stree script 1

STREE
WRITTEN BY
RAJ & DK
(C) D2R FILMS 2018
ii.
based on a ridiculously true phenomenon




NARROW LANES OF A SMALL TOWN - NIGHT

HER POV

As She glides through the empty lanes of the eerily silent

town -- in the dead of the night, everyone asleep inside the

four walls of their homes -- glancing left and right at the

walls of the houses.

Each of the houses has a strange inscription written in red

paste on the wall: O Stree, Kal Aana (Oh Lady, Come

Tomorrow).

She pauses at the corner as She hears a rustle.

Beat.

Suddenly -- a howling dog darts across the street and

scurries into the bushes.

She glides along.

She passes a house that seems to have no inscription. She

does a double-take -- as if to make sure She’s seeing it

right. No inscription.

She lunges towards the gate.

BACKYARD - NIGHT

A SLEEPY GUY steps out to go to the loo located in the far

corner of the yard.

As he sleepily wobbles across --

HER VOICE

(soft, hushed)

Prakash...

He stops dead in his tracks. WTF was that?!

Without daring to look back, he begins to walk briskly.

Again --

HER VOICE

(soft, but firmer)

Prakaaasshh...

He slows down and stops. Scared but curious. Should he turn

around and see?

A third time -- seductive, irresistible --

HER VOICE

Prakaaaassshhhh...

Beat.

stree script 2

2.

HER POV

Prakash slowly turns and looks at her (us).

At first he’s scared. Then the fear turns into curiosity,

which then melts away, like he is seeing a beautiful woman.

Beat.

Suddenly his expression turns into horror! And he lets out a

bone-chilling cry, as She lunges at his horrified face!

CUT TO BLACK:

STREE

MORPH TO:

EXT. HOUSE IN A NARROW LANE - MORNING

The title morphs to the writing on a wall: O Stree, Kal Aana

SUPER: Based on a ridiculous phenomenon

The WATCHMAN -- an old man who has spent his life guarding

the old town -- finishes writing the inscription on the

compound wall with his worn-out brush.

Gets up -- drags his chair to the next house.

A line of houses behind him have freshly painted inscription.

OPENING TITLES APPEAR OVER --

THE SMALL TOWN AND ITS ENVIRONMENT - DAY

The town is getting decked up. Banners go up announcing

various activities for the puja. People are getting ready for

the annual weeklong festivities for the Gram Devta.

CREEK - MORNING

Scenic. Serene.

A pair of Reebok sneakers pound the ground.

In complete contrast with the surroundings, dressed in fancy

shorts and sporty tee, headphones pumping music in his ears,

VICKY is out on his morning jog.

-- He jogs past buffaloes.

-- jumps expertly over chickens running helter-skelter.

stree script 3

3.

-- dodges and avoids being splashed by a woman washing her

front yard.

-- NCC Cadets are running/training in a ground, but nowhere

close to his style.

-- He greets the bewildered townsfolk with ‘What up!’ or a

'Later Alligator’ as they go about their daily grind.

All without breaking his style. In short — he’s too cool for

this simple town!

OPENING TITLES COME TO AN END.

EXT. VICKY’S HOUSE

Vicky returns from his jog -- about to enter his gate, sees

the Watchman approaching.

VICKY

Hello Chacha. You’re at it again?

Going around town conning the

idiots?

WATCHMAN

Vicky-babu, it’s not too late yet..

(points to the bucket of

red ink)

This ink has been made from bat’s

bones and an albino crow’s pee.

This time I have also mixed in some

ashes from devta’s temple. She will

not dare enter any house with the

message written with this special

ink.

(beat)

Listen to me.. Let me write on your

wall.

VICKY

Don’t you dare touch my wall!

WATCHMAN

Yours is the only house with no

inscription in this lane. You know

what that means, right?

(beat)

When She enters this lane, she will

have no choice but your house.

Guaranteed entry!

VICKY

Tell your bullshit stories to these

foolish people with small-town

mentality. You wondered why this

never happens in big cities?

Because it’s just faltu

superstition!

stree script 4

4.

WATCHMAN

So you are willing to risk your

life for a mere hundred rupees?

VICKY

No. I am willing to stand by my

belief and not let old men con me.

WATCHMAN

Your loss. Don’t come running to me

when She takes you away!

Vicky scoffs.

NEIGHBOUR AUNTY calls out for the Watchman --

AUNTY

Chacha, don’t forget my wall..

(pointing to the fading

inscription on her wall)

It’s fading. I’m not sure she will

be able to read it.

WATCHMAN

Ji, madam.

Thw Watchman walks over. Aunty hands a cup of chai.

AUNTY

I have made some chai for you.

WATCHMAN

Arre no madam. I have had a dozen

teas since morning!

AUNTY

Arre have one more. And make sure

you have written it bold and clear.

(adds)

I want to make sure she gets the

message.

Vicky shakes his head at this charade and enters his house.

The wall of his house remains blank. An Eerie feel.

EXT. TAILORING SHOP - DAY

Board proclaims: MODREN LADIES TAILOR.

Styling independent women. Since independence (1947).

Women of various sizes and ages are milling about the shop.

It’s rush hour at the shop. In contrast, the other shops

around the area are dead.

Vicky cycles up to his shop. Sees the rush -- a few women

light up at his sight -- he expertly turns the cycle, peddles

around the block and gets to the back entrance.

stree script 5

5.

