Following the success of *Stree* and *Stree 2*, audiences are eagerly awaiting the next installment of this horror-comedy franchise. Abhishek Banerjee, who played the character 'Jana' in *Stree*, is also looking forward to the next chapter. In an exclusive conversation with *Amar Ujala*, Abhishek said, "This film certainly needs to be made. I am very hopeful that this journey will continue."

**The franchise needs fresh, youthful energy**
When asked about the franchise's casting, the actor said, "As far as the cast is concerned, my hope for the next few years is that the current team—Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and myself—remains intact. However, everything has its time. In any industry, regardless of the stage you are at, there comes a moment when space must be made for the new generation to step forward."

He added, "Films like these require a specific kind of youthful energy. If we were to keep playing the same roles at the age of 55 or 60, the audience wouldn't enjoy it as much. So, as long as we can maintain the freshness and energy of the character, we would certainly want to remain a part of it. That said, the day our producers or directors feel that fresh energy is needed, we will have to accept that decision. It is a natural process."

**'Hoping for a 2028 release'**
Speaking about the next installment, Abhishek said, "I am waiting for it just as eagerly as the audience is. Hopefully, fans will get to see a new offering from the *Stree* universe by 2028. For now, I’d say this universe is constantly growing and strengthening; the next installment, *Shakti Shalini*, is currently in the making."

**' The industry doesn't take you seriously without a box-office hit'**
During the conversation, Abhishek acknowledged that this film has been one of the most significant in his career. According to him, its success changed the way the industry perceives him. The actor said, "I feel that 'Stree' was the biggest game-changer of my career. Things started to shift when the film was released and grossed over ₹100 crore at the box office. I believe that in our industry, you aren't taken seriously until your films make money. Talent has its place, but ultimately, box office performance and business matter a great deal. We are all aware of this."

**Acclaim for 'Ajji', but recognition came later**
He added, "Before that, I had a film called 'Ajji'; it received acclaim, but very few people knew about it. I didn't get much work after that film. However, the scenario changed completely after 'Stree'. It was because of that film that I landed several big and interesting projects subsequently. So, I would say that was the turning point in my career where I felt, for the first time, that I would continue to get steady work in the industry. It gave me an identity and opened up new avenues for me."

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