With horror comedy Stree 2 emerging as the year’s biggest Bollywood blockbuster, the film’s writer Niren Bhatt talked to us about writing in his favourite genres, his inspirations and his upcoming screenplay that is a spinoff in the Stree universe with Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead.

Stree 2 has turned out to be the year’s biggest box office hit in Hindi cinema. How is it feeling?

Niren Bhatt: The respect that I am receiving from everyone has increased. It would be more tangible once I get more money! (Laughs) Right now it’s just appreciation and good wishes from people from all around the world… friends, family, classmates and even acquaintances. I have also gained newfound respect in the filmmaking industry. As we speak, I’m returning from Whistling Woods International where Subhash Ghai sir lauded my film.

What were the biggest challenges you faced while writing Stree 2?

Niren Bhatt: The biggest challenge was the fact that the film was a sequel to a much-loved film. There was a demand for a sequel to Stree (2018) from fans and viewers, so the expectations were really high and so was the pressure.

Both the films took a stand on patriarchy that struck a chord with people? How was this theme treated differently in Stree 2?

Niren Bhatt: This was done through rich text metaphors. This time around we were equipped with VFX and so created Sarkata, who is the embodiment of patriarchy. The concept of ‘Ardhanarishwar’ where Shiva and Shakti come together to combat evil was also integrated. However, these elements were kept in the background while the comedy and horror were at the forefront.

We tried to present the worst form of patriarchy, which Sarkata represented through his ugly appearance. He had once been the head of the town from which the city of Chanderi got its name. He was the living embodiment of every possible form of evil which constantly subjugated the female. The women in his world are stripped off their hair and colourful clothing; they are clad in white in his absurd version of the female.

Does blending comedy and horror come naturally to you?

Niren Bhatt: It does become difficult to balance slapstick comedy with genuine horror for a scene to feel honest. The director needs to be really careful. The horror we provide is one designed for families to come and watch. It is not the hardcore, gory horror meant for horror fanatics. We aren’t trying to make anything mentally disturbing. We wish to give some jumpscares and blend some comedy to make a family entertainer.

How has it been working with Rajkummar Rao?

Niren Bhatt: He has always been a great actor. Even when I worked with him in Made In China, he would improvise a lot; he did that in this one too.

You’ve written a variety of shows and films like Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma, Bala, Bhediya, Munjya and Asur. What genre excites you the most?

Niren Bhatt: These are the genres I am comfortable with. I’ve written thrillers and action films, some drama and horror too. I have written films across genres and that is what excites me the most. If there is a new genre, it is a new challenge for me and I am out of my comfort zone. I just try to keep writing better each time.

Which authors and filmmakers inspire you?

Niren Bhatt: I get inspiration from a lot of films. The list is endless. When it comes to horror, I’m a big fan of Stephen King. I’ve read all his novels. I’ve read plenty of graphic novels, comics and manga. I read a lot of Haruki Murakami. Salman Rushdie’s novels are also my favourites. I read across genres. In cinema, too, I read a lot of screenplays and watch a lot of films. I’m really fond of (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice director) Tim Burton’s works and I drew from him while creating Sarkata.

Is Akshay Kumar returning in the next Stree film?

Niren Bhatt: I haven’t written anything. But of course there’s a possibility because of the final scene in Stree 2. Only when I write will things become more concrete.

How did screenwriting happen to you?

Niren Bhatt: It was a matter of progression for me. I have been a playwright since school and college. When I took up a corporate job, I was a commercial creator in Vadodara. I slowly moved to television and then regional films.

What is next in the pipeline for you?

Niren Bhatt: I’m working on a vampire spinoff in the Stree universe where the protagonist will be played by Ayushmann Khurrana. We’re all very pumped about it!