INT. TAILORING SHOP

The shop is even more crowded with customers. There are

tailors tucked away in corners and narrow nooks.

As Vicky enters the chaotic shop, his DAD, spots him.

DAD

Why the hell are you so late!? It’s

Puja season. Look! Look at the

orders we have to finish!!

VICKY

Arre, most of them are all

alterations. I told you we should

exclusively deal only in new

dresses..

DAD

Then for the rest of the year we

will be swatting flies and all the

business will go away to the other

tailors!

VICKY

But Dad, this is chillar kaam..

DAD

This is not the time to discuss the

manifesto of the shop. We have been

doing this for decades and-

VICKY

Haan haan.. From independence to

the end of time!

DAD

(shakes his head)

Why are you late? And why don’t you

take this seriously??

VICKY

I went for jogging in the morning.

DAD

What! What the hell for??

VICKY

That’s what cool people do! Cardio

is important to counter all the

trans fat we eat all day--

DAD

Oh God! Can you please get to work,

don’t get the ladies worked up.

There’s nothing worse than a pissedoff

woman.

(adds)

We should be grateful for the

amount of business we get! I am

thinking of even opening a branch..

stree script 6

6.

VICKY

You do what you want.. I am getting

the hell out of this place very

very soon.

DAD

Why do you give emotional threats

to me on every important day? You

will kill me with this.

VICKY

Nothing will happen to you. You

will live 100 years doing blouse

alternations. I.. I am meant for

bigger things.

DAD

Like what?

Vicky has no words. Dad stares him down for an answer.

VICKY

I will figure it out.

(beat)

Soon.

DAD

Till then, my dear son.. get on

that bloody tailoring machine, and

show them whose son you are!

SHOT OF --

-- Vicky slowly takes off his shirt and hangs it on the nail.

Wearing just a vest, he takes his time as he puts a cushion

on his seat -- squeezes some oil into the machine -- does a

customary pai-lagu to the machine -- flexes his neck, rotates

his shoulders, cracks his knuckles.

An OLD CASHIER and the Dad watch with bated breath.

CONTINUING EARLIER CONVERSATION --

DAD

You have a gift my son! A rare

gift! Not everybody is born with

such talents!

SHOT OF --

-- Then Vicky nods ever so subtly at the assistant.

Aaaaand the work starts. In full glory!

INTERCUTTING EARLIER AND NOW --

stree script 7

7.

DAD

I’ve stitched thousands of dresses

but the way you handle that

machine, those scissors, that

needle.. aahahaha..

-- Vicky is stitching, checking, cutting cloth, marking and

peddling that machine like a genius at work.

DAD

It’s purva janam ka phal.. That

someone is born with a gift!

-- A bunch of ladies are standing in a line in front of

Vicky’s station. Some are holding new cloth pieces and some,

older clothes.

Vicky studies the first woman for just a second and --

VICKY

(rattles off)

38.. 3 inseam, 12 arms, 30 waist,

40 hips.. 82 length..

(asks)

Medium or deep?

WOMAN 1

(awkwardly)

Err.. Medium is ok I think.. ummm..

VICKY

Deep. Deep will suit you.

The woman is happy. Next.

-- The next one dumps a bunch of blouses to the assistant.

VICKY

You can do these alterations after

the Puja season no? Why does it

have to be now??

(cuts her off before she

answers)

Blouse loosen by.. 1.5..

WOMAN 2

No no.. 1 inch is ok..

VICKY

(doesn’t even react)

Actually 2 inch rakho. Also add

extra hook in the back. Do double

stitching this time. Ok next.

Woman smiles, embarrassed, but knows the genius is right.

DAD

(overflowing with love)

Haraami.. Bastard.. Tu na.. genius

hai re!

(adds)

stree script 8

8.

Never in my life have I ever seen

anyone stitch a lehenga in 21

minutes flat!

-- Vicky is moving at blazing speeds and finishing off a

lehenga while everyone around is watching in amazement.

Snips the last thread and chucks the finished lehenga with

elan. Takes a breather and shakes his head.

VICKY

Is this even a bloody talent that

one should be proud of!

But dad has tears in his eyes. He smiles proudly at the Old

Cashier, and turns to the altar and does pranaam to the Gods.

EXT. A PEACEFUL SPOT - DAY

Vicky is taking a breather. This is Vicky’s favorite spot --

where he steals a smoke during his break time.

Vicky puts his legs up, lost in thought -- daydreaming.

MOMENTS LATER

She glides towards Vicky. Unreal feeling!

Just like a dream, a beautiful girl -- let’s call her GAYATRI

since nobody really knows her name -- walks towards him. She

looks enchanting.

Without realizing, Vicky gets to his feet, jaw slowly

dropping.

GAYATRI

Hi!

VICKY

Hi!

(a squeaky version of his

voice comes out)

GAYATRI

Vicky, right?

VICKY

(nods. And keeps nodding)

Yeah..

GAYATRI

I saw you last year during the

puja.

VICKY

Yeah..

GAYATRI

I heard so much about you!

stree script 9

9.

He’s suddenly awkwardly aware that he’s still in a vest.

GAYATRI

I am from the next town.. I come

for the puja every year..

VICKY

Yeah?

