The horror-comedy “Stree 2,” starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, has created a major buzz in theatres nationwide, releasing on August 15, coinciding with Independence Day. Not only is the film poised to rake in substantial profits on its opening day, but it’s also on track to shatter records from the past couple of years. The advance booking statistics are impressive, with a surge in ticket sales as the premiere date approached. “Stree 2” has already outperformed the first-day earnings of “Fighter” and “Kalki 2898 AD,” both released in 2024. Furthermore, it has outpaced the advance bookings of Salman Khan’s “Tiger 3,” which premiered last year. The film’s morning shows witnessed significant audience turnout, with 35-40% occupancy in mass circuits such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. This figure is expected to rise for the evening and night screenings. As part of producer Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Supernatural Universe and a sequel to the 2018 hit “Stree,” the film’s teaser, trailer, and soundtrack have already been well-received. The current figures indicate that “Stree 2” is poised to become a blockbuster.
Impressive Earnings from Paid Previews
The paid preview screenings for “Stree 2” began at 9 pm on Wednesday, ahead of its official release on Thursday, August 15. These previews generated a staggering Rs 3.80 crore, surpassing the initial earnings of many Bollywood films released in recent months.
Advance Bookings Exceed Expectations
The advance booking numbers for “Stree 2” are nothing short of remarkable, with over 8.24 lakh tickets sold prior to the opening day, resulting in an impressive Rs 23.36 crore in revenue before the film even hit the screens. For context, “Fighter” and “Kalki 2898 AD,” which were also released this year, brought in Rs 22.50 crore in Hindi on their respective opening days. This means that “Stree 2” has already surpassed the first-day earnings of both these films through advance bookings alone.
Surpassing Salman Khan’s “Tiger 3”
Last year’s “Tiger 3,” featuring Salman Khan and released during Diwali, recorded an advance booking total of Rs 22.97 crore. It amassed a net collection of Rs 44.50 crore on its opening day. In comparison, “Stree 2” has already secured more advance bookings. With the added draw of the Independence Day holiday on August 15, “Stree 2” is well-positioned to surpass the opening day earnings of “Tiger 3,” given the significant boost in audience turnout that a national holiday can provide.
Second Only to “Animal”
Among the films released last year, “Stree 2” has outperformed all but Ranbir Kapoor’s “Animal.” “Animal” generated Rs 33.97 crore from advance bookings and grossed Rs 63.80 crore (including Rs 54.75 crore in Hindi) on its opening day.
Predicted Opening Day Earnings for “Stree 2”
The buzz surrounding “Stree 2,” coupled with its impressive advance bookings, suggests that the film is poised for a strong opening day. It faces competition from Akshay Kumar’s “Khel Khel Mein” and John Abraham’s “Veda,” both of which are also releasing on August 15. However, the numbers and the enthusiastic audience turnout indicate that “Stree 2” is unlikely to be significantly affected by this competition. With a substantial fan base and positive word-of-mouth, the film is expected to net more than Rs 45 crore on its opening day. If the audience turnout continues to rise for the night shows, the earnings could potentially reach Rs 50 crore.
Why “Stree 2” is a Must-Watch
The success of “Stree 2” can be attributed to its engaging blend of horror and comedy, a formula that resonated well with audiences in the original “Stree.” The sequel builds upon the charm of the original characters while introducing new elements to keep the storyline fresh and exciting. With its star-studded cast, compelling narrative, and the backing of a successful franchise, “Stree 2” is positioned as one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The film’s ability to combine scares with laughs, coupled with its social commentary, offers a unique cinematic experience that appeals to a wide audience. As it continues to draw crowds to theatres, “Stree 2” is set to solidify its place as a standout film in the horror-comedy genre.
