Maddock Supernatural Universe Explained
| Italic Title: | no |
| Maddock Supernatural Universe |
| Creator: | Dinesh Vijan |
| Origin: | Stree (2018) |
| Years: | 2018–present |
| Otherheader: | Financial summary |
| Otherlabel1: | Budget |
| Otherdata1: | ₹165 crore |
| Otherlabel2: | Box office |
| Otherdata2: | 801.43 crore |
The Maddock Supernatural Universe (MSU) is an Indian shared universe consisting of Hindi-language supernatural comedy horror films. All the films in this universe are based on Indian folklore. The first installment, Stree (2018), was released as a standalone film with the potential for future sequels. The universe-building began with Bhediya (2022), which established a connection with Stree. This connection was further developed in Munjya (2024), contributing to the shared universe. The latest film, Stree 2 (2024) continues to expand the universe, with Bhediya serving as the central connection between the films.[1] [2]
Roohi (2021) was initially planned to be part of the universe but was ultimately excluded due to creative differences, poor reception, and a significant continuity issue, as Rajkummar Rao portrays the lead in both Stree and Roohi as two different characters.[3]
Films
| Film | Cast | Runtime | Released |
|---|
| Stree | Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee. | 130 minutes | 31 August 2018 |
| Bhediya | Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, Deepak Dobriyal, Paalin Kabak | 156 minutes | 25 November 2022 |
| Munjya | | 123 minutes | 7 June 2024 |
| Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank | Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana | 149 minutes | 15 August 2024 | |
Stree
See main article: Stree (2018 film).
The first instalment of the franchise is directed by debutant Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Raj & DK. It stars Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, alongside Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee. The plot is based on the urban legend Nale Ba, which means "come tomorrow" in Kannada, modified as "o stree kal aana" ("oh woman, come tomorrow") in the film. [4] [5] Stree was theatrically released worldwide on 31 August 2018 and received positive reviews. The film grossed over ₹180 crore at the box office against a budget of ₹23–25 crore, becoming a box office success. The film received ten nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards and won Best Debut Director for Kaushik.[6]
Bhediya
See main article: Bhediya (film).
The third instalment of the franchise is directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. The film stars Varun Dhawan alongside Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, Deepak Dobriyal and Paalin Kabak. The plot is inspired by an Arunachal Pradesh legend about a shape-shifting werewolf who kills to protect the jungle. Additionally, characters from Stree appeared in the film, including cameo appearances by Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and Aparshakti Khurana. Abhishek Banerjee reprises his role as Jana (Janardan), Dhawan's cousin.[7] Bhediya was theatrically released on 25 November 2022, garnering positive reviews. The film grossed about ₹90 crore against a production budget of approximately ₹60 crore at the box office. It received 13 nominations at the 68th Filmfare Awards, including Best Film (Critics), Best Actor (Critics) and Best Special Effects.[8] [9]
Munjya
See main article: Munjya (film).
The fourth instalment of the franchise is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik. The film stars Sharvari, Abhay Verma, Sathyaraj and Mona Singh. The titular character was entirely created using CGI. Additionally, characters from Bhediya made cameo appearances in the film, including Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Banerjee. The film is based on folklore from Konkan that depicts a mischievous spirit named Munjya from Marathi tradition, which haunts peepal trees or wells. This spirit arises when a man dies unmarried between his thread ceremony and marriage ritual and often causes disturbances to fulfil his unfulfilled desires. Munjya was theatrically released on 7 June 2024, garnering mixed reviews. The film grossed over ₹132 crore worldwide against a production budget of ₹30 crore and became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2024.[10] [11]
Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank
See main article: Stree 2.
The fifth installment of the franchise and direct sequel to Stree is directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande. The film stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. The story follows the events after Stree, where the small town of Chanderi is haunted by a beheaded creature, "Sarkata", who is abducting women. Varun Dhawan reprises his role from Bhediya, connecting this instalment with Bhediya and Munjya. Stree 2 was theatrically released on 15 August 2024. The film received positive reviews from critics and has grossed over ₹398 crore at the box office against a production budget of ₹50 crore.[12] [13]
Connected characters
This table lists the connected characters who appear in the Maddock Supernatural Universe.
