The Maddock Supernatural Universe (MSU) has become a captivating venture in the Indian film industry, blending supernatural elements with comedy, all rooted in Indian folklore. If you love horror, comedy, and a good dose of Indian culture, then the MSU is something you should dive into. Let’s take a closer look at what this universe has to offer, from its humble beginnings to the expansive world it’s creating.
The Birth of the Maddock Supernatural Universe
The MSU began its journey in 2018 with the release of “Stree,” a film that brought together horror and humor in a unique way. Directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan along with Raj & DK, “Stree” was based on the urban legend “Nale Ba” from Karnataka, which was cleverly adapted into “O Stree Kal Aana” (Oh woman, come tomorrow) in the movie. This phrase became iconic, capturing the blend of fear and fun that the film embodied.
“Stree” wasn’t just a success; it was a phenomenon. Made on a modest budget of ₹23-25 crore, the film grossed over ₹180 crore at the box office, proving that Indian audiences were ready for something fresh and different. The movie starred Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee, who all delivered memorable performances that set the tone for the universe to come.
The Standalone Sequel: Roohi
Following the success of “Stree,” Maddock Supernatural Universe brought us “Roohi” in 2021. Directed by Hardik Mehta, “Roohi” was intended to be another entry in the supernatural comedy genre but didn’t connect with audiences as “Stree” did. The movie starred Rajkummar Rao once again, alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Sharma. It explored the folklore of a witch named Mudiyapairi, who targets grooms and abducts their brides.
Unfortunately, “Roohi” didn’t live up to expectations. It was released during the post-COVID era, and while it had its moments, it couldn’t capture the magic that “Stree” had. With a budget of ₹35 crore, it grossed only ₹30 crore, making it a rare miss for the Maddock Supernatural Universe.
Expanding the Universe: Bhediya and Beyond
The MSU truly began to expand with the release of “Bhediya” in 2022. Directed by Amar Kaushik, “Bhediya” brought together a stellar cast, including Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, and Deepak Dobriyal. The film explored the legend of a shape-shifting werewolf from Arunachal Pradesh, adding a new layer of supernatural intrigue to the universe.
What made “Bhediya” special was its direct connection to “Stree.” Characters from “Stree” made cameo appearances, weaving the two stories together and signaling the start of a larger universe. “Bhediya” was well-received, grossing around ₹90 crore at the box office against a budget of ₹60 crore. It wasn’t just another horror-comedy; it was a signal that the Maddock Supernatural Universe was here to stay and grow.
Munjya: A New Folklore
In 2024, the Maddock Supernatural Universe introduced us to “Munjya,” directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. This film delved into the folklore of the Konkan region, focusing on a mischievous spirit named Munjya, who haunts peepal trees or wells. The titular character was created entirely using CGI, making it a first for Indian cinema in terms of digital character creation.
“Munjya” featured Sharvari, Abhay Verma, Sathyaraj, and Mona Singh in lead roles, with cameo appearances by Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Banerjee from “Bhediya.” The film was another box office hit, grossing over ₹132 crore against a modest budget of ₹30 crore. It further solidified the interconnectedness of the MSU, with characters from “Bhediya” making their presence felt in this new tale.
Stree 2: The Return to Where It All Began
The most anticipated film in the MSU so far has been “Stree 2,” a direct sequel to the film that started it all. Released in August 2024, “Stree 2” brought back the beloved characters of Vicky, played by Rajkummar Rao, and the mysterious Stree, played by Shraddha Kapoor. The story picks up from where the first film left off, with a new supernatural threat in the form of a beheaded creature known as “Sarkata.”
“Stree 2” didn’t just continue the story; it expanded the universe even further by bringing in connections to both “Bhediya” and “Munjya.” Varun Dhawan reprised his role from “Bhediya,” creating a bridge between the different films. “Stree 2” was a massive success, grossing over ₹632 crore, making it the highest-grossing film in the Maddock Supernatural Universe to date.
The Future of the Maddock Supernatural Universe
The Maddock Supernatural Universe shows no signs of slowing down. With the success of “Stree 2,” more films are already in the pipeline. “Vampires of Vijaynagar,” starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is set to release in February 2025, introducing yet another supernatural element to the universe. “Bhediya 2” is also in the works, with Varun Dhawan set to return as the titular werewolf.
Beyond these, the creators have teased even more projects, including “Stree 3” and a mysterious new film titled “Thama.” It’s clear that the Maddock Supernatural Universe is aiming to become a long-running franchise, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with a distinctly Indian twist.
Why the Maddock Supernatural Universe Works
So, what makes the Maddock Supernatural Universe so appealing? It’s the perfect blend of horror, comedy, and Indian culture. Each film draws from rich Indian folklore, bringing these ancient tales to life in a way that’s both entertaining and relatable. The characters are quirky and memorable, the humor is spot-on, and the horror elements are just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat without being too terrifying.
Moreover, the interconnected nature of the films adds an extra layer of excitement for fans. Seeing characters from one film pop up in another creates a sense of continuity and rewards loyal viewers who follow the entire universe.
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The Maddock Supernatural Universe has carved out a unique niche in Indian cinema. With its blend of folklore, horror, and comedy, it offers something fresh and exciting for audiences. As the universe continues to expand, fans can look forward to even more thrilling stories, beloved characters, and, of course, plenty of laughs along the way. If you haven’t explored the MSU yet, now is the perfect time to jump in and experience this supernatural world for yourself! Follow our culture page for more such interesting topics.
