Mumbai: The buzz around Stree 2 is unstoppable. In just 7 days, the film starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao has raked in an impressive Rs 274.35 crore and is well on its way to crossing the Rs 300 crore mark. The latter half of 2024 has begun with a bang for Bollywood, and Stree 2 is leading the charge. However, the film’s success isn’t just due to Shraddha Kapoor—it’s the entire cast and crew, whose perfect comedic timing has left audiences in splits.
Beyond the main cast, Stree 2 also features exciting cameos from big names like Akshay Kumar and Varun Dhawan. Akshay Kumar appears briefly, guiding the characters to Sarkate, while Varun Dhawan, reprising his role as Bhediya, connects the film to the larger supernatural universe that includes Stree and Bhediya. But one cameo, in particular, has caught everyone’s attention—Tamannaah Bhatia’s role as Shama, which goes beyond just an item number.
Tamannaah Bhatia’s High-Priced Cameo
Tamannaah Bhatia’s appearance in Stree 2 is a highlight, especially her performance in the song “Tonight, Enjoy the Beauty.” The song, which was released before the film hit theaters, has already garnered 11.9 crore views on YouTube and continues to trend at number four. Sung by Madhubanti Bagchi and Divya Kumar, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and music by Sachin-Jigar, the track has become an instant hit.
According to media reports, Tamannaah was paid Rs 1 crore for this special appearance—a fee that reflects the increased budget for her song. In fact, the budget for this song was raised by 300% compared to the first installment of Stree, indicating the makers’ commitment to making it a standout moment in the film.
The Role of Item Songs in Stree 2
Item songs have long been a staple in Bollywood, and Stree 2 is no exception. However, what sets Tamannaah’s appearance apart is that her role is more than just a dance number. Her character, Shama, is integral to the plot. She has a connection with Pankaj Tripathi’s character, who plays Shama’s moth in the film. Tamannaah’s entry occurs when she needs to summon Sarkata, and her performance ends with a twist as Sarkata kidnaps Shama along with other girls from Chanderi.
Comparing with Nora Fatehi’s Performance in Stree (2018)
The original Stree, released in 2018, also featured a special item song—Kamariya—performed by Nora Fatehi. The song became a massive hit, amassing 371 million views on YouTube. At the time, Nora Fatehi was reportedly paid Rs 25 lakh for her 3-minute appearance, a fee that pales in comparison to Tamannaah’s Rs 1 crore payday for Stree 2. Despite the smaller budget, Nora’s performance in Kamariya was highly appreciated and helped set the standard for special songs in Bollywood.
A New Standard for Item Songs
The trend of item songs in Bollywood is nothing new, but Stree 2 takes it a step further by integrating the song into the storyline, giving Tamannaah Bhatia’s role more depth and significance. This decision has been well-received by audiences, who appreciate the connection between Shama and Pankaj Tripathi’s character. What initially seemed like just another item song turned out to be a pivotal moment in the film, enhancing the overall narrative.
As Stree 2 continues to dominate the box office, the success of Tamannaah Bhatia’s performance and the increased budget for her song underscore the evolving nature of Bollywood’s approach to special appearances and item numbers.
