In a groundbreaking announcement, Maddock Films has unveiled the plan to extend its Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), setting the stage for it to become India’s most profitable and biggest cinematic universe across all languages.
It all started with Stree
The journey began in 2018 with Stree, a supernatural comedy rooted in Indian folklore, which turned into an unexpected blockbuster. With a modest budget of ₹23–25 crore, the film grossed over ₹180 crore. Building on this success, Maddock Films initiated universe-building with Bhediya in 2022, where connections to Stree were subtly introduced. This led to Munjya (2024) and the highly anticipated Stree 2, released later that year.
An Ambitious Slate
The MHCU is not just expanding, it’s evolving. With the announcement of Thama (2025), Bhediya 2 (2026), Stree 3 (2027), and the climactic Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh (2028), Maddock Films is laying the foundation for a franchise akin to Hollywood’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. This ambitious slate is backed by Indian folklore, innovative storytelling, and cutting-edge CGI.
Each instalment introduces new dimensions of Indian myths, from the mischievous spirit in Munjya to the vampire saga in Thama, with Ayushmann Khurrana at the helm. The interconnected stories and recurring characters, such as Rajkummar Rao’s Vicky, Shraddha Kapoor’s mysterious Stree, and Varun Dhawan’s shape-shifting Bhediya, ensure audiences are emotionally invested across films.
Box Office Domination
MHCU’s financial trajectory is already remarkable. The combined box office earnings of released films, including the record-breaking ₹884 crore gross of Stree 2, have surpassed ₹1,287 crore. Upcoming releases promise to further this trend, with industry experts projecting the franchise to cross ₹3,000 crore by 2028.
Why MHCU Stands Out
- Cultural Roots: Unlike Western franchises, MHCU draws deeply from Indian folklore, offering relatable and uniquely regional stories that resonate with audiences nationwide.
- Star Power and Talent: With a stellar lineup of actors like Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Rashmika Mandanna, coupled with visionary directors like Amar Kaushik, the universe ensures high-quality entertainment.
- Innovative Storytelling: The seamless integration of horror, comedy, and myth ensures a fresh and engaging narrative style that appeals to diverse demographics.
Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor Is India’s National Crush, But Who Was Her First Crush? Hint: A Bollywood Superstar!
A Grand Finale Like No Other
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe seems destined to peak in a spectacular finale akin to Hollywood’s Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. With Pehla Mahayudh (2028) and Doosara Mahayudh slated as the ultimate showdowns, fans are already buzzing with speculation about the scale and stakes of these climactic films.