Creative and technical crew
| Occupation | Film | | | |
|---|
| width:10%;" | Stree | width:10%;" | Bhediya | width:10%;" | Munjya | width:10%;" | Stree 2 |
|---|
| Director | Amar Kaushik | Amar Kaushik | Aditya Sarpotdar | Amar Kaushik |
|---|
| Producer | Dinesh Vijan, Raj & DK | Dinesh Vijan, Jyoti Deshpande | Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik | Dinesh Vijan, Jyoti Deshpande |
|---|
| Writer | | Niren Bhatt | Niren Bhatt, Yogesh Chandekar | Niren Bhatt |
|---|
| Cinematographer | Amalendu Chaudhary | Jishnu Bhattacharjee | Saurabh Goswami | Jishnu Bhattacharjee |
|---|
| Editor | Hemanti Sarkar | Sanyukta Kaza | Monisha R. Baldawa | Hemanti Sarkar |
|---|
| Composer | Sachin–Jigar, Ketan Sodha | |
|---|
| Production company | Maddock Films, D2R Films | Maddock Films, Jio Studios | Maddock Films | Maddock Films, Jio Studios |
|---|
| Distributor | AA Films, Jio Studios, PHARS Film | Pen Marudhar | PVR Inox Pictures, Pen Marudhar | |
|---|
Box office
Upcoming films
Vampires Of Vijay Nagar
The sixth instalment of the franchise is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan. The film, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, has been announced with a scheduled release date of 14 February 2025. However, principal photography is yet to commence.[23] [24]
Bhediya 2
The seventh instalment and sequel to Bhediya is in the pipeline, with Amar Kaushik returning as the director and Varun Dhawan reprising his role. While the project has been officially announced, the makers are still in the pre-production phase, and principal photography has not yet started. The film is expected to hit theatres in 2025.[25] [26]
Stree 3
Following the release of the trailer for Stree 2, producer Dinesh Vijan confirmed that Stree 3, the eighth instalment of the franchise, is in early development. The film is scheduled for release in 2026, but production is yet to begin.[27] [28]
See also
Notes and References
- Web site: 12 April 2023 . Stree 2 and Bhediya 2 to take Dinesh Vijan's horror-comedy universe to new heights; Deets Inside . 24 September 2023 . PINKVILLA . en . 7 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230507155157/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/stree-2-and-bhediya-2-to-take-dinesh-vijans-horror-comedy-universe-to-new-heights-deets-inside-1216497 . dead .
- Web site: 30 August 2018 . Stree Movie (2018) - Release Date, Cast, Trailer and Other Details . 24 September 2023 . PINKVILLA . en . 26 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230926153239/https://www.pinkvilla.com/movie/stree . live .
- Web site: How To Watch The Horror Films In The Maddock Supernatural Universe In Order, Including ‘Stree 2’ And ‘Bhediya’ . Hendriques . Princia . August 20, 2024 . AugustMan.
- Web site: Srivastava . Soumya . 1 September 2018 . Nale Ba, the Bengaluru urban legend that inspired Stree . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221127155833/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/nale-ba-the-real-story-of-the-bengaluru-witch-that-inspired-stree/story-uHMGm24ZGENzIVJkxwtWBL.html . 27 November 2022 . 16 July 2024 . Hindustan Times.
- Web site: 27 October 2019 . A real horror show . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240716141524/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/others/leisure/a-real-horror-show/articleshow/71780447.cms . 16 July 2024 . 21 July 2022 . Bangalore Mirror . en.
- Web site: 12 April 2023 . Stree 2 and Bhediya 2 to take Dinesh Vijan's horror-comedy universe to new heights . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20230507155157/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/stree-2-and-bhediya-2-to-take-dinesh-vijans-horror-comedy-universe-to-new-heights-deets-inside-1216497 . 7 May 2023 . 7 May 2023 . India Today.
- Web site: Sharma . Devesh . 25 November 2022 . Bhediya Movie Review . 16 August 2024 . Filmfare.com . 25 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221125082405/https://www.filmfare.com/reviews/bollywood-movies/bhediya-movie-review-55876.html . live .
- Web site: Agarwal . Mehak . 25 November 2022 . 'Bhediya' movie review: 'Potential to develop into franchise', netizens, critics give Varun Dhawan's latest film a thumbs up . 16 August 2024 . Business Today . 25 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221125082916/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/entertainment/story/bhediya-movie-review-potential-to-develop-into-franchise-netizens-critics-give-varun-dhawans-latest-film-a-thumbs-up-354193-2022-11-25 . live .
- Web site: Chaubey . Pranita . 25 April 2023 . Filmfare Awards 2023: Here's The Full Nominations List . 16 August 2024 . ndtv.com . 2 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202223540/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/filmfare-awards-2023-nominations-alia-bhatt-tabu-kareena-kapoor-in-race-for-best-actress-3976685 . live .
- Web site: Mathur . Vinamra . Mathur . Vinamra . 28 May 2024 . 'Munjya': Decoding the folklore this horror-comedy is based on and meeting India's first CGI actor . 16 August 2024 . Firstpost . 30 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240630065232/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/munjya-decoding-the-folklore-this-horror-comedy-is-based-on-and-meeting-indias-first-cgi-actor-13775998.html . live .
- Web site: Gupta . Shubhra . 7 June 2024 . Munjya review: Dinesh Vijan's latest horror-comedy is neither scary nor funny, goes downhill after 30 minutes . 16 August 2024 . The Indian Express . 2 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240802172935/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/munjya-movie-review-dinesh-vijan-latest-horror-comedy-is-neither-scary-nor-funny-9377602/ . live .