GAYATRI

Can you please stitch a ghagra for

me? (hands him the cloth)

VICKY

(automatically but still

lost)

2 weeks.

GAYATRI

What! No..

(reaches out and touches

his hand)

Vicky Please! I need it for the

final night. For the Mangal Aarti!

Beat. Waits for his answer.

VICKY

10 days?

GAYATRI

Oh. (mood drops) Ok.. It’s ok then.

(adds)

Thanks..

And starts to walk away.

Vicky snaps out of it and runs up to her --

VICKY

Hello hello..

(she turns)

Day after is ok?

She switches on a bewitching smile like she expected this.

GAYATRI

Thank you!

Vicky also smiles bashfully.

GAYATRI

Oh.. my measurements? You want to

take my..

Vicky comes into his own. He interrupts her.

Then as she just stands there, Vicky ‘scans’ her from top to

botton. Gestures her to turn around. She tentatively turns

around. He checks her behind.

stree script 10

10.

She turns back, unsure as to what happened.

VICKY

(taps his temple)

Le liya.

She chuckles. She’s impressed. He’s impressed at himself too

for playing it cool.

Then as she walks away, in an old-school fashion, Gayatri

half turns to say--

GAYATRI

I am going to the temple for aarti

tonight.

VICKY

Ok.

GAYATRI

For the aarti.

VICKY

Ok.

Gayatri smiles and walks away.

After a long hold, Vicky gets it!

VICKY

Oh!

No sooner than she leaves, the assistant comes --

ASSISTANT

Vicky bhai..

Vicky looks at him, super irritated.

ASSISTANT

Daddy is saying 10 mins were over

10 mins ago.

EXT. SARASWAT FAST FOOD CENTRE (SFC) - EVENING

It’s a local joint that serves fancy city items like burgers,

pizzas etc. BITTU and JANA are one of the few customers

lounging outside in the metal chairs. Bittu spots a group of

girls approaching down the road.

BITTU

Oh they are coming..

-- and puts on his shades -- and poses coolly.

JANA

Seriously?

stree script 11

11.

BITTU

That girl in the white dress always

looks at me when I drive down on my

bike.

JANA

That’s because you stare at her

like a bloody stalker.

Just then Vicky comes plops noisily next to them.

He’s suppressing a grin. Both of them look at him

suspiciously.

BITTU

What the hell happened to you?

Vicky smiles and nods like -- ‘kuch hua hai.’

JANA

(mocks)

You finished all Puja orders?

VICKY

Screw you.

BITTU

Say what happened??

VICKY

Love at first sight!

BITTU

Matlab?

VICKY

That girl from last year puja..

BITTU

Oh the one you made up!?

VICKY

(ignores the comment)

She came up and said ‘Hi!’ to me.

JANA

Wow!

BITTU

And?

VICKY

And said ‘Vicky Please..’

JANA

Are you serious?

BITTU

Arre, phek raha hai yeh..

stree script 12

12.

VICKY

Sachchi! She even held my hand.

BITTU

Screw you! Abhi chada raha hai..

VICKY

Arre I am telling you. You can ask

anyone at the shop.

BITTU

She must have come to you to stitch

some petticoat or something.

VICKY

Tsk!

(beat)

I mean.. She came to get something

stitched but--

BITTU

See, I told you.

VICKY

But she held my hand and said

‘Vicky please..’ (emotes

exaggeratedly).

JANA

You kidding me!

BITTU

She said Vicky Please?

VICKY

No.. Vicky pleeease (with love)

BITTU

That’s what I said - Vicky please

(dry, no love)

VICKY

No.. Vicky Pleeeease (with love)

Bittu gives up. Then --

BITTU

Why did she even go to a tailor

shop? When she can come to our

readymade shop! We have latest

designs and fashions.

(shakes his head)

But the other two friends are not really listening to Bittu.

JANA

This is so cool man! Tu toh set hai

matlab!

VICKY

(shy)

I think so.

stree script 13

13.

(then)

I think I will start loving her

from today.

Breaking the moment, Bittu decides --

BITTU

So today you’re paying for the

burgers and cokes.

Vicky shrugs. He’s just happy.

JANA

Ok guys, so what’s the plan for

tonight?

BITTU

Yes. So. It’s going to be hectic 4

nights of partying starting today.

JANA

Yes!

BITTU

Tonight’s party is at the

farmhouse.

(adds)

Jana, I am telling you again..

don’t breathe a word to that

Narendra. That horny ass is always

looking for a place to boink.

The others agree.

BITTU

We will have biryani there only.

Music and videos are set. After

that..

All three shout in unison.

ALL THREE

Raat bhar. PARTY!!!!

A short funky SONG starts --

TOWN - LATE EVENING

-- The town is abuzz with excitement of the annual Puja.

-- Pretty lights liven up some of the streets.

-- People start to pour out to the mela around the temple.

STREETS - LATE EVENING

Vicky, Bittu and Jana are going triples on a bike. All 3 are

dressed up for the night. Bittu is driving.

stree script 14

14.

They cruise around the town, checking out the sights - mainly

girl groups and the special decorations at rich people’s

houses.

EXT. JANA’S HOUSE - LATE EVENING

Jana’s mother catches them passing. She calls out --

MOTHER

Don’t stay out too long!

JANA

Arre ma, it’s Puja! We are going to

be out all night!

MOTHER

Go to the temple and come back.

