At the SCREEN launch, Shraddha Kapoor settles ‘who’s responsible for Stree 2 success’ debate; confirms Stree 3 is in the works

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She continued, “The kind of love and accolades the first part received were immense. It all started there. Hats off to the director, writer and producer for cracking a sequel. It’s important not to make a sequel just for the sake of it — you need substance to bring people to theatres and earn genuine appreciation. They stayed true to how a sequel should be made and cracked the story of Stree 2. It had all the entertainment factors, brilliant actors and really entertaining dialogues. I believe it was a fabulous team effort. It was pure cinematic joy,” she said, adding, “And ultimately, the audience decides, right? They leave their homes seeking entertainment and we’re happy we could deliver.”

When asked about potential sequels to the movie, Shraddha revealed that Amar Kaushik has already come up with a story for Stree 3. “When Amar sir told me he had a story for Stree 3, I got very excited because I know it’s going to be something amazing. I can’t wait to hear what it’s about.” On what Stree 2’s success means in a male-dominated world and film industry, Shraddha remarked, “The answer is simple—a good film always works.” She emphasised that quality is now the major factor determining a movie’s success. “That should motivate all of us to pull our socks up, not take anything for granted and make some really good films, staying true to the craft.”

Recalling the action scene in Stree 2 where her character fights a demon while the male characters hide behind her, Shraddha said she thoroughly enjoyed filming it. “A girl coming with her choti (braid) and fighting… just imagine the imagination of the writers! It’s fabulous to give a woman her strength in her choti. Those were some of my favourite bits in the movie. Also, the fact that it makes sense! Afterwards, I would walk around at my house with my choti, asking everyone to be cautious because I had my choti with me.”

Shraddha appeared on the first digital cover star for SCREEN. Having debuted more than a decade ago with a supporting part in the film Teen Patti, Shraddha’s career witnessed unprecedented success with the recently released Stree 2.

Shraddha has appeared in a string of hits, after breaking out with the romantic drama film Aashiqui 2. She played supporting roles in director Nitesh Tiwari’s Chhichhore, starring the late Sushant Singh Rajput, and more recently, played the co-lead alongside Ranbir Kapoor in the pandemic-era hit Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. But her standout role in Stree 2 catapulted her to a different league. The movie emerged as not only the biggest hit of the year, but one of the biggest Indian blockbusters of all time.

The grand Screen launch was held in Mumbai.

SCREEN was launched in the year 1951, and has remained one of the most reputed brands in the entertainment industry. The 1990s saw the introduction of the Screen Awards, regarded as among the most credible industry honours. In its new avatar, SCREEN will be refashioned as a digital-first property, a brand raised on cinema nostalgia, made for the moment. At SCREEN, we bring you flagship events, in-depth analysis, unbiased reviews, and the latest news, presented in The Indian Express’ singular voice.