Get ready for an exciting announcement from one of Bollywood’s most successful production houses. Dinesh Vijan has revealed an ambitious long-term plan for Maddock Films that centers on expanding its horror comedy universe. At a recent award ceremony, he announced that the studio will roll out seven new horror comedy films over the next five years, reinforcing its commitment to building scalable, franchise-led content. Among the key upcoming releases is Ikkis, a war drama starring Agastya Nanda and directed by Sriram Raghavan.
Speaking at the event, Vijan explained that audience-friendly universes grow best when they are not overextended. The sweet spot is three to four films over a few years, he said, emphasizing that Maddock is focused on nurturing franchises that endure, rather than reacting to short-lived industry patterns.
Culturally Rooted Stories Continue To Resonate
Despite several big-ticket films underperforming recently, Maddock’s culturally rooted stories, ranging from comedies to folklore-inspired fantasies, have continued to resonate with viewers. Vijan credited this stability to choosing bold, distinctive narratives and tapping into India’s cultural depth instead of relying on formulaic storytelling. This approach has helped the studio maintain its position as one of the most consistent producers in the industry.
- Shakti Shalini (2026)
- Chamunda (2027)
- Bhediya 2 (2028)
- Chhoti Stree (2028)
- Stree 3 (2028)
- Maha Munjya (2029)
- Pehla Mahayudh (2029)
- Doosara Mahayudh (2029)
The success of films like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya has proven that audiences are hungry for content that blends horror, comedy, and Indian folklore in fresh and entertaining ways. This horror comedy universe has become Maddock’s signature offering, setting it apart from other production houses.
The Real Competition Is The Smartphone
Vijan noted that the real competition for cinema today is not other studios, but the smartphone, which has shifted consumer attention to bite-sized video content. This shift has pushed Maddock towards a platform-neutral approach, where intellectual properties can transition seamlessly across theatrical releases, OTT platforms, and mobile formats. The studio is adapting to changing viewing habits while ensuring that theatrical experiences remain special and worth the trip to cinemas.
AI Will Transform Filmmaking Economics
Calling AI a major disruptor, Vijan predicted that rapid advancements, especially in photoreal imagery and cost-efficient VFX, will transform filmmaking economics within the next 18 to 24 months. While these innovations promise higher production quality and broader reach, they also mean that every storyteller will be able to create, escalating the battle for viewer attention. This democratization of filmmaking tools will make quality content and strong storytelling even more important.
About Maddock Horror Comedy Universe
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe is a franchise of interconnected films produced by Maddock Films, blending Indian folklore, supernatural elements, and comedy. The universe began with Stree in 2018 and has since expanded to include films like Bhediya, Munjya, and Stree 2. The studio has announced seven more horror comedy films over the next five years as part of this growing cinematic universe.
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