The anticipation for Stree 3 has been building ever since Stree 2 became a massive success, earning six times its budget. If you're anything like me, the first thought that probably crossed your mind was, "How long will we have to wait for the next part?" After all, it took a full six years to move from Stree 1 to Stree 2. But here's some great news: you won't have to wait nearly as long for Stree 3!
The Wait is Almost Over
In a rare move for Bollywood, the makers of Stree were already confident about the success of Stree 2 while they were shooting it. Director and writer Amar Kaushik, whose mind was racing with ideas, began planning the third installment even before the second film hit the screens. In fact, Kaushik revealed in an interview that he had already finished writing Stree 3 before Stree 2 was released. This pre-planning means the gap between the two films will be much shorter.
So, how short exactly? Well, Stree 3 is set to grace the big screens in 2025, just one year after Stree 2! This is thrilling news for fans like us who can't wait to see where the story goes next.
Building a Horror Universe
One of the reasons I'm so excited about Stree 3 is the broader horror universe it’s helping to build. If you're a fan of this genre, you'll know that Maddock Films, the production company behind Stree, has been releasing two movies a year that are interconnected within this universe. In 2024, we saw the release of Munja and Stree 2. Similarly, in 2025, we can look forward to Thama, starring Ayushmann Khurrana as a vampire, and then Bhediya 2, with Varun Dhawan reprising his role.
But here's where it gets even more interesting. Rumor has it that Shraddha Kapoor's character from Stree will make a special appearance in Bhediya 2. This crossover isn't just a cameo; it's setting the stage for the grand reveal in Stree 3. The makers are clearly building towards something huge, and it’s amazing to see this level of planning and interconnected storytelling in Indian cinema.
A Bigger, Better, and Scarier Stree 3
Given the massive success of Stree 2, the makers are not holding back with Stree 3. The budget for this film is expected to be double that of its predecessor, with plans to enhance the visual effects and make the CGI characters like Munja, the headless horseman, and Bhediya even more realistic. This investment will likely push the film’s budget into the Rs. 100 crore range, making it one of the biggest horror films ever made in India.
But it’s not just about the money. The third installment will feature multiple characters from different timelines within the Stree universe, promising a more complex and layered storyline. The filmmakers are planning a cinematic event that could see Stree 3 setting new records, aiming for a Rs. 1000 crore box office haul.
Star-Studded Surprises
And now, for the big surprises. Rumors suggest that two of Bollywood’s most talented actors, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, might make cameo appearances in Stree 3. If this happens, it would be a casting coup that could take the film to an entirely new level. Director Amar Kaushik has reportedly hinted at including references from Ranbir’s past films like Rockstar and Animal, which would tie into the storyline of Stree 3.
Vicky Kaushal, who has already worked with Maddock Films on the upcoming Chhava, is also expected to have a significant role in this universe. Even if it’s just a cameo, his presence would undoubtedly add to the film's appeal.
The Return of Akshay Kumar
Last but certainly not least, Akshay Kumar, who made a surprise cameo in Stree 2, is expected to have a much larger role in Stree 3. In fact, it’s said that his character could be central to the plot, with nearly equal screen time as Shraddha Kapoor’s character. This shift would introduce a "men vs. Stree" angle to the film, making it even more intense and terrifying.
As a fan, I’m thrilled to see how Stree 3 will unfold. The return of Akshay Kumar in a bigger role is exciting, and the potential inclusion of Ranbir and Vicky has only increased my anticipation. With Thama and Bhediya 2 also on the horizon, 2025 and 2026 are shaping up to be blockbuster years for the horror genre.
Get Ready for 2026
So, mark your calendars for 2026, because Stree 3 is set to hit the theaters in August. This time, the makers are planning an even grander release, aiming to make August 15th synonymous with the return of Shraddha Kapoor’s iconic character. The long weekend release date, combined with the hype around the film, could make it a record-breaking event.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Stree universe or just love a good horror film, Stree 3 is one movie you won’t want to miss. The wait may be long, but with everything that’s in store, it will undoubtedly be worth it. So, get ready for some spine-chilling scares and a cinematic experience like no other!