'Stree 3' to release in 2028; Amar Kaushik has completed script: Dinesh Vijan

The third instalment of the "Stree" franchise will hit theatres in 2028, with director Amar Kaushik having already completed the script, producer Dinesh Vijan said on Wednesday.

Vijan made the announcement on the second day of FICCI FRAMES, while revealing that Kaushik will first direct the upcoming mythological drama "Mahavatar", starring Vicky Kaushal as Bhagwan Parshuram.

"Amar Kaushik is most integral part of ‘Stree’ and horror-comedy franchise. He directs our most ambitious film in January end, which is, Bhagwan Parshuram story, called, ‘Mahavatar’. He finishes that in June and end of next year, we go on floors (for 'Stree 3'),” Vijan said.

Kaushik, he added, has already finished writing the third chapter, but details of the story are being kept under wraps.

"So, ‘Stree 3’ arrives in 2028. If I say anything more, he will be upset. He has finished writing it. He thinks I give out too many spoilers but everything you’ve loved about it, you will get it. But where it starts and ends, will be a complete revelation. It might be a nice Independence Day or Christmas present in 2028," Vijan said.

"Stree", released in 2018, was an instant hit and became the starting point of Vijan's horror-comedy universe, which has since expanded to include films such as "Roohi", "Bhediya", "Munjya", "Stree 2" and "Thamma".

Rajkummar Rao, who has played the lead in the "Stree" films, recalled how the franchise began as a relatively small independent production before turning into one of Hindi cinema's successful film series.

"We had great faith on the story and the way Amar was on the set. He is hilarious... I think that camaraderie and energy is visible on screen. And that was happened on ‘Stree 2’," Rao said.

He also recalled Kaushik's reaction when the first film began performing strongly at the box office.

"When ‘Stree’ started making that kind of number, like it did Rs 70 to 75 crores and Amar was nervous. I said, ‘It is a good thing’ but he was like, ‘This is happening with just my first film’, and I said, ‘It is great, people are loving it’. I think the kind of love we got for ‘Stree’ was insane," Rao said.

According to Rao, Kaushik was better prepared for the huge success of "Stree 2", which further cemented the franchise's popularity.