In the rapidly evolving landscape of Hindi cinema, the status of heroines has risen significantly. Today, actresses are not just performing but also producing major films. They command the box office and have the capability to drive a film’s success single-handedly. Currently, ‘Stree 2’ is reigning supreme at the box office. While the film features exceptional actors like Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana, it’s the conversations surrounding Shraddha Kapoor that dominate the discourse. Whether it’s confronting monsters or skillfully wielding her long braid to deliver dramatic effects, Shraddha has brilliantly showcased her character to the audience.
This film has grossed an impressive ₹424 crores at the box office, marking it as one of the biggest hits of 2024. ‘Stree 2’ has outperformed films featuring major stars like Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar that released this year. When it comes to female-led films, Shraddha’s performance has overshadowed those of other leading actresses like Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut, and Kareena Kapoor Khan. However, to dethrone Deepika Padukone from her pedestal, ‘Stree 2’ needs to show even greater strength. According to reports from Sacnilk, ‘Stree 2’ has achieved a staggering ₹424.05 crores in just 14 days in India. Yet, Deepika holds three significant records that ‘Stree 2’ must challenge to claim dominance.
Records to Break: The Challenge Ahead
First Record: The ₹1000 Crore Milestone
Deepika Padukone has created an unprecedented legacy by having three major films consecutively cross the ₹1000 crore mark at the box office. These films—’Pathaan’, ‘Jawan’, and ‘Kalki 2898 AD’—represent a monumental achievement in her career and are the cornerstones of her illustrious journey in Bollywood. No other actress has come close to replicating this feat. Therefore, for Shraddha, the immediate goal should be to elevate the earnings of ‘Stree 2’ to the ₹1000 crore club.
Second Record: A Place in Major Franchises
Deepika Padukone is an integral part of two renowned cinematic universes: the YRF Spy Universe and the Cop Universe. Her association with the YRF Spy Universe became particularly notable after she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Pathaan’, marking her first film that grossed over ₹1000 crores. Additionally, she is set to showcase her police avatar in the upcoming film ‘Singham Again’ directed by Rohit Shetty. On the other hand, Shraddha Kapoor has yet to be a part of either of these franchises. For her to compete at the same level, she needs to secure a role in such prominent cinematic universes.
Third Record: Diversifying Her Filmography
Deepika has elevated her status not just through romance and dance but also with action-packed performances. Her role in ‘Pathaan’ showcased powerful fight sequences, dramatically reshaping her on-screen persona. While Deepika began her career with a blockbuster debut, Shraddha’s initial outing did not resonate as strongly with audiences. To ascend to the upper echelons of success, Shraddha must significantly increase the number of hits in her filmography and seek high-quality projects that align with her evolving presence.
Conclusion
While ‘Stree 2’ has made remarkable strides in the box office, the challenge to surpass Deepika Padukone’s records looms large. It is a testament to the changing dynamics of Bollywood where female leads are increasingly gaining prominence. For Shraddha Kapoor, the endeavor to not only match but exceed these benchmarks will require strategic choices in film selection, performance diversity, and perhaps a foray into significant franchises. The landscape is set for an exhilarating evolution in Hindi cinema, making it a thrilling experience for audiences and aspiring actresses alike.