Don’t do dirty things! It’s Puja

time!

(adds)

And be careful that Stree is back

it seems!

They just laugh and rush away from there.

JAYBHARAT THEATER - NIGHT

The poster outside is of a random English film - ‘Bedroom

Eyes 4.’ Hand painted comment says ‘Puja Special XX.’ There’s

a Houseful board outside the gate.

A huge crowd is making their way inside. Among them are our

boys. Bittu gives tickets to the usher--

BITTU

(proudly)

Balcony!

(to his friends)

Told you I have connections at very

high places!

VICKY

(jibes)

Yeah man! You are truly connected.

To be able to get tickets for dirty

pictures!

Bittu ignores the comment. They proceed towards their seats,

wading through the crowd.

INSIDE

The movie starts abruptly, sending a ring of chaotic

excitement through the hall. Everybody hurries to take their

seats amidst whistles and cat calls.

stree script 15

15.

OUTSIDE

The place is completely empty now. Everybody’s inside. Faint

sounds of the movie wafts out.

Time flies and the ambience gets spooky.

INSIDE

The film playing is harshly interrupted -- and a different

film starts rolling. The ‘bit’ everyone was waiting for.

The hall erupts for a brief moment.

It’s a full-figured, out-of-shape Mallu ‘aunty’ getting ready

to take a bath.

The hall quickly goes silent and gets immersed in the

activity on the screen.

The aunty continues to bathe herself with generous amounts of

water from the bucket, while still clothed of course. In a

stunning surprise, another girl joins the bath.

An audible gasp goes through the theatre. All the three

friends are watching the ongoings with their mouths open in

varying degrees.

The spell is finally broken when the ‘Interval’ card comes on

the screen.

JANA

Highlight hai!

BITTU

That’s possibly the best bit ever!

VICKY

Truly an achievement in cinematic

history!

CONCESSION STAND

The three boys are standing at the over-crowded concession

stand. Everybody is clamouring for the stale food that’s

being sold like hot cakes.

A mini riot is almost breaking out over who needs to be

serviced first.

Suddenly Jana notices.

JANA

Vicky! Your dad!

VICKY

What!

(instinctively hides)

Where? Where?

stree script 16

16.

BITTU

There.. He was in the lower stall..

Sure enough Vicky’s Dad is emerging out of the Stalls area.

VICKY

Shit! Are you kidding me!

Vicky makes best efforts to hide and dodge as the Dad starts

heading towards them.

Vicky starts to wade his way through the crowd but it’s

proving very difficult.

It’s a tense moment as Vicky barely manages to escape his

dad. He sneaks around to go behind his dad, out of his sight.

He beckons his friends to get out of there too. But Bittu

wants his food first.

Thankfully food is thrust into their hands and they retreat

from there. But not before Vicky’s dad sees them.

Long beat.

Vicky’s dad’s face turns into disapproval and shakes his head

at them - like ‘Shame on you’.

JANA

(mutters)

Sorry Uncle.

Vicky’s dad spits in disgust.

Thankfully Vicky has escaped the scene.

Almost.

Suddenly there’s loud shout across the lobby.

VOICE

Ey.. Vicky!!

WTF! Vicky turns to see. It’s that bloody NARENDRA!

At the same time everyone concerned turns to see too.

Including his dad.

Vicky is caught just a few feet away from his dad.

They both stare at each other.

For a long time.

Then slowly both of them walk away from each other.

Vicky walks towards the balcony -- realizes that’s not where

he should go and starts to walk out of the theatre.

stree script 17

17.

OUTSIDE

The three friends walk out.

BITTU

Let’s go back in. Your dad won’t

know!

JANA

I didn’t know your dad is fan of

these films!

BITTU

Let’s quietly go back in. He won’t

be able to see us in the dark!

VICKY

Shut the hell up! Are you kidding

me!? I am already screwed.

BITTU

Come on, I got these tickets with

great difficulty.

VICKY

Listen. All the good bits are over.

They rarely play any good ones in

second half.

JANA

True. He has a point. They don’t

usually mess with the storyline in

the second half. That’s when movies

take off.

VICKY

Plus it’s getting late for Aarti.

BITTU

What’s with you and aarti!!

VICKY

Chal na.. Chalo. Baat khatam.

Narendra interrupts them --

NARENDRA

What’s up, guys? Not watching the

second half?

VICKY

Hi Narendra.

BITTU

See, I told you!

NARENDRA

Supposed to be a group shower in

the second half.

stree script 18

18.

BITTU

I knew it!

VICKY

It’s alright.. We have other things

to do..

NARENDRA

Party no?

JANA

(nods his head)

Yeah--

VICKY

No no.. It’s not a party..

It’s just--

NARENDRA

I am coming.. I have some

‘friendship’ to do.. (winks) You

want to see the ‘girlfriend?’

-- and without waiting for their reaction, he pulls out his

phone and shows a picture.

JANA

Super!

NARENDRA

Hai na!

JANA

Mind-blowing!

Vicky and Bittu look at each other like WTF!

NARENDRA

So, where’s the party?

VICKY

It’s not really--

JANA

At the MLA farmhouse..

NARENDRA

Super! I’ll see you there! Now I

have to go watch second half.

-- and leaves.

Bittu slaps Jana on the head --

BITTU

Why don’t you put a red carpet out

for him!

