Bollywood’s favourite horror-comedy factory is gearing up for a massive upgrade. Maddock Films, the studio behind India’s most successful spooky-yet-funny blockbusters, is preparing to take its beloved universe into an even bigger chapter — and producer Dinesh Vijan says the expansion will be unlike anything the studio has attempted before.
After back-to-back hits like Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, and the recent 2025 release Thamma, Maddock is now ready to supercharge the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) with fresh stories steeped in desi folklore, sharp humour, and crowd-pleasing entertainment.
From Stree to a Full-Fledged Universe
What began quietly in 2018 with Stree — a film based on the chilling “Nale Ba” legend — has now evolved into one of Bollywood’s most consistent and loved cinematic universes. Characters cross over, mythologies connect, and each new story adds another layer to this spooky, funny, uniquely Indian world.
Now, Maddock wants to expand that world far beyond individual films.
Seven New MHCU Films Coming in Five Years
At a recent award function, Vijan revealed that Maddock Films will be rolling out seven new horror-comedy movies over the next five years — marking one of the most aggressive franchise plans in Hindi cinema.
The producer explained that universes only grow well when handled thoughtfully.
“Three to four films across a few years is the sweet spot,” he said, noting that Maddock wants to nurture long-lasting franchises rather than chase every box office trend.
Why Maddock Is Succeeding When Big Films Are Struggling
While several tentpole projects have stumbled recently, Maddock Films continues to stand firm. The secret? A commitment to culturally rooted storytelling — pulling from Indian legends, village tales, and regional myths while keeping the tone modern and fun.
Vijan credits the studio’s success to backing “bold, distinctive narratives” instead of repetitive formulas. Whether it’s a folkloric creature like the werewolf-inspired Bhediya or the eerie supernatural setting of Thamma, the MHCU keeps reinventing itself while staying proudly Indian.
Cinema’s Biggest Rival: The Smartphone (Not Other Studios)
Vijan offered a sharp reality check about today’s entertainment landscape:
The biggest competition for cinema isn’t another filmmaker — it’s the smartphone.
With audiences glued to short-form content and instant entertainment, Maddock is adopting a platform-neutral strategy, ensuring its IPs can live seamlessly across theatres, OTT platforms, and mobile-first formats.
He also highlighted how AI and rapid VFX advancements will change filmmaking within the next two years. Photoreal CGI and affordable digital tools, he believes, will allow “every storyteller to create,” intensifying the fight for audience attention.
Beyond MHCU: Maddock’s Next Big Release, Ikkis
Even as the horror-comedy universe grows, Maddock Films is also pushing into prestige cinema. One of its most anticipated releases is Ikkis, a Sriram Raghavan-directed war drama based on the heroic life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
The film stars Agastya Nanda in a dramatic lead role, with Dharmendra delivering a pivotal performance. Vijan has called Ikkis one of Maddock’s “most emotionally powerful” films yet — a blend of authenticity, heart, and classic Sriram Raghavan craft.
What’s Next in the MHCU?
With seven films planned, fans can expect a lineup that expands the mythology in fresh, surprising directions. Upcoming titles include:
- Shakti Shalini
- Bhediya 2
- Chamunda
- Maha Munjya
- Pehla Mahayudh
- Doosra Mahayudh
Each film is expected to tie deeper into the universe Maddock has already built — creating one of Indian cinema’s most cohesive and rewatchable film worlds.
Final Words
Maddock Films isn’t just making movies anymore — it’s shaping an entire universe. With seven new films, folklore-driven creativity, and a clear long-term roadmap, the MHCU is set to become one of the most ambitious and entertaining cinematic universes in the country.
