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Rajkummar Rao Haunts the Spotlight: ‘Stree 2’ Turns One, Makers Drop ‘Thama’ Update

Swarnadwip Nath Published Aug 16, 2025, 03:22 AM Updated Sep 16, 2026, 08:52 AM

The horror-comedy blockbuster ‘Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank’ commemorated its one-year milestone on August 15, marking a spectacular success journey for the film and its lead actor Rajkummar Rao. While sincerest gratitude poured in from the star and fans alike, the makers surprised audiences by dropping updates on the ‘Thama’ project and hinting at the eagerly awaited ‘Stree 3.’ Here is an in-depth look at the celebrations, the film’s journey, and what fans can expect next.

Key Highlights from the One-Year Celebration and Updates

‘Stree 2’ was theatrically released on August 15, 2024, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, to critical acclaim and massive box office success.

The film starred Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor as the lead pair, reprising their roles with a fresh and terrifying new supernatural twist involving the character Sarkate, a headless entity terrorizing the town of Chanderi.

The movie emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024 and one of the top Indian grossers of all time, accumulating over ₹875 crore worldwide.

On the first anniversary, Rajkummar Rao expressed heartfelt thanks to fans and the creative team via social media, acknowledging ‘Stree 2’ as a historic success.

Amid the celebrations, makers officially dropped updates for the standalone project ‘Thama’, confirming it will not proceed at this time, and simultaneously teased the production of ‘Stree 3,’ scheduled for release in 2027.

Journey of ‘Stree 2’: From Concept to Cultural Phenomenon

Following the monumental success of the original ‘Stree’ (2018), directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, the sequel kept fans on edge with a blend of horror and humor. ‘Stree 2’ further deepened the universe by introducing new mysteries:

The storyline ventured into a new challenge where the friends confront ‘Sarkate,’ a terrifying headless spirit preying on women, blending folklore with contemporary chills.

Along with Rao and Kapoor, the film featured powerhouse actors like Pankaj Tripathi and added Tamannaah Bhatia and Varun Dhawan in pivotal roles.

Behind the scenes, the sequel witnessed script rewrites and production adjustments after Raj & DK departed the project due to creative rights disputes, leaving writer Niren Bhatt and director Kaushik to shape the screenplay.

Rich musical scores by Sachin-Jigar and precise cinematography elevated the film’s gripping atmosphere.

Rajkummar Rao’s Reflection and Fan Appreciation

Sharing nostalgic moments on Instagram, Rao highlighted the collective effort behind ‘Stree 2’s’ magic. His video featured cast reunions, behind-the-scenes fun, and fan interactions that contributed to the film’s lasting appeal. Acknowledging the audience as the film’s true heroes, Rao thanked viewers for their unwavering support and loyalty.

‘Thama’ Update and ‘Stree 3’ Tease

Excitement around ‘Thama,’ initially announced as part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, met with disappointment as producers confirmed the project is currently shelved. However, this news was overshadowed by the confirmation of ‘Stree 3,’ a much-awaited continuation to the hit franchise, which promises to release in 2027.

Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter, hopeful it will continue delivering the mix of scares and laughs that have become the franchise’s hallmark.

Looking Ahead: The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe Expands

‘Stree 2’s’ success has expanded the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), a cinematic world known for its innovative blending of Indian folklore and dark humor. The adjacent films like ‘Bhediya’ (2022) and ‘Munjya’ (2024) have enjoyed success, with ‘Stree 3’ expected to be the next major release.

This shared universe strategy creates anticipation for interconnected stories, character crossovers, and a new genre-defining experience in Indian cinema.

Sources: Economic Times, Times of India, IMDb

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