Bollywood star Rajkummar Rao, currently basking in the success of “Stree 2,” has credited “Bareilly Ki Barfi” with giving his career a significant boost. In a podcast with an Indian YouTuber, Rao revealed that the film earned him widespread appreciation and marked a turning point in his acting career.
“Before ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi,’ people mainly saw me in dramatic and serious roles. This film demonstrated my ability to do comedy and make people laugh, which led to roles like in ‘Stree,’” the actor explained. “’Bareilly Ki Barfi’ was a game-changer for me and opened new avenues in my career.”
Rao also mentioned that the audience embraced his character, Pritam, which led to the creation of fan clubs dedicated to him. “Many fan groups, like the Pritam Vidrohi clubs, emerged, highlighting how well-received the character was,” he added. In 2024, Rao appeared in three films: “Srikanth,” “Mr and Mrs Mahi,” and “Stree 2.” In the latter, he and Shraddha Kapoor return with their charming and quirky roles, recreating the magic of their first collaboration.
Released on August 15, the comedy-horror film faced competition from “Vedaa” and “Khel Khel Mein,” but emerged as the box office favorite, surpassing INR 300 crore domestically and INR 400 crore globally. The sequel continues the story a few years after the original, set in Chanderi, where the townspeople once again grapple with the mysterious disappearances of men during the Stree festival.
The film builds on the mythology of the first installment, adding new twists and turns that keep viewers engaged. It skillfully balances comedy and horror, ensuring that it never leans too heavily in either direction.