VICKY

Jana, you’re an idiot, man!

JANA

I had no choice! He already knows.

stree script 19

19.

TEMPLE - LATE EVENING

A long of line of devotees are in the queue to have darshan.

All of them are craning their necks to get a teaser look at

the God before they reach the deity.

Except the three boys. They are checking out the girls coming

back from darshan on the other side.

BITTU

I still don’t understand why we

have to come to temple. We are

going to be late to the party.

JANA

Well.. At least the girls are good

today. Some paisa vasool, at least.

VICKY

Have some shame and stop thinking

dirty things. Bhagwan ka smaran

kar.

(adds)

Look, God is watching.

MOMENTS LATER

They reach the deity. Each one suddenly becomes all religious

and sincere as they pray.

VICKY (V.O.)

Hey Bhagwan, thank you so much for

sending a girl to me.. erm.. for

sending a gorgeous, beautiful,

unbelievable, out-of-this-world,

super-cool girl to me. Please help

a little more and solidify this

deal.

BITTU (V.O.)

Hey Bhagwan please send a girl to

me.. Umm.. a sexy, hot babe to me.

Why should Vicky get a girl first?

Readymade shop is better than

Tailor shop no?

(adds hastily)

By the way, my shop is: Sanandan

Readymade Showroom. Gandhi Road.

Opposite Agarwal Sweets. I am there

between 1pm to 4pm.

JANA (V.O.)

Hey Bhagwan, these two don’t have a

clue how to treat a girl.. why do

they get all the chances? Please

send a nice homely, sweet, merebachon-

ki-ma kind of girl to me.

You usually never give me a chance,

but see, if you can give me--

Bittu yanks Jana out of there.

stree script 20

20.

BITTU

Chal chal, enough praying! Party

time now.

And Jana is pulled off before he can finish praying.

MOMENTS LATER

As the three walk out of the temple, Vicky is looking around

for someone.

JANA

What are you looking for?

VICKY

What? Nothing.

BITTU

Chalo chalo.. Enough time wasted.

Already ate into party time..

(turns to Vicky)

What?

VICKY

You guys go ahead, I will catch up.

VICKY

Nothing.. (looking around) I will

just sit for a bit and peacefully

meditate--

BITTU

What!??

VICKY

They will start giving Prasad soon.

I will bring some for everyone.

BITTU

What? What for?!

BITTU

Who the hell wants to eat Prasad

now.. We have chicken lollipops and

kheema patties waiting there!

JANA

Kya hogaya tujhe aaj? Bhagwan ka

bhoot chad gaya?

BITTU

Wait a minute! You fuckers are

waiting for that girl to show up!!

JANA

Really? She’s coming to meet you

here.

stree script 21

21.

VICKY

Arre nahi yaar.. I just want to get

prasad-

BITTU

Prasad my foot.

(shakes head in disgust)

Look what has become of you!

Unbelievable! You are ditching your

friends for a girl??

VICKY

Don’t get dramatic now. Shut up and

go. Isko lekeja.. I will be there

in 5 minutes. Go!

BITTU

(overacts)

For a girl!??

JANA

Ey.. Chal na overaction.

-- and drags Bittu out.

OUTSIDE TEMPLE - MOMENTS LATER

Bittu and Jana get on the bike. Bittu kickstarts it. Doesn’t

start.

BITTU

What the...

(checks)

Oh, no petrol.

JANA

Why the hell do you not put more

than two points at a time?! You’re

always running out of petrol!

BITTU

Tell my baap that! He gives me just

enough money for two points!

(gives up)

What now?

JANA

Useless bike.

(kicks it)

Let’s walk. We have to buy the

alcohol first.

-- and they leave.

CONTINUOUS

As soon as they leave, Vicky steps out of the temple. And

waits by the side.

stree script 22

22.

She glides towards Vicky. Unreal.

Then --

VOICE

Hi!

Vicky turns around and -- it’s the ethereal vision of

Gayatri!

VICKY

(squeaky voice)

Hi!

GAYATRI

You came here a while back?

VICKY

(mumbles)

Yeah..

GAYATRI

You have some kind of a speech

problem or something?

Vicky snaps out of it.

VICKY

What!? No! I was just.. I was..

You.. I.. I am only.. Was..

GAYATRI

Oh.. So sorry! I didn’t know you

had a problem..

VICKY

Nahi yaar.. Hi!Howareyou?All

well?Haddinner?Iamgladyoucameto

meetme.Youarelookingsofine.

(beat)

Sorry..

GAYATRI

(smiles)

All well. How are you?

VICKY

All well all well..

Beat.

VICKY

Sorry, I haven’t started on your

lehenga yet.

GAYATRI

That’s ok..

VICKY

Will start first thing tomorrow

morning.

stree script 23

23.

GAYATRI

Oh great.. Thank you.

VICKY

Welcome.

Beat.

VICKY

You missed the aarti by the way.

GAYATRI

I know! I got stuck..

Vicky tries to get a bit shaana --

VICKY

Next time I can call you.. And tell

you when to start..

GAYATRI

I don’t use mobile phone.

VICKY

Oh. Then.. How do I get in.. How

does one get in touch with you?

GAYATRI

(smiles)

Just think of me. And I’ll be

there.

Oh.

Vicky tries again --

VICKY

Tomorrow also I am coming for

aarti.

GAYATRI

Ok.

