Even before hit theatres and took off to a bumper start, fans debated who would claim the success of this horror-comedy - Shraddha Kapoor or Rajkummar Rao. Rajkummar Rao is in stellar form in both the 2018 film and its sequel. Shraddha Kapoor also shines here, with her star appeal working big time.
However, a significant portion of the film's success and appeal also belongs to director Amar Kaushik, who has presented the horror-comedy in a highly appealing manner to mainstream audiences. Additionally, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee, and Pankaj Tripathi deserve credit, as 's comic appeal largely stems from the impeccable timing of these wonderful actors. The marketing team also earns brownie points for producing a well-cut trailer and releasing exciting songs that maintain momentum.
Quite a few moving parts contributed to the success of . ‘ However, while people argue over who the true star of is, one term that has been thrown around is 'female-oriented.' Many claim that Stree 2 is a 'female-oriented' movie, presumably because of - 1.
the title, and 2. Shraddha Kapoor is positioned at the centre of most promotional material. I can never not laugh at how it's only that delulu fd who's trying so hard to prove that a film named 'Stree 2' isn't female-centric lol, coz everyone else is happily admitting that the film is what it is for only one person, and she's Shraddha Kapoor.
— Sayantika 🦋 (@ConfusedSoul35) ne toh aag laga di in ! She's set to break records at the box office with her incredible performance! First female led film to achieve a massive opening! — Pooja Nawathe (@nawathepooja) My all time favorite actress Shraddha ji you are the best no doubt ki aap present time ki real female superstar ho aur apki vajah se hi Stree 2 super duper hit hui hain kuki yeh ek female oriented movies hain aur yeh ish shaal ki pahli blockbuster hain...
— Vinod Yadav (@VinodYadavS_87) Shame on Kjo's Elitist Gang for ganging up against Just because WOM is huge for Can take 30 cr + opening Shameless PR activities discrediting her Sharadha's offline following far huge than STREE 2 is Female centric film none can change fact — KRITIKA♡✨ (@hina_slays) 54-55cr Opening of has beaten . A female-centric movie defeated Alpha Male leaving Ranbir Kapoor with no Superstar tag. 😂😂 — JUST A FAN.
(@iamsrk_brk) The question is - Is it though? The argument for the first point is straightforward—'Stree' in the title of both the 2018 film and its 2024 sequel refers to the supernatural antagonist of the first film, who also appears in the sequel. While Shraddha's nameless character gains powers from Stree's cut hairlock, she doesn't become 'Stree,' so she isn't the title character. : Responding to the second point is more complicated.
To do that, let's first understand what a 'female-oriented' movie means. A female-oriented film, or 'female-centric' as some call it, is designed to appeal primarily to women through its themes, characters, or narrative focus. These movies often centre on female characters' experiences, challenges, and perspectives, exploring topics such as relationships, careers, family, self-discovery, or personal growth.
In such movies, we expect well-written female characters with a narrative focus. . It is within this definition that falters.
Some SPOILERS ahead: while there is no argument that Shraddha Kapoor plays a crucial role in both films, the primary focus of these movies, particularly in , has always been Vicky and his friends—especially Vicky, Rao's character. It also has to be noted that Shraddha's role in Stree 2 is also lesser than her screentime in . may address patriarchy's role in subjugating women's freedom and rights (in its irreverent manner).
Yet, it relies on the camaraderie between the boys for its comic kicks and for the plot to be driven. Even in the climax, Vicky's character must wield the sword needed to defeat Sarkata, the demonic villain, even if it is 'Stree' who delivers the finishing moves. also fails the 'Bechdel Test.
' Let's find out how. The Bechdel test is a measure used to evaluate the representation of women in films and other works of fiction. To pass the Bechdel test, a work must meet the following three criteria compulsorily: it features at least two named female characters, these characters have a conversation with each other, and the conversation is about something other than a man.
Let's see how performs against each of these points: 1. The movie passes this one since it has more than two named female characters. Even if Shraddha's character isn't named, we have 'Stree.
' We also have Anya Singh's character, Chitti, as well as Tamannaah's character, Shama. 2. This is where fails.
Aside from the final scene, where Shraddha's character wordlessly interacts with her dead mother, there are no other crucial scenes where female characters interact with each other. 3. Again, with no important conversation between two female characters in the movie, this point also feels redundant.
A few Hindi movies from 2024 that pass the Bechdel test are Kiran Rao's and Rajesh Krishnan's . doesn't make the cut..
