Rajkummar Rao's rendition of Rema's Calm Down song in Stree 2 cost makers Rs 25 lakh

In the movie "Stree 2," Rajkummar Rao's spontaneous rendition of the song "Calm Down," originally by the artist Rema, led to unexpected costs for the filmmakers. This improvisation took place while Rajkummar was performing a scene, and his version included a segment from the popular song. The filmmakers did not initially plan to include this cover in the film, but Rajkummar's performance was so impactful that they decided to keep it.

As a result, the production team had to acquire the music rights for this unplanned inclusion. The rights to use "Calm Down" in the film were not cheap. According to Abhishek Banerjee, a co-star in the film, obtaining the rights for Rajkummar Rao's cover cost the filmmakers a whopping Rs 25 lakh (2.5 million rupees). This expense added to the production budget, making it one of the more costly unplanned expenditures for the movie.

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The movie "Stree 2," directed by Amar Kaushik, is a sequel to the 2018 hit "Stree." It stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, and Pankaj Tripathi in significant roles. The film blends horror and comedy, continuing the story of a small town plagued by a mysterious female spirit.

Despite the additional costs, "Stree 2" has been performing well at the box office, surpassing the Rs 500-crore mark worldwide. This success suggests that the investment in the music rights was worthwhile, as the film continues to attract large audiences.

Abhishek Banerjee humorously referred to Rajkummar's improvisation as possibly "the most expensive improvisation in history." His comment highlights the spontaneous nature of the decision and the financial implications it had for the production team. Rajkummar Rao's dedication to his role and his creative input during filming added an unexpected but memorable element to the movie.

The inclusion of the "Calm Down" cover in "Stree 2" showcases Rajkummar Rao's versatility as an actor and performer. His ability to blend into his character and contribute creatively to the film's scenes enriches the viewing experience. The decision to keep the song in the final cut reflects the filmmakers' appreciation of Rajkummar's talent and the overall impact of his performance.