(gets it. Smiles)

Aah!

Long beat. They don’t know what else to talk.

VICKY

You want some prasad? I think today

is jalebi.

GAYATRI

Sure.

VICKY

Yeah? Great, I will--

(checks)

Oh.. Prasad counter hasn’t opened

yet.

stree script 24

24.

GAYATRI

That’s ok.

VICKY

Sorry.

Awkward silence again.

PEHLI RAAT

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Eerie. Silent.

The camera hovers above the woods.

EXT. WOODED LANE IN THE OUTSKIRTS - NIGHT

Heavy woods line the narrow dirt path that leads to the

farmhouse. Bittu and Jana walk, carrying clinking bottles of

alcohol in some makeshift bags.

BITTU

That fucker is definitely hiding

something.

JANA

Like what?!

BITTU

Girl stuff obviously! He stayed

back to line-fy that girl.

(turns to Jana)

How many years have we known him?

Has he ever wanted to go to the

temple? Ever?

JANA

Hmmm. Have you seen the girl?

BITTU

(shakes his head)

No. Fucker doesn’t even show a

picture. Maybe she’s ugly.

(convinces himself)

Yeah that’s it! I bet she’s ugly.

A rustle.

They both stop.

JANA

Did you hear that?

They realize they are all alone in the middle of nowhere.

Tension.

stree script 25

25.

They slowly walk along, looking over their shoulders -- is

someone watching them?

Tension builds.

It crescendoes -- and is cut by the sound of --

A old scooter. Which pulls up next to them. It’s RUDRA -- a

weird man in his late 30s -- with a strange drawl.

RUDRA

Eyy.. What are you two doing here

all alone?!

BITTU

Kya hua?

RUDRA

Haven’t you heard?! She is out on

the prowl. Making her rounds.

JANA

Who?

RUDRA

Who else?

(leans forward)

Stree.

JANA

(also leans forward)

The Stree?

BITTU

Arre Rudra-bhai. Stop scaring him

unnecessarily--

RUDRA

I’m warning you, not scaring you!

It is not safe for men to venture

out alone at night! If you have

some work, send a female in your

family out. And when you do go out,

cover your body well.

They both look at him, bewildered.

RUDRA

Because once she takes you, she

only leaves your clothes behind!

JANA

What does she do with the men she

takes?

RUDRA

Who knows! Has anyone come back to

tell?

BITTU

Rudra-bhai, is she really for real?

I’m not sure if the whole thing is--

stree script 26

26.

JANA

Bittu, then how do you explain all

the men that have gone missing?

RUDRA

Exactly! How do you explain that?!

BITTU

I don’t know--

RUDRA

Listen, my friends, she is for

real. And she is angry.

Jana is visibly scared. Darts looks on both sides anxiously.

Bittu is getting uncomfortable.

An creepy atmosphere builds up, as Rudra explains --

RUDRA

Never venture out alone. The safest

place is inside your four walls,

with the message written by your

front door.

(beat)

If you have to be out, beware of

crossroads. Those are her favourite

haunts. Try to be as quiet as

possible. Remove your slippers, the

noise attracts her.

(beat)

When she sees you, she will first

call you by your name. Very

sweetly...

(chilling pause)

DO NOT look back. If you do, she

will think you’ve given her consent

and..

(Jana and Bittu shudder)

She’ll call your name again. Even

sweeter. Closer. But my friends,

just keep walking. Don’t run, just

walk.

(they’re getting spooked)

She’ll call your name a third time.

It will be irresistible.

BITTU

(anxiously adds)

But we never turn back.

RUDRA

Aaj tak aisa mard paida nahi hua,

who can resist her voice. Everybody

turns back.

BITTU

Oh! Shit.

JANA

Then?! How do we escape?

stree script 27

27.

RUDRA

There is only way to avoid being

taken. Remember this - this is most

important - whatever happens--

-- his phone rings, shattering the quiet! He answers, as

Bittu and Jana look about, scared --

RUDRA

Haan ji. -- Haan. -- Ok. -- Haan

abhi ho jaayega. -- Pahunch hi raha

hoon.

-- and as abruptly as he came, he zooms off on the scooter.

BITTU

He didn’t finish the sentence.

JANA

What?

BITTU

He said: remember this - this is

most important - whatever happens.

And he left.

JANA

Oh! Shit. We need to find out.

They look around. They are alone in the middle of the woods.

An eerie silence.

BITTU

We should go.

And they start walking.

The bottles start clinking again. Jana holds the bag tight to

stop the noise. They walk quietly.

Neither looking at the other, both acting normal, but

shitting bricks inside.

Eerieness builds up.

In the far distance, they can see the light of the farmhouse.

Long beat, as they silently walk, trying not to act scared.

CRACK! A twig snaps somewhere!

Bittu and Jana both scream and run the Lady out of there.

FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

An old ill-maintained bungalow primarily used by the local

MLA for weekend retreats and bringing prostitutes over.

stree script 28

28.

His nephew Lokesh now has the keys, and this is where the

party is! There are about a dozen hyper young guys, with

Lokesh playing host --

LOKESH

Ok guys, first we play antakshari..

Then I have organized a music quiz--

VICKY

Aur uske baad rangoli competition..

(everybody laughs)

Chup baith aur daaru pee. Gaana

bajaate hai!

