The year 2023 marked a significant change in Bollywood, with four films—Pathaan, Gadar 2, Jawan, and Animal—each crossing the Rs. 500 crore milestone at the domestic box office. A closer look at these movies reveals a common thread: highly masculine protagonists featuring large-scale action and machismo, which Ormax Media identified as the archetype for successful post-pandemic films. Yet, Stree 2 has defied this formula, achieving even greater success with a relatable, grounded approach to storytelling and character portrayal.

The protagonists in 2023’s blockbuster films follow a pattern that centers on certain personality traits. Based on an Ormax Media analysis, this archetype embodies traits from Jennifer Aaker’s Brand Personality Framework, focusing on dimensions like Excitement and Ruggedness. For instance, key characters in Pathaan, Gadar 2, Jawan, and Animal share traits such as Daring, Spirited, and Cool, as well as Rugged, Confident, and Glamorous. This formula has consistently appealed to audiences post-pandemic, reinforcing the idea that high-intensity, action-driven narratives drive viewers to theaters.

Stree 2, however, challenges this established norm. Featuring Rajkummar Rao as Vicky and Shraddha Kapoor as Stree, the film’s lead characters break away from the traditional Bollywood “hero” image. Vicky’s defining traits—Funny, Friendly, Honest, Emotional, and Caring—mark a stark departure from the Rugged and Daring protagonists seen in 2023. According to Ormax Media, Vicky’s relatability and emotional depth resonate with audiences seeking more than larger-than-life action heroes.

Despite lacking the typical Bollywood action appeal, Stree 2 has seen immense success, nearing Rs. 600 crore in domestic box office collections. The film’s success demonstrates that audiences are receptive to diverse narratives, even those devoid of the Excitement and Ruggedness archetypes. By highlighting Vicky’s humorous, emotional, and caring traits, Stree 2 proves that relatability can drive theatrical success just as much as machismo.

Stree 2’s performance suggests a potential shift in Bollywood’s approach, where character depth and unique storylines could draw as much attention as traditional action heroes. As Ormax’s analysis highlights, audiences’ tastes may be evolving, leaving room for films that break the conventional molds of heroism and masculinity.

Credit: This article is based on information from Ormax Media and Jennifer Aaker’s Brand Personality Framework.

Key Highlights:

1. Stree 2 challenges the traditional blockbuster archetype by featuring relatable, grounded characters.
2. Films like Pathaan and Gadar 2 followed a formula high on action and masculinity, a trend Stree 2 defies with immense success.
3. Ormax Media’s analysis using Aaker’s Brand Personality Framework illustrates how Stree 2 resonates with a different set of audience values, emphasizing emotional depth over action.