Stree 2 is the sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy Stree and the fourth film in the Maddock Supernatural Universe. The other films in this franchise include Bhediya (2022) and Munjya (2024). At one point, even Roohi (2021) was part of this universe, though it seemed unconnected to the other characters, with Rajkummar Rao playing a different role from his character in the Stree movies. With Stree 2 poised to be a bumper box office hit, we are witnessing the further expansion of this cinematic universe, which Stree 2 hints at through its end-credit scenes. (Psst... there are two of them!). ‘Stree 2’ Movie Review: A Stellar Rajkummar Rao and a ‘Massy’ Shraddha Kapoor Are Electrifying Together in This ‘Laughs & Spooks’-Packed Sequel.

Directed by Amar Kaushik, Stree 2 brings back the main cast from the original, including Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana. Tamannaah Bhatia makes a cameo appearance as a dancer who turns out to be Rudra's (Tripathi) girlfriend and becomes Sarkata’s kidnapped victim. While Tamannaah's cameo was revealed in the trailer, there are two other significant cameos in Stree 2, which have repercussions for the franchise, particularly in the post-credit scenes.

**Spoilers ahead! Proceed with caution.**

Bhediya Teases 'Vampires of Vijay Nagar'

The first post-credit scene appears just as the credits start rolling. It’s an extension of the post-credit scene from Munjya. We see Jana (Abhishek Banerjee) walking through a forest, holding a 'Munni' underwear, and calling out for Bhasker, who is hiding naked behind a rock. Given the context of Stree 2's climax, we now understand this scene occurs after Bhasker helps Vicky and the nameless character, played by Shraddha Kapoor, defeat Sarkata in his werewolf form. (It’s clear Dhawan wasn't present with the other cast members during those climactic moments.)

This time, no Munjya is jumping into the frame, so we see more of Jana and Bhasker’s banter that wasn't there in Munjya's post-credit scene. Jana tells Bhasker he wants to go to Delhi with him, but Bhasker warns him of the dangers in the city, mentioning rumours of a mysterious entity puncturing people's necks and drinking their blood. Bhasker also pesters Jana about Shraddha’s character, having developed an attraction to her, though Jana remains loyal to Vicky. As they continue their banter, the camera pans up ominously before the scene cuts to the song "Aai Nai." The "Khoobsoorat" song plays after the second post-credit scene, which brings back Varun, Shraddha, Rajkummar, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana.

Watch the "Khoobsurat" Song:

If you’ve been following the news on Maddock Films’ plans to expand their cinematic universe, you may have heard rumours of a film called Vampires of Vijay Nagar. That’s exactly what Bhasker was warning Jana about. Reports suggest this horror-comedy might star Ayushmann Khurrana and Samantha, though no official announcement has been made. However, thanks to Stree 2's post-credit scene, we know that this film is indeed in the works and could be the next instalment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe. It also remains to be seen if Varun Dhawan's character will appear in this film, setting up a potential werewolf versus vampire rivalry. As for Bhediya 2, well, that’s still up in the air, though I personally enjoyed that movie.

Akshay Kumar as Stree 3's Villain?

The "Khoobsurat" song already teased that Varun Dhawan could appear in Stree 2, thanks to his existing connection to the franchise. However, unless you’re an avid Bollywood gossip reader, you might not know about Akshay Kumar’s cameo in the film. As usual, with his impeccable comic timing, Akshay steals the show when his character first appears in the second half, though he was teased earlier. He’s revealed as the person who had been sending mysterious letters to Rudra, warning him about Sarkata's arrival.

The writer turns out to be an inmate in a mental asylum, played by Akshay Kumar. While his character’s name isn’t clearly mentioned, he claims to be Sarkata’s descendant. However, he’s not quite sane and believes himself to be Shahjahan, seeking his Mumtaz. His royal delusions and the way he raises his hand against Jana (whom he thinks is possessed by Mumtaz) suggest he’s indeed a descendant of Sarkata, having inherited his misogynistic tendencies.

Akshay’s character provides crucial information on how to infiltrate Sarkata’s secret lair. However, it’s in the second post-credit scene where his true intentions are hinted at. After the "Aai Nai" song, a cloaked figure is seen standing in a dark chamber, gazing at a door that opens to reveal a cloth-covered vessel rolling towards him. The figure removes the cloth, revealing the lava in which Sarkata was melted during the climax. Mysterious powers emerge from the vessel and transfer to the figure, who is then revealed to be Akshay's character, thereby granting him superpowers.

Watch the Trailer of 'Stree 2':

This scene hints that Akshay Kumar could be the franchise’s next big villain, possibly in Stree 3, positioning him as the franchise’s equivalent of Thanos. It also casts his previous scene in a new light. Did he help the heroes defeat Sarkata so he could obtain the powers? Where is this dark chamber, and why was the lava kept in a kalash? While we initially thought the cloaked figure seen by Vicky in Chanderi was either Sarkata or Shraddha’s character, it now seems more likely it was Akshay’s character in disguise. What’s his... endgame?

We certainly hope the filmmakers bring back Akshay Kumar as the antagonist in Stree 3 and bring in heroes from the other films, like Abhay Verma and Sharvari from Munjya, Varun Dhawan from Bhediya, and possibly Ayushmann’s Vampire. This could lead to an Avengers: Endgame-style showdown in the franchise! What do you think, readers?

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2024 01:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).