GUY

Phir late night Sunny ka videos

dekhte hai..

A cheer goes up.

MUSIC starts --

Lokesh tries to maintain some order --

LOKESH

Guys, don’t make a big mess. My

uncle has a party meeting tomorrow.

He’ll be pissed if the place is not

clean..

-- but nobody is listening. The guys are crowding the

portable cooler to pick up beers.

Bittu and Jana enter -- Vicky greets them at the door.

VICKY

What happened? Why did you guys

take so long?

BITTU

Nothing.

JANA

Yeah we were walking slowly.

BITTU

We were just enjoying nature.

Vicky looks at them --

VICKY

Why are you both sweaty? Did you

run here?

BITTU

No.

JANA

No.

Vicky looks at them suspiciously. They’re interrupted by a

commotion -- Narendra has arrived.

stree script 29

29.

NARENDRA

I’m ready to party, bitches!! Who’s

ready to party?

-- MUSIC picks up --

Vicky, Bittu and Jana join the commotion.

A FUN PARTY SONG.

-- Lots of daaru flowing.

-- One guy puts on a sari and pretends to be a girl, others

dance around him.

-- Bittu is hogging the snack counter.

-- Jana is ribbing with a bunch of friends.

-- Narendra is going berserk with his crazy dance moves.

-- Lokesh is trying to maintain some semblance of order.

-- Vicky is enjoying himself -- drinking and dancing

As the SONG begins to end --

Vicky needs to pee. The line to the bathroom is rather long.

Instead of waiting, he decides to --

EXT. FARMHOUSE

Vicky positions himself outside the gate -- tipsy and bladder

bursting -- starts to pee.

Relief.

He notices he’s peeing right next to the ominous message on

the wall. Playfully he repositions himself and starts to pee

on the message.

Done peeing, he looks at the message. With a satisfied

chuckle he leaves.

The message on the wall reads: O Stree ... Aana

Hold.

Long hold.

A really long fucking hold.

BAM!! Suddenly a shadowy figure swishes past!

A moment later -- a sari pallu -- attached to the shadow.

The sudden power cut results in a BLACKOUT!

stree script 30

30.

INT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

Undeterred the party goes on. With boys swinging with their

mobile phone flashlights in hand.

The doorbell rings.

A drunk GUY, closest to the door -- turns to look. Nobody

else is paying attention.

He slowly teeters towards the door. Tension.

Peeks through the glass panel in the door.

In the darkness we see the outline of a woman standing

outside.

More tension.

Too drunk to really think much, the guy opens the door.

The lady is motionless.

The shadowy lady lifts her head and looks at him. He just

stares back.

NARENDRA (O.S.)

Oh you’re here?

(tells a guy next to him)

She’s a ‘girlfriend.’ Called her

for ‘friendship.’

Narendra comes to the door to get her in.

LADY

You didn’t tell me there will be so

many guys.

It’s a woman, well into her 30s.

NARENDRA

(tells his friend)

You go in, I got this.

(to the lady)

I told you it’s a party. What

difference does it make? I’ll find

a room for us upstairs.

-- as they enter --

LADY

Well, I could have brought some of

my friends for ‘friendship’ with

your friends.

NARENDRA

Nah, they’re all useless. They just

want to watch Sunny do it.

stree script 31

31.

HER POV

Narendra and Lady walk away, leaving the door ajar.

Beat.

She glides towards the door -- enters --

INSIDE --

She stays in the shadows -- observing the boys being boys --

loud and rowdy.

She sees Narendra whisking his lady friend away and going

upstairs.

UPSTAIRS BEDROOM

Narendra and Lady in bed.

LADY

What happened?

NARENDRA

I don’t know. Is it important?

-- leans in to kiss her -- she pushes him back --

LADY

This place is creepy. Go check what

happened to the lights.

Narendra reluctantly gets up --

HER POV

She emerges from behind the pillar and looks at the posse of

boys. Holding phone flashlights. Looks like a buffet laid out

for her! Eeni meeni myni mo.. She looks at each of the boys.

JANA, looks directly at Her.

Beat.

He can see a shadowy figure in the darkness, but not entirely

sure.

The moment he looks away, She moves behind a pillar.

Jana decides to investigate. He slowly walks towards the

corner -- towards her.

Tension.

JANA

Hello..

He slowly approaches the dark corner.

stree script 32

32.

She moves around the pillar -- eyes on him -- gets ready to

pounce on him --

NARENDRA (O.S.)

Eyy Jana--

Jana turns around.

Watching her prey recede, She slinks back into her dark

corner.

LIVING ROOM

The room is flooded with light.

The boys cheer.

UPSTAIRS BEDROOM

Beaming from ear to ear, Narendra enters the bedroom.

Sees the lady standing in the shadows in a corner of the

room.

NARENDRA

The fuse is back on. Come on, now.

The lady at the window doesn't move.

Tension.

UPSTAIRS BATHROOM

The door opens. Lady steps out. She walks up to the bedroom.

Obviously she’s not the woman in the bedroom!

UPSTAIRS BEDROOM

More Tension.

Narendra is surprised, realizing it is not the Lady.

NARENDRA

Hello..

The woman at the window comes closer to Narendra -- and he

sees her face (we don’t). His expression changes to terror!

Boom.

