Chanderi: Real-life haunting beauty behind ‘Stree’

A town caught between haunting legends and spiritual grace

In 2018 and 2024, the horror-comedy films Stree and Stree 2 took Indian theatres by storm. Blending sharp humour with eerie folklore, the sequel, in particular, became a massive hit, ranking as the third-highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, with a worldwide collection of USD 100 million. But beyond the film’s fanfare, the small town of Chanderi, which served as its haunting backdrop, came into the spotlight, unveiling its own turbulent past and chilling legends!

A warm night in a bustling fairground, laughter fills the air as a boy steals glances at the girl beside him, his heart racing to the rhythm of the music playing in their auto-rickshaw. Carefree and lost in the moment, they have no idea of the terror lurking ahead.

This scene is not just any love story, it is from Stree (2018), the horror-comedy film that took Indian cinema by storm.

Released in two parts, Stree, starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, is a horror-comedy inspired by the urban legend of Nale Ba. Blending sharp humour with eerie folklore, it tells the tale of a vengeful spirit who kidnaps men during a festival. The sequel, in particular, became a massive hit, ranking as the third-highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, with a worldwide collection of USD 100 million.

Beyond the film itself, a small town that served as its backdrop also gained recognition, the town’s name was Chanderi.

Chanderi: More than just the town of Stree

Located in Madhya Pradesh’s Ashoknagar district, at the crossroads of Bundelkhand and Malwa, the historic town of Chanderi has witnessed a turbulent past. Much like Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, it became a battleground for power struggles, primarily between the Malwa Sultans and Rajput forces in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

This power struggle is etched into the town’s architecture, where monuments showcase a fascinating blend of Rajput, Islamic, Malwa, and even Mughal influences, each telling a story of the rulers who once shaped Chanderi’s history.

Perched atop a 71-meter hill, Chanderi Fort stands as a testament to the town’s turbulent past. Its design reflects the influences of the many rulers who once fought for control, serving as a silent reminder of the conflicts that shaped Chanderi’s history.

Once the site of many battles and sieges, including Babur’s attack in 1528, Chanderi Fort reflects a blend of Rajput, Malwa, and Mughal architecture. It is known for its towering stone walls, intricate carvings, and grand gateways, standing as a reminder of the town’s rich and turbulent history.

One of the fort’s most striking features is not a room, wall, or carving, but its grand entrance gate, known as Kirti Durg, a symbol of the fort’s enduring legacy.

Constructed in the 11th century by Pratihara King Kirti Pal, this grand gateway offers a commanding view of the city. Enclosed within a sprawling 5-km perimeter, the fort houses a remarkable collection of monuments. Among them, the Khilji Mosque stands out, with its intricate floral carvings and Quranic inscriptions bearing witness to the Khilji dynasty’s lasting influence in the region.

This monument, which tells the story of power struggles between various dynasties through its architecture, also served as a captivating backdrop for several suspenseful scenes in the film Stree. Drawing inspiration from Chanderi’s turbulent and mysterious past, this horror-comedy-infused movie with suspense was largely filmed in the town, adding to its eerie yet fascinating charm.

Meet the monuments behind Stree’s haunting mystery

Meanwhile nestled among serene lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests, Chanderi’s narrow alleys and hidden monuments each shaped the film’s eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

Just 2 km from Chanderi’s bus station, in the heart of the Inner Town, stands the majestic Raja Rani Mahal, a palace complex steeped in history.

Likely built during the Khilji period in the 15th century, Raja Mahal, the larger of the two structures, is crafted from grey and white sandstone, featuring grand staircases, intricately carved pillars, sprawling courtyards, and open pavilions. Adding to its mystery, an underground passage once connected it to a nearby palace.

With its regal charm and haunting aura, Raja Rani Mahal played a pivotal role in Stree most memorably in the romantic song Tumhare Hi Rahenge. Its eerie yet mesmerising beauty blended seamlessly with the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.

Who can forget the emotional farewell at the end of both parts of Stree, where Rajkummar Rao watches Shraddha Kapoor disappear into the unknown? Standing tall in the background, carved entirely from rock, is the Kati Ghati Gateway, a silent witness to their mysterious goodbye.

This massive rock-cut passage, linking Malwa and Bundelkhand, sits at an altitude of 70 m, with an imposing height of 30 m. As per the inscription, this gateway was commissioned in 1480 CE by Chanderi governor’s son Jiman Khan.

Legend has it that the gateway was hurriedly built to impress the Sultan of Malwa, but in the rush to complete the task, a crucial flaw was overlooked, it had no doors, leaving Chanderi vulnerable to invasion!! Upon realising this mistake, the mason who carved the structure was so devastated that he took his own life. His mortal remains are said to be buried near the gateway, adding an eerie air to this historic monument.

These monuments, with their turbulent past and sombre architecture, blended seamlessly with the film’s eerie theme, so much so that locals believe these places to be truly haunted!

It is said that the ghost of the mason who mistakenly built Kati Ghati Gateway without a door still roams the site. Meanwhile, Rani Mahal has its own chilling tales, with locals recounting bizarre incidents during the film’s shoot, like strange sounds echoing through the palace, tube lights turning on before being plugged in, and even a young man tragically taking his own life. Thus, giving the vibe of a haunted place!!

Chanderi- not all Gloom & haunted

But this small town in Madhya Pradesh is not just about eerie legends and haunted tales!

Chanderi is also a hub of exquisite handloom craftsmanship, famous for its delicate sarees, dupattas, and traditional garments. Woven with a unique blend of silk and cotton, Chanderi silk sarees are prized for their light, airy feel, glossy texture, and intricate patterns. Once draped by royalty, they continue to enchant fashion lovers today, a dazzling contrast to the town’s ghostly whispers!

Additionally for centuries, this town along the Betwa River has been a major center for Jainism, home to some of the most remarkable temples and sculptures. The Shri Chaubisi Jain Temple, located along the path to Kati Ghati Gateway, houses 24 grand statues of Tirthankaras, alongside a striking rock-cut sculpture and numerous ancient idols, making it a revered pilgrimage site.

Adding to Chanderi’s spiritual grandeur is the Bada Jain Mandir, built in 1829 AD. This temple, adorned with 29 idols painted in accordance with the Jain Puranas reflects the town’s deep-rooted religious heritage.

The spiritual side of Chanderi proves that it is a town of contrasts, where history whispers through its monuments, yet life thrives in its handlooms and temples. Whether you come for its haunting legends, cinematic charm, or beautiful craftsmanship, Chanderi weaves together stories of mystery, devotion, and artistry, waiting to be explored.