the film more accessible to a wider audience, including people who don’t usually watch horror films.

Box Office Records

“Stree 2” has shattered multiple box office records in its first week. By surpassing the lifetime collections of “Fighter,” which previously held the record for the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024 with ₹201.5 crore, “Stree 2” set a new benchmark. The film’s rapid accumulation of wealth did not just stop there; it is on track to become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time, with projections suggesting it could cross ₹450 crore in the coming weeks​ (NewsBytes).

The film’s performance is not limited to domestic markets. “Stree 2” has also been a hit internationally, grossing ₹273 crore worldwide during its opening weekend​ (NewsBytes). This global appeal highlights the growing reach of Indian cinema and the universal themes that “Stree 2” touches upon, such as superstition, folklore, and the battle between good and evil, all wrapped in a comedic package.

Critical Reception

While box office success is often the most visible marker of a film’s success, critical reception plays a crucial role in sustaining that momentum. “Stree 2” has been praised for its screenplay, direction, and performances. Critics have lauded Amar Kaushik for maintaining the delicate balance between horror and comedy, a feat that is not easy to accomplish.

The film’s writing has also been highlighted as a strong point. The dialogues are sharp, witty, and laced with humor that resonates well with the audience. The expansion of the film’s universe, with references to other supernatural beings and potential spin-offs, has been another aspect that has intrigued audiences and critics alike.

Performances by the lead actors have been universally praised. Shraddha Kapoor, in particular, has been noted for her portrayal of a character that is both mysterious and endearing. Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility, brings depth to his role, blending humor with moments of genuine fear and tension.

Future Prospects

Given the film’s enormous success, it is unavoidable that speculation about a third episode or spin-offs within the same universe will surface. The “Stree” franchise has the potential to be one of Bollywood’s most lucrative film series, comparable to the “Golmaal” or “Dhoom” franchises.

Furthermore, the success of “Stree 2” may encourage more filmmakers to explore the horror-comedy genre, which has previously received little attention in Indian cinema. The film has demonstrated that there is a sizable demand for well-made, genre-blending films that deviate from the traditional Bollywood fare.

The film’s sustained popularity is likely to benefit the careers of its cast and crew. Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao are already famous stars, but “Stree 2” has cemented their reputation as bankable actors who can draw large crowds. For filmmaker Amar Kaushik, this triumph paves the way for further ambitious projects, either within the same genre or in other territory.

Conclusion

“Stree 2” has not only become the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024, but it has also redefined what horror-comedy can achieve in Bollywood. Its blend of shocks, humour, and excellent performances, along with a well-executed marketing plan, has captivated viewers in India and throughout the world. As it continues to break records and generate income, “Stree 2” is shaping up to be one of the year’s, if not the decade’s, defining films.

The film’s success demonstrates the power of strong storytelling and the attractiveness of new, original ideas in a film business that frequently relies on tried-and-true formulae. “Stree 2” shown that with the right combination of talent, direction, and marketing, even a niche genre like horror-comedy can become a mainstream success, paving the door for more diverse and entertaining material in the future.