'Stree 2' is a sequel to the 2018 hit, 'Stree', and is the fifth installment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe.
"The story is out there. It’s happening in our country. It’s up to you whether you want to believe it or not." Amar Kaushik (Director: 'Stree' and 'Stree 2')
'Stree' was a major success, both critically and commercially, and continues to remain popular among fans. There's a fine balance of horror and comedy, not to mention the brilliant social commentary, that hit the bull's eye effortlessly. But beyond all these, the 2018 film gained attention with its intriguing tagline - "Based On A Ridiculously True Phenomenon". And that simply made the whole thing a lot more interesting, or precisely, terrifying.
‘Stree 2’ will hit theatres on August 15, 2024
The storyline of 'Stree' and its sequel 'Stree 2' is based on the legend of "Nale Ba", which means "come tomorrow" (modified as "o stree kal aana" in the film) in Kannada. According to this folklore, malevolent spirits or witches used to roam at night in the streets of Bangalore during the 1990s, and prey on men. The locals started writing "Naale Baa" outside the doors and the walls of their houses in a belief that the ghosts would leave upon reading it and come again the next day - and the cycle repeats.
A still from ‘Stree 2’ teaser
Well, needless to say, we are eagerly eyeing the theatrical release of 'Stree 2' on August 15, 2024. Meanwhile, let's watch some other Indian films that are also based on India’s rich folklore.
Sohum Shah's 'Tumbbad' is a masterpiece, and is widely considered a milestone in the horror genre. Based on the legends of Hastar (a fallen God turned demon), the 2018 film follows a Marathi man who is on a quest for a hidden 20th-century treasure. Through his journey, the film explores the dark sides of human psychology, holding a mirror onto our faces.
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A still from ‘Tumbbad'’
According to the folklore, Hastar is the firstborn of the Goddess of Plenty and is the epitome of greed. The fallen God-turned-demon was imprisoned by his mother deep in the earth and cursed that mankind would never worship him. This is why there's no mention of Hastar in the Hindu religious scriptures.
Director Rahul Sadasivan is known for his horror films with complex narratives that question the wrongs in society. 'Bramayugam', his latest venture, is one of the finest films to come out of Malayalam cinema in recent times. The film is set in the 17th century and stars Mammootty alongside Arjun Ashokan and Sidharth Bharathan.
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Mammootty in a still from ‘Bramayugam’
It contains several elements from Kerala's folklore, and effortlessly blends them with themes of greed, casteism, and power dynamics. Mythical figures like Chaathan, Shasta, Yakshi, etc. are used metaphorically here, providing us with a phenomenal cinematic experience.
'Kantara', starring and directed by Rishab Shetty, was released in 2022 and emerged as a surprise package for everyone. The period action thriller is primarily about the relationship between humans and nature. However, if we dig deeper, we would understand that there's much more to the film than just that.
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Rishab Shetty in a still from ‘Kantara’
The film is based on the folklore of Bhoota Kola - a ritual (dance performance in honor of local deities) in the coastal regions of Karnataka. The dance is performed while the folklore “paddannas” is sung. And during this, the performers invite spirits to possess them so that the latter can communicate with the audience.
The depiction of Bhoota Kola in ‘Kantara’
In 'Kantara', Rishab Shetty's character eventually becomes a Bhoota Kola performer to save his village.
Well, the list obviously doesn't end here. Besides the above-mentioned films, it also includes 'Paheli', 'Bulbbul', 'Jallikattu', and 'Lapachhapi' among others.
