Amar Kaushik on Stree 3: 'We know the flow' for the next chapter
Amar Kaushik discusses Stree 2's box office triumph and the process of crafting a sequel that resonates with audiences.
Aug 22, 2024
Stree 3 update
Amar Kaushik's excitement surpasses the height of Sarkata, the devil in Stree 2 and he has every right to feel elated. Reportedly, the gross receipts for Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor's film soared above Rs 300 crore on Wednesday.
Stree 2's unexpected success
According to reports from Mid Day, everyone was aware of the positive buzz, but the figures are absolutely out of this world. Kaushik wasn't concerned with the early box office total. These figures, derived from the first part's success, don't accurately reflect the efforts put in. After the third day, the figures are what really interest him. It means a lot to them that their film has been well-received by audiences.
Kaushik carries on the world that Raj-DK established with the horror comedy. The filmmaker and his Bhediya (2022) co-writer, Niren Bhatt, set out to build a plot that would build upon and enhance the 2018 original while also incorporating new ideas.
Challenges of creating a sequel
No one in the industry ever recommends making a sequel. However, in the film, Niren and he were able to uncover some answers. The first film depicted Stree's past, and Sarkata found her place after she destroyed him. Sarkata's abduction of empowered modern women continues the legacy of the original film. Throughout the process, they incorporated humour and the characters' adventurous journeys.
Similar to its predecessor, Stree 2 explores feminist themes. The horror comedy centres on women and their freedom, from the pre-interval scenario in which Kapoor's character fights Sarkata as the male actors cower in fear to the depiction of men stealing women's agency while claiming to be defending them. Does the message integrate into the storyline as it progresses? The filmmaker explained that it takes place much later, as constructing a "solid" story is his top objective.
It is impossible to make a film with a message as the primary focus. The aim of storytelling is never to become preachy. Stree 2's goal is not to cause a fuss but rather to stimulate viewers' analytical abilities. She is the protagonist of the film Stree which takes place in a world where men abound. At the end, they threw in some extra details, like the couple working together to vanquish the demon. Look, it says they must work together to overcome patriarchy.
Cameos, Easter eggs, and the horror-comedy universe crossover
Kaushik stated that this marks the establishment of Stree's universe. Easter eggs have helped them determine their third segment. Niren and he have taken notes, ensuring they understand the overall structure.
Thanks to all the cameos, Easter eggs, and horror-comedy universe crossover, Stree 2 is a real roller coaster. Rumours of conspiracies accompany these surprises. The most widely held belief is that Sarkata is actually Akshay Kumar. Kaushik denied it, saying that they used actor Mukesh Kumar's face as a model for Sarkata.
With Kumar's role, the writer-director team astutely planted the franchise's future seeds. When asked if they found it straightforward to get the famous actor to make an appearance the filmmaker said that he had never done casting before; it was very simple. Kumar stars in the film Sky Force which he produced. One day, during his lunch break, he brought up the character with the actor. It was something Kumar was eager to do, and they had him shoot it for them on a Sunday.
There are other reasons why Stree 2's financial performance is significant. In addition to jolting the business out of its slump, it proved wrong the notion that blockbuster films starring A-list actors are the only way to make money at the box office. This was something Kaushik had anticipated.
Shah Rukh Khan's success reflects honest filmmaking
The filmmaker went on to say that Shah Rukh Khan films are performing not because he is a star, but because they are honest films. Films don't take flight just because of their messages. The key is to control the thoughts of the viewers; amaze, thrill, and stir up strong feelings in them. The enthusiasm and belief of the director are apparent to the viewers.
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