The Maddock Films’ Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU) expanded its scope dramatically on Friday at the grand trailer launch of the latest film, Thamma. Graced by stars like Ayushmann Khurrana and Shraddha Kapoor, the event delivered a major surprise when Kapoor announced an animated standalone film titled ‘Choti Stree.’
The film, inspired by her popular character from the blockbuster Stree franchise, will serve as a theatrical prequel, directly setting up the events for the highly anticipated Stree 3.
‘Choti Stree’ to Answer Backstory Questions
Speaking at the launch, Shraddha Kapoor expressed her excitement for the innovative project. “The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) is coming out with Choti Stree as an animated film, which will be released in theatres. So it’s going to be total fun for everyone—kids and families alike,” she said. “I think it’s a very exciting time for India, and it feels amazing to be a part of this universe.”
Producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films revealed the film’s crucial role in the franchise’s continuity. He confirmed that Choti Stree is strategically designed to answer the long-standing fan questions about the titular character’s mysterious origins.
“The way Amar and Niren Bhatt (screenwriter) have planned this is that Choti Stree will end with live-action footage from Stree 3,” Vijan stated. “It will answer all your questions about Stree’s backstory. And then six months later, we will release Stree 3.”
Unveiling the Desi Universe
The announcement was part of a larger push to cement the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe as a major Indian cinematic force. Dinesh Vijan and Shraddha Kapoor also officially unveiled the logo of the MHCU, which began with Stree in 2018 and includes successful titles like Bhediya, Munjya, and the recent hit Stree 2.
Shraddha Kapoor praised Vijan’s vision, suggesting the MHCU is the answer to foreign franchises. “Dino is, of course, the captain of the ship. It’s all his vision, and now he has created a sensibility that every actor wants to be a part of films deeply rooted in our culture,” she noted. “It’s time to forget Hollywood universes, because we have our very own desi horror-comedy universe.”
The announcement of Choti Stree adds a unique, family-friendly dimension to the franchise, bridging the gap between two major live-action sequels and showcasing Maddock’s ambitious storytelling approach.
Thamma, the fifth instalment in the universe starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is set for its theatrical release later this year.Tell me more about the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.