Stree (2018 film)

**Stree (2018 film)** is a Hindi-language comedy horror film that blends scares with satire. It marks the directorial debut of Amar Kaushik and was produced by Dinesh Vijan, with Raj & DK serving as writers and producers. The story draws loosely from the Kannada urban legend *Naale Baa* (“come tomorrow”), flipping the usual horror trope by making men the targets of a vengeful female spirit. The cast includes Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee.

Raj & DK first approached Rao in late November 2017 to star in what would become their debut production as a duo, though they had previously produced *Shor Se Shuruaat* (2015) and *99* (2009). To play a tailor, Rao learned to sew, with a tailor visiting him daily for 20 days. Kapoor was confirmed as the female lead the following month. Kaushik, who had served as an assistant director on Vijan’s *Go Goa Gone* (2013), was brought on to direct in January 2018, making his directorial debut. Principal photography began on 13 January 2018 in Chanderi, with additional shooting in Bhopal and Mumbai. The final schedule wrapped in May 2018. The soundtrack was composed by Sachin–Jigar, regular collaborators of Raj & DK, with lyrics by Vayu, Badshah, and Jigar Saraiya. For a fresh sound, the background score was handled by Ketan Sodha instead of Sachin–Jigar.

The film was released worldwide on 31 August 2018 to positive reviews. Made on a budget of ₹23–25 crore, it grossed over ₹180.76 crore, becoming a major box-office success. At the 64th Filmfare Awards, it earned 10 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Kaushik), Best Actor (Rao), and Best Supporting Actor (for both Khurana and Tripathi), winning Best Debut Director for Kaushik. *Stree* is the first installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, followed by *Bhediya* (2022), *Munjya* (2024), and *Thamma* (2025). Its sequel, *Stree 2*, released on Independence Day 2024, also achieved major commercial success.

**Plot** In the town of Chanderi, a legend tells of Stree, a spirit who abducts men during a four-day annual festival, leaving only their clothes behind. To stay safe, townsfolk write “O Stree Kal Aana” (“O Stree, come tomorrow”) on their walls, and men avoid going out after 10 PM. Vicky, a ladies’ tailor, meets a mysterious woman who asks him to stitch a lehenga. He becomes infatuated, but his fri