Stree 2 Dominates Bollywood Box Office, Crosses ₹450 Crore in 18 Days

The horror comedy Stree 2, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, has emerged as the biggest Bollywood hit of 2024 so far. In just 18 days, the film crossed the ₹450 crore mark at the box office, becoming the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. This impressive performance has dethroned Baahubali 2 as the biggest Bollywood hit and has the film inching closer to India’s prestigious ₹500 crore club.

Stree 2 had a sensational start with ₹51.8 crore on its opening day, the third highest for a Bollywood film this year. It followed it up with a strong ₹190.55 crore opening weekend. The film has continued its strong run, collecting ₹44 crore on its third Saturday alone, showcasing its staying power at the box office. The success of Stree 2 comes at a time when the Hindi film industry has been facing a challenging phase, with several big-budget films failing to connect with the audience. However, the horror comedy has managed to strike a chord with the masses thanks to its engaging storyline, impressive performances, and effective marketing campaign.

One key factor behind the film’s success is its ability to cater to a wide range of audiences. While the film’s horror elements appeal to the youth, its comedy and social message have also resonated with the family audience. The film’s strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews have also played a crucial role in its box office performance.

Stree 2’s success has also opened up new avenues for the film industry. The film’s strong performance has proven that the audience is willing to accept fresh ideas and concepts, provided they are executed well. It has also shown that star power alone is not enough to guarantee a film’s success and that content is king.

Other notable box office performers include the Telugu film Kalki 2898 AD, which grossed ₹620.4 crore worldwide, including ₹271.8 crore from its Hindi version. The Hollywood film Deadpool & Wolverine, with a Hindi dub, collected ₹121.75 crore in India, showcasing the growing popularity of Hollywood films in the country.

However, some recent Bollywood releases, like Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa, have struggled at the box office. Khel Khel Mein saw a 50% jump on Saturday but still performed below expectations. Vedaa has stayed flat since its release, indicating that the audience is becoming more discerning and selective in their choices.

Exhibitors and trade analysts have pointed out that recent star-studded Bollywood films lack the “entertainment factor,” leading to a disconnect with the audience. They believe that Stree 2’s success has proven that the audience is looking for films that offer a complete package of entertainment, emotion, and social relevance.

In conclusion, Stree 2’s success has brought much-needed cheer to the Hindi film industry. The film’s impressive performance has shown that the audience is willing to embrace fresh ideas and concepts, provided they are executed well. It has also highlighted the importance of content in a film’s success and set a benchmark for future releases. With several big-budget films lined up for release in the coming months, the industry hopes to capitalize on the momentum generated by Stree 2 and regain its lost glory.