- Web site: Bohra . Anurag . 9 August 2024 . Varun Dhawan romances, Shraddha Kapoor in Khoobsurat from Stree 2, fans ask 'Vicky ka kya hoga' . 16 August 2024 . Hindustan Times . 9 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240809124140/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/varun-dhawan-romances-shraddha-kapoor-in-khoobsurat-from-stree-2-fans-ask-vicky-ka-kya-hoga-101723192696313.html . live .
- Web site: Bohra . Anurag . 9 August 2024 . Varun Dhawan romances, Shraddha Kapoor in Khoobsurat from Stree 2, fans ask 'Vicky ka kya hoga' . 16 August 2024 . Hindustan Times . 9 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240809124140/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/varun-dhawan-romances-shraddha-kapoor-in-khoobsurat-from-stree-2-fans-ask-vicky-ka-kya-hoga-101723192696313.html . live .
- Web site: Hungama . Bollywood . 18 September 2018 . Box Office: Understanding the economics of Stree and the profits it has earned for its makers . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240716152403/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-understanding-economics-stree-profits-earned-makers/ . 16 July 2024 . 3 July 2023 . Bollywood Hungama.
- Web site: 22 February 2019 . Stree Actor Rajkummar Rao: "Not Budget, Content Determines A Film's Success" . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240716141539/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/stree-actor-rajkummar-rao-not-budget-the-content-determines-a-films-success-1967800 . 16 July 2024 . 16 July 2024 . NDTV.com.
- Web site: Hungama . Bollywood . 31 August 2018 . Stree Box Office Collection till Now . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230708135448/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/stree-3/box-office/ . 8 July 2023 . 3 July 2023 . Bollywood Hungama.
- Web site: Agarwal . Mehak . 28 November 2022 . Bhediya box office collection: Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon-starrer mints Rs 28.55 crore . 16 August 2024 . Business Today.
- Web site: 25 November 2022 . Bhediya Box Office . 27 November 2022 . . 22 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221222060603/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/bhediya/box-office/ . live .
- Web site: 16 August 2024 . Munjya TV release soon; here's when and where to watch the horror comedy . 16 August 2024 . Business Standard.
- News: 9 June 2024 . Munjya Box Office . 9 June 2024 . . en . 9 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240609052809/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/munjya/box-office/ . live .
- Web site: Naaz . Fareha . 16 August 2024 . Stree 2 versus Fighter box office collection: Who's winning on Day 1? . 16 August 2024 . livemint.com . 17 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240817102640/https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/stree-2-versus-fighter-box-office-collection-whos-winning-shraddha-kapoor-or-hrithik-roshan-on-day-1/amp-11723793018658.html . live .
- Web site: Hungama . Bollywood . 16 August 2024 . Stree 2 Box Office Collection . 16 August 2024 . Bollywood Hungama . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816054421/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/stree-2-2/box-office/ . live .
- Web site: Mankad . Himesh . EXCLUSIVE: Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna team up for Vampires of Vijay Nagar . PINKVILLA . 25 June 2024 . 17 August 2024 . 18 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818162400/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-ayushmann-khurrana-and-rashmika-mandanna-team-up-for-vampires-of-vijay-nagar-on-floors-in-november-1320652 . live .
- Web site: Hungama . Bollywood . Vampires of Vijaynagar Movie Star Cast . 16 August 2024 . Bollywood Hungama . 18 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818162832/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/vampires-of-vijaynagar/cast/ . live .
- Web site: 13 April 2023 . Varun Dhawan announces 'Bhediya 2', to release in 2025 . 16 August 2024 . The Hindu . 18 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818162846/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/varun-dhawan-announces-bhediya-2-to-release-in-2025/article66732729.ece . live .
- Web site: Cyril . Grace . 13 April 2023 . Varun Dhawan's Bhediya 2, Shraddha Kapoor's Stree 2 to take over horror-comedy universe. Details inside . 16 August 2024 . India Today.
- Web site: Panchal . Komal RJ . 18 July 2024 . Stree 3: Dinesh Vijan announces third installment of Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi film . 16 August 2024 . The Indian Express . 8 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240808130917/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/stree-3-dinesh-vijan-announces-third-installment-of-shraddha-kapoor-rajkummar-rao-pankaj-tripathi-film-9461775/ . live .
- Web site: Sehgal . Chirag . 18 July 2024 . Stree 3 CONFIRMED! Dinesh Vijan Says Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor Film 'Already Written' . 16 August 2024 . News18 . 5 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240805171108/https://www.news18.com/india/stree-3-confirmed-dinesh-vijan-says-rajkummar-rao-shraddha-kapoor-film-already-written-8970412.html . live .
