Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU)

Based on Indian myths and folklore, the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) is a network of interconnected supernatural comedy movies in Hindi. This film universe, which was developed by Maddock Films, started out as a stand-alone release and progressively grew through shared plotlines and character crossovers.

1. Stree (2018)

Amar Kaushik’s horror-comedy Stree, which was produced by Dinesh Vijan and Raj & DK, was the first film in the universe. The movie, which stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee, is based on the Karnataka urban legend “Nale Ba,” which has been remade as “O Stree Kal Aana.” Stree was widely praised when it was released on August 31, 2018, and on a relatively small budget of ₹23–25 crore, it made over ₹180 crore worldwide. The movie won Best Debut Director at the 64th Filmfare Awards, where it also received ten nominations.

2. Bhediya (2022)

Bhediya, which serves as the second chapter, was also produced by Dinesh Vijan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and directed by Amar Kaushik. Abhishek Banerjee, Deepak Dobriyal, and Paalin Kabak provide support for Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, who star in the movie. The movie relates to Stree through significant character cameos and is based on an Arunachal Pradeshi story about a mystical werewolf protector. Bhediya, which was released on November 25, 2022, received positive reviews and made about ₹90 crore at the box office on a ₹60 crore budget. At the 68th Filmfare Awards, it was nominated for 13 awards, including Best VFX and Best Critics’ Film.

3. Munjya (2024)

The third entry, Munjya, which was directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, features Sharvari, Abhay Verma, Sathyaraj, and Mona Singh. The story, which is based on Konkan folklore, centers on Munjya, a cunning spirit that haunts peepal trees and is connected to unfulfilled rituals. Abhishek Banerjee and Varun Dhawan make brief cameos as their Bhediya characters. Despite getting mixed reviews, the film, which was released on June 7, 2024, became an unexpected hit, earning over ₹132 crore worldwide on a ₹30 crore budget.

4. Stree 2 (2024)

Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee all return to their roles in the fourth movie and direct sequel to Stree. This installment, which was directed by Amar Kaushik, presents Chanderi with a new threat in the form of “Sarkata,” a headless creature. Stree 2, which was released on August 15, 2024, was a critical and financial success, grossing over ₹874.8 crore on a budget of ₹50–120 crore.