Vicky Kaushal Reflects on ‘Regrets’ Over Rejecting Role in Hit Film ‘Stree’

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/26th August 2024

The success of “Stree 2,” featuring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, has been a significant box office triumph. The sequel to the 2018 hit “Stree” has not only resonated with audiences but has also surpassed expectations, grossing an impressive Rs 386 crore in India and exceeding Rs 500 crore worldwide within just 11 days. The film has solidified Rajkummar Rao’s status as a leading actor in Bollywood, building on the success of his role as ‘Vicky’ in the original film.

Interestingly, the role of ‘Vicky’ in “Stree” was initially offered to Vicky Kaushal. However, Kaushal chose to turn down the opportunity in favor of starring in “Manmarziyaan.” Reflecting on this decision during an appearance on ‘Vogue BFFs,’ Kaushal admitted to regretting his choice. While his performance and distinct blue-hair look in “Manmarziyaan” received praise, the film itself did not fare well at the box office.

In contrast, “Stree” emerged as a game-changer for Rajkummar Rao, who was widely lauded for his performance. The success of the original film paved the way for the much-anticipated sequel, “Stree 2,” which has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Rao expressed his delight at the film’s remarkable performance, noting that the numbers have far exceeded their expectations. He attributed the success to the strong fan following established by the first film and the content-driven nature of the sequel.

“Stree 2” features a robust ensemble cast including Shraddha Kapoor, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee, and Pankaj Tripathi, along with notable cameos from Varun Dhawan and Akshay Kumar. Directed by Amar Kaushik, known for his work on films like “Bala” and “Stree,” the sequel has continued to captivate audiences and perform exceptionally well at the box office.

Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal is gearing up for a new project that has been generating considerable buzz. He is set to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the upcoming film “Chhaava.” The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, who is known for hits like “Mimi” and “Luka Chuppi,” has already created a stir with its recently released teaser. Scheduled for release on December 6, “Chhaava” also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta in significant roles. The teaser was first showcased before “Stree 2,” adding to the excitement surrounding Kaushal’s portrayal of the iconic historical figure.

Despite the regret over missing out on “Stree,” Vicky Kaushal’s forthcoming role in “Chhaava” is eagerly anticipated, promising to bring a new dimension to his acting career. The film’s buzz and Kaushal’s dynamic performance are expected to make it a noteworthy release later this year.