Amar Kaushik’s Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank delivers plenty of laughs, thanks to its clever writing and the undeniable chemistry between its cast. The humor hits hard, particularly with Pankaj Tripathi’s Rudra and the comedic duo of Rajkummar Rao and Abhishek Banerjee as small-town friends. The film connects well to the broader supernatural universe it belongs to, tying in characters and themes from Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya.
However, the film struggles when it comes to its handling of deeper issues. Building on the plot of the original, Stree 2 introduces a new antagonist, Sarkata, a spirit with blatantly misogynistic tendencies. While the premise is intriguing, the film stumbles in its portrayal of gender dynamics. The initial half showcases women reclaiming their independence in the wake of the events from Stree, but the second half diverts to spectacle over substance. Despite a few moments of tension, the narrative loses focus on its feminist undercurrents, leaving many questions unanswered.
The latter half of the film leans heavily into loud, chaotic action and predictable CGI, borrowing from popular fantasy franchises without offering much in terms of originality. Shraddha Kapoor’s Stree, while pivotal, is sidelined for much of the movie, and when the action reaches its peak, her powers and behavior feel inconsistent.
At its core, Stree 2 sets up some thought-provoking ideas but doesn’t follow through. The film attempts to critique toxic masculinity and incel culture but offers no satisfying resolution. It leaves viewers, especially women, questioning its intent, as it teases metaphors without fully addressing them.
Ultimately, Stree 2 may amuse with its humor, but it disappoints in its treatment of the very issues it claims to address. It seems more interested in building its franchise than offering any substantial commentary on the female experience.
