The horror-comedy genre in Bollywood has seen a resurgence in recent years, and leading this wave of success is the much-anticipated sequel, ‘Stree 2’. Directed by Amar Kaushik, and featuring the star-studded cast of Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and Aparshakti Khurana, ‘Stree 2’ hit the big screens amidst immense fanfare and high expectations. The film, a sequel to the 2018 hit ‘Stree’, promised to continue the unique blend of horror, humor, and social commentary that made its predecessor a blockbuster. With a gripping storyline, stellar performances, and a dose of laughter, ‘Stree 2’ has captivated audiences across the country. However, as it reached its 21st day in theaters, the film saw a significant dip in its box office earnings on the third Wednesday, yet managed to achieve a remarkable feat by grossing a total of Rs 497 crore net in India. ‘Stree 2’ was one of the most anticipated releases of the year, thanks to the success of the original film and the loyal fanbase it created. The film opened to a roaring start, with the audience excited to see the return of their favorite characters and the continuation of the spooky yet humorous storyline. The plot picks up where the first movie left off, exploring the lingering mystery of the ‘Stree’ and introducing new twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. From its opening weekend, ‘Stree 2’ showed impressive box office numbers, pulling in huge crowds across urban and rural centers alike. The movie was praised not only for its comic timing but also for its ability to weave in social messages without being preachy. Shraddha Kapoor, reprising her role as the enigmatic ‘Stree’, received widespread acclaim for her performance, as did Rajkummar Rao, whose comedic timing and emotional depth added layers to the story. Pankaj Tripathi’s role, providing much-needed comedic relief, was another highlight, making ‘Stree 2’ a complete entertainment package. The first week saw ‘Stree 2’ earning over Rs 300 crore, setting the tone for what would become one of the highest-grossing films of the year. By the end of the second week, the movie had collected around Rs 450 crore, placing it among the top Bollywood earners of 2024. However, as the third week progressed, ‘Stree 2’ faced the inevitable challenge of maintaining its momentum at the box office. As ‘Stree 2’ entered its third week, competition from other releases and the natural decline in audience turnout began to affect its daily earnings. On its 21st day, the film witnessed a drop in its box office collections, a trend that is not uncommon for movies that have been in theaters for an extended period. Despite the dip, ‘Stree 2’ managed to pull in respectable numbers, contributing to its cumulative earnings. On the third Wednesday, ‘Stree 2’ collected approximately Rs 5 crore, a significant drop compared to its earlier daily earnings but still commendable given the circumstances. The decline can be attributed to several factors, including the release of new films that have started to draw audiences away, as well as the natural waning of excitement as the film settles into its third week.
‘Stree 2’ box office collection day 21: The Shraddha Kapoor, Rajjkummar Rao sees a drop on third Wednesday, gets a total of Rs 497 crore net in India
Despite the lower numbers, the movie’s overall performance has been stellar. The fact that it reached a total of Rs 497 crore net in India speaks volumes about its popularity and the strong word-of-mouth it has generated. It is worth noting that such a drop is normal in the lifecycle of a film, especially after a blockbuster start, and does not detract from the overall success that ‘Stree 2’ has enjoyed. Several factors have contributed to the dip in ‘Stree 2’s box office numbers on its third Wednesday. While some of these are typical for any film, others are specific to the current landscape of Bollywood and the audience’s viewing preferences: New Releases: The third week saw the arrival of new movies, both Bollywood and regional, that started to divert the audience’s attention. Films like ‘Animal’ and ‘Jawan’, which have their own star power and unique appeal, provided stiff competition, especially in urban centers where the choice of entertainment is more varied. Audience Fatigue: As with any long-running movie, there comes a point where audience interest begins to wane. For ‘Stree 2’, the initial frenzy had started to cool by the third week, as most fans who were eager to watch the film had already done so. Repeat viewings, which contribute significantly to the longevity of box office collections, also tend to drop after the second week. Digital Releases: The current trend of films quickly making their way to streaming platforms has changed the dynamics of box office collections. While ‘Stree 2’ has not yet been released on any OTT platform, the mere anticipation of a digital release can sometimes deter audiences from visiting theaters, particularly when new releases are just around the corner. Ticket Prices: The festive period during which ‘Stree 2’ was released saw higher ticket prices, which contributed to its initial high earnings. However, as the film moved into its third week, these prices were normalized, which, coupled with the general decline in turnout, led to a drop in daily collections. Despite the drop in earnings on the third Wednesday, ‘Stree 2’ reaching the Rs 497 crore mark is an impressive achievement. This not only cements its place as one of the highest-grossing films of the year but also highlights the audience’s appetite for well-crafted horror comedies. The film’s success is particularly noteworthy in the context of the current Bollywood scenario, where films are constantly battling for audience attention amid a plethora of entertainment options, including regional cinema and international content. ‘Stree 2’ has managed to carve out a niche for itself, proving that a strong storyline, relatable humor, and a touch of the supernatural can still capture the imagination of Indian audiences.