Star Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurrana
Director: Amar Kaushik
Duration: 2 Hours 8 Minutes
Rating: 3.5 stars
If Pink movie taught us 'No means No', Stree movie gives us the message that 'Yes means Yes'( pun intended). The horror-comedy that stars Rajkumar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in lead roles is one of the best movies of this year which is just too good to be missed. With well-timed humour and a stellar star-cast Amar Kaushik’s lightweight movie gives you many reasons to watch the film. Stree benefits from a top-notch cast, eminent behind the scene team( editing and screenplay) and a crisp running time of 127 minutes. Here's the review of the film.
STORY: Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) is a young carefree lad lives with his father in small town Chanderi. The father-son duo runs a tailor shop in the town which is haunted by a unique angry spirit referred to as Stree. The spirit of an angry woman who was once a prostitute stalks men during the annual festive period. During the four nights, this spirit, takes away lonely man leaving behind just his clothes. Meanwhile, Chanderi’s designer tailor Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) meets mysterious girl (Shraddha Kapoor) who appears only during those four days of the festive season. So who is this 'Stree' and why she kidnaps only men is the story of the two hours long movie.
REVIEW: Sadly misogyny and chauvinism are two social evil which exists in the society since ages be it a civilized or rural society and that is the hidden message in the film. Many years ago, a prostitute in Chanderi village was denied her marital rights by villagers, who killed both the newlyweds and every year her ghost returns back for precisely for four days of the year to hunt for men only to strip them naked and then take them away with her. Their are many laugh out loud moments in the film. At times you will laugh and laugh only to get a sudden chills and vice-versa.
Till now in Bollywood, the movies made under the genre of horror-comedy forcefully makes one laugh but here the director takes forward the movie with such ease that laughter comes natural and even the spooky scenes keeps you hooked to your seats till the end. There are few dialouges like 'tailor ke roop mei sakshat bhagwan aa gaye hain', 'Stree ji hum tayar hain suhag raat manane ke liye', 'svayam seva ka istemal karo' etc makes you burst in laughter. The ghost in the movie too have been presented in a different manner and not the regular white sari and candle one.Here the Stree is literate and obedient. She refuses to enter the house that has a message written in red ink 'O Stree Kal Aana' and by any chance if the signs gets erased, the angry spirit enters the house and takes a man away! These interesting takes in the film doesn't really bores you and keeps you entertained till the very end. The only problem with the film is that it's a bit draggy towards the end and goes down from the track as the climax approaches but thanks to the star-cast who saves you from yawns in these dull moments. The movie could have been 15-20 mins shorter too!
ACTING: The movie is supported by an ensemble star cast led by the supremely talented Rajkumar Rao. The actor has already created a niche for himself in Bolllywood and he surpasses himself in the film. From body language to his his typical MP accent where he calls daddy as 'deddy' and friendship as 'frandship'. Some scenes in the movie like when a dad schools a son about his sexual urge is just princess and full marks to Rajkumar Rao for this. The way Rao blends into fear and fun is just another level of acting and you immediately becomes his fan.
Next in line comes Pankaj Tripathi who plays a local scholar in the ghostly subject with a penchant for alcohol aces in his role and has the film's best lines. Tripathi recently won the National Award for 'Newton' once again proves what a fine actor he is and has an important role in the film. His unique way of delivering the lines and expressions especially during the horror scenes is just on point!
While Aparshakti Khurrana who has the meatier role of all the supporting cast has shaped into one of the strongest supporting actors of contemporary Bollywood, his accent in the film earns him the brownie points. Khurrana plays the character of Bittu, best friend of lead actor. Another actor who needs a special mention is actor Abhishek Bannerji who plays the role of second friend of Rajkumar Rao, Jaana and aces in the the comic scene he never leaves a chance to make you laugh with his appearance and expressions.
Coming to the leading lady of the film, Shraddha Kapoor who plays the character of a mysterious woman who Rajkumar Rao falls in love with looks beautiful in the film, this is one of Shraddha's carrer best movie till date and we would love to see more such characters of her.
MUSIC: The music of Stree entails four songs that are quirkily composed and wackily sung by Sachin-Jigar's team that maintains the film's pace. 'Kamariya', which is a dance number is crooned by Buzz fame Aastha Gill, Nora Fatehi's dance adds up to the song making it a peppy number.'Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe', also stands out because of its lyrics. Other songs of the film like 'Milegi Milegi' too is entertaining and goes with the flow of the movie.
WATCH OR NOT? Overall, despite all some flaws and vague ideas, Stree is still an entertaining film. Th horror- comedy, easily manages to be funny and scary at the same time.