He falls to the ground -- like somebody pulled his feet from

under him -- and he gets dragged along the floor, very fast --

smashes the window pane and disappears outside.

stree script 33

33.

At that moment Lady enters -- sees the window shattering --

maybe she catches a glimpse of a body flying out, can’t

really tell.

And screams.

LIVING ROOM

Vicky is the first to react. He jumps and runs up the stairs.

Everybody in the hall is startled. Scared even.

BEDROOM

Vicky, followed by others, enters the room.

Lady is staring out the window, screaming. She points at

something.

LADY

There.. There.. Oh my god!

(sheer terror in her eyes)

Vicky tries to spot what she is showing, but can’t. It’s too

dark.

VICKY

What? Where?

LADY

There he is.. There he is.. Oh my

god!

He grabs her --

VICKY

What happened?

LADY

(gasping)

Stree.. Stree..

VICKY

Stree what?

LADY

She took your friend!

What?!

EXT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

They all walk around the house in groups -- shining

flashlights -- calling out for Narendra.

Vicky, Bittu, Jana form one posse. Other such groups.

They look into shrubs, inside sheds..

stree script 34

34.

Finally they all converge again at the front of the house.

No sign of Narendra. But Vicky spots something in the bushes.

Narendra’s clothes.

VICKY

These are Narendra’s clothes.

BITTU

His underwear is also here.

JANA

What is he doing roaming around

naked?

BITTU

Shit! Stree got him.

VICKY

What the hell?

BITTU

Guys, let’s analyze this logically.

Narendra is gone. His clothes are

here.

(beat)

Stree got him. What else could have

happened? That’s the only

explanation.

VICKY

(glares at him)

Or.. The moron did some shitty

drugs, jumped out of the window,

and is roaming around naked

somewhere.

(adds)

How about that for an explanation?

Beat.

BITTU

I like my story better.

The other guys also all nod in agreement.

They all look at the clothes lying on the ground.

BALA

Actually I agree with Vicky. I

don’t think Stree would have come

into the house. There is the

inscription on the wall.

Everybody nods.

VICKY

Well..

stree script 35

35.

AT THE WALL

On Bala, as he stares. From behind him Bittu peeks in.

Followed by Jana. And others.

BALA

How the fuck did this happen?

BITTU

(reads aloud)

O stree.. Aana.

The message on the wall is an unmistakable invitation.

BITTU

Who did this?

Vicky is guilty.

BITTU

The fuck is wrong with you!

BALA

So you basically put a red carpet

out for her to come inside.

VICKY

Guys, you don’t really believe all

this--

A squabble breaks out. Ending in nothing.

TOWN - DAY

It’s a bright day. Laidback streets of the town.

INT. TAILORING SHOP - DAY

Women try on clothes.

A hungover Vicky pedalling the sewing machine at a lower

pace.

Disturbing the peace --

EXT. TAILOR SHOP LANE - DAY

3 sporty bikes, the inexpensive ones with cool contours, roar

into the lane and pull up in front of the shop. Three ‘cool

dudes’ are on them. Followed by a sad-ass bike with Jana and

Bittu.

The women outside throw nasty glances at the dudes.

Vicky’s father shakes his head.

DAD

Jobless buffalos!

stree script 36

36.

Vicky looks outside. Curious at the visitors, he steps out.

Bittu and Jana quickly come to Vicky --

JANA

Narendra’s gang.

Narendra’s friends put their shades on, walk up to Vicky and

stare at him.

It’s face-off of sorts as the three taller, cooler gang line

up a foot away from the faces of Vicky, Bittu and Jana. The

leader of the DURGA PRASAD startes Vicky down.

DURGA PRASAD

Where’s our friend?

Vicky matches up to the coolness, even if dressed in a vest.

VICKY

Which one?

COOL GUY 2

You know which one.

COOL GUY 3

The one that came to your party.

DURGA PRASAD

The one that-

VICKY

Arre direct naam bolo na. Yeh kyun

KBC khel raha hai..

DURGA PRASAD

(beat)

Narendra.

VICKY

(quickly)

No idea. He came. He made noise.

And he left.

DURGA PRASAD

But you. You let Stree inside.

VICKY

What!?

COOL GUY 2

You peed on the writing! And

invited her in.

VICKY

You guys are crazy. I have work to

do. (adds) How do you know all this

shit anyway?

They look at Bittu.

stree script 37

37.

Vicky stares at Bittu - ‘What the hell!’

One of the cool guys gets a call and nods to others.

DURGA PRASAD

You better hope we find him. Or

else..

Vicky gestures like - ‘Or else what?’

He thinks for a second. Doesn’t have an answer. They just get

on their bikes to go.

COOL GUY 2

You have no idea how high our

connections go!

They drive away loudly.

VICKY

So then ask the connections to find

your friend.

(adds)

It’s my pee. I will pee wherever

the hell I want.

Vicky then slowly turns to Bittu and stares at him.

BITTU

They tortured me. And threatened to

hurt me.

JANA

Bullshit. They didn’t even finish

asking their question and this

bugger blurted out everything.

VICKY

(shakes his head)

I sometimes wonder how you are my

best friend!

Just then an auto pulls up -- Lady from last night emerges.

VICKY

What the hell is she doing here??

JANA

Oh yeah.. She wants to get paid.

VICKY

For what?

Lady comes up --

LADY

Your friend never paid me.

VICKY

So how’s that our problem!