Stree

Stree is a unique blend of comedy and horror, a genre that explores the balance between subtle humor and riveting fright. The film was released in 2018 and features the sterling performances of Ashish Chhipa, Rajkummar Rao, and the versatile Shraddha Kapoor. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the movie is a well-crafted blend of folklore and contemporary social issues with a great mix of spooky vibes and laughter.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the small town of Chanderi, located in the heart of India. The riveting narrative introduces us to the folklore of a female ghost 'Stree' who haunts the town and its people once a year during a festive period. This folklore has its roots deep-seated in the town's history and is a prominent part of the town's culture. What is interesting is how the townsfolk react to the legend and the measures they take to protect themselves from the wrath of the 'Stree'.

In this unique setting, we are introduced to Vicky (played by Rajkummar Rao), a gifted local tailor who is highly popular for his exquisite tailoring skills. Proud of his artistry, Vicky passionately practices his craft and is often showered with blessings and fondly called "Bicky Please" by the townsfolk. His life takes an intriguing turn when he comes across a mysterious girl (portrayed by Shraddha Kapoor) during the town's annual festivities. There is something different about her, something intriguing and captivating that pulls Vicky towards her, creating compelling dynamics between them.

Ashish Chhipa too has a substantial role in the film. He, alongside Rao, provides ample comic relief, while adeptly adding to the horror undertone of the film with unmistakably remarkable performances. Together, they form a group with other friends which becomes integral to the storyline. The way they interact with each other, freak out over supernatural incidences, and simultaneously live their mundane lives forms one of the most engaging aspects of the film.

Stree excels in using witty humor seamlessly embroiled with horror, avoiding the often-found slapstick comedy of Bollywood horror-comedies. The humor doesn't distract from the spooky moments; instead, it complements the eerie atmosphere, thereby creating a storyline that thoroughly entertains and keeps the audience at the edge of their seats.

Additionally, the fact that Stree is based on a ridiculed social myth helps the storyline to transcend the walls of mere horror-comedy. While unfolding exciting and comic chapters of the plot, the film metaphorically addresses the deeply rooted sexist biases in society. It takes a literal horror-comedy platform to comment on the 'real horror' of how society treats women, making the movie a potent social critique.

The cinematography plays a crucial role in imparting distinct vibes to the movie. Beautiful wide shots of the ancient town of Chanderi are interspersed with close, intense shots that underline the suspense and the horror. The movie employs unique camera techniques and dark and eerie tones, making an audience almost feel a part of the haunted town itself.

In terms of performances, Stree showcases the versatility in acting prowess of all the key characters. Rajkummar Rao brings out the simplistic nuances of a small-town guy to his character with ease, complementing the character's complexity, while Shraddha Kapoor delightfully shrouds her character in mystery, keeping the audience guessing. Ashis Chhipa masters his comic timing and counters the horror element in the film with an appreciable efficiency.

The movie also incorporates an impactful musical score by composers Sachin-Jigar. The movie's music isn't just about complementing the scene or the situation but ingeniously plays a part in the storytelling.

To sum it up, Stree is a successful attempt at genre-bending filmmaking, blending horror and comedy with a much-needed feminist accent. It is an entertaining ride with several jumps, screams, and laughs. Though dark and eerie at moments, it lightens the mood with its humor component and binds the audience till the end with its thrill, intrigue, and sublime message. It propels us to think even while making us laugh and fear, making it a must-watch for the ardent fans of both Horror and Comedy genres.