The Indian film industry is no stranger to fierce competition at the box office. While Stree 2 has dominated headlines and set new records with its extraordinary box office run, an impending clash looms on the horizon: Jr NTR’s highly anticipated Devara-Part 1. As Stree 2 enters its 37th day in theaters and continues to hold its strong position at the box office, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Devara-Part 1 can break the streak established by Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s horror-comedy sequel. The stakes are high for both films, and the outcome of this impending box-office duel could significantly impact not just the careers of the stars involved, but also the trajectory of the Hindi and Telugu film industries. When Stree 2 was released, there was already considerable hype surrounding the sequel, thanks to the success of the first film, Stree (2018), which was a sleeper hit. The sequel, directed by Amar Kaushik and featuring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao reprising their roles, managed to live up to expectations and quickly became a box-office juggernaut. By Day 37, Stree 2 had already surpassed all previous Hindi film records, emerging as the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time in India. Its total collection exceeded ₹500 crore, an achievement previously thought to be reserved for big-budget, star-driven films like Pathaan or Jawan. The film’s mix of horror, comedy, and a social message about gender dynamics resonated with audiences, helping it sustain momentum long after its release. The film’s box-office success has been fueled by word of mouth, positive reviews, and the strong chemistry between Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. While Stree 2 continues to enjoy packed theaters and substantial weekday collections, the looming release of Jr NTR’s Devara-Part 1 has raised questions about whether its box-office dominance will continue. The Telugu superstar’s upcoming action drama has already garnered massive attention, not just from his loyal fan base but also from cinephiles across the country. Jr NTR, whose full name is Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., is one of the biggest stars in the Telugu film industry. Known for his powerful performances and action-packed films, he has a massive fan base that transcends linguistic boundaries. His last release, RRR, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, was a worldwide sensation and created a new benchmark for Indian cinema globally. As a result, expectations are sky-high for his next project, Devara-Part 1, which marks his return to the big screen. Directed by Koratala Siva, Devara-Part 1 is the first installment of a two-part epic action drama set in a coastal backdrop. With its intense storyline, breathtaking visuals, and star-studded cast, including Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, the film is poised to be a major box-office contender. Given Jr NTR’s previous success and the scale of Devara-Part 1, the film is expected to open to blockbuster numbers, especially in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Stree 2 Box Office Collection Day 37: Can Jr NTR’s Devara-Part 1 break Shraddha Kapoor-Rajkummar Rao’s streak?
However, the big question is whether Devara-Part 1 can replicate that success on a pan-Indian level, breaking Stree 2’s box office dominance across the Hindi-speaking belt. While Jr NTR’s massive fan following is sure to drive large opening weekend numbers, the challenge will be to sustain those collections and appeal to the wider Hindi-speaking audience. One of the key reasons for Stree 2’s continued success is its ability to cater to a wide range of audiences. The film blends humor, horror, and social commentary in a way that appeals to both multiplex audiences and single-screen theatergoers. Moreover, its core themes of empowerment and its portrayal of gender dynamics give it a cultural resonance that extends beyond entertainment. Shraddha Kapoor’s enigmatic portrayal of the titular character and Rajkummar Rao’s effortless transition between comedy and emotional depth have also been critical in keeping audiences engaged. The film’s unexpected plot twists, the strong ensemble cast, and its unique take on the horror-comedy genre have all contributed to its sustained popularity. Even after 37 days at the box office, Stree 2 continues to pull in audiences, especially during weekends and holidays. This kind of longevity is rare in the age of digital platforms, where films are often forgotten after a few weeks of theatrical release. The film’s continued success speaks to its broad appeal and the strength of its storytelling. While Devara-Part 1 is one of the most anticipated films of the year, several factors will play a role in determining whether it can dethrone Stree 2 as the highest-grossing film in India. While Jr NTR is a massive star in the Telugu film industry, his appeal in the Hindi-speaking belt will be crucial for Devara-Part 1’s box-office success. While RRR helped boost his visibility across India, Devara-Part 1 will need to establish its own connection with Hindi-speaking audiences, especially those who might not be as familiar with Telugu cinema. One of the reasons Stree 2 has performed so well is its engaging and relatable storyline. For Devara-Part 1 to succeed at the same level, it will need to offer more than just action and spectacle. Audiences have become more discerning, especially in the post-pandemic era, where content-driven films have often outperformed star-studded blockbusters. Despite being in its fifth week, Stree 2 still has a solid presence in theaters. Its continued box-office dominance could pose a challenge to Devara-Part 1, especially if it retains a large share of the screens in key regions. Moreover, Stree 2’s ongoing popularity means that Devara-Part 1 will face stiff competition for audience attention. Given the success of RRR, expectations for Devara-Part 1 are extraordinarily high. Jr NTR fans and cinema enthusiasts alike are expecting the film to deliver not just in terms of action but also in storytelling and emotional depth. Meeting these expectations will be crucial to the film’s box-office performance. While it is too early to predict whether Devara-Part 1 will break the streak of Stree 2, the film certainly has the potential to be a massive success.