Shraddha Kapoor and Dinesh Vijan announce standalone animated film on Stree; unveil MHCU logo: ‘Forget Hollywood universes, we have our own desi universe.’

At the trailer launch of Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer Thamma, Dinesh Vijan and Shraddha Kapoor also revealed the official logo of Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU).

Dinesh Vijan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Shraddha Kapoor at the trailer launch of Thamma in Mumbai.

Maddock Films on Friday unveiled the trailer of Thamma, the latest chapter in its expanding horror-comedy universe, at a rain-soaked event in Mumbai. he film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal in lead roles. Adding to the nostalgia, Shraddha Kapoor, who essayed the iconic character of Stree, was also present at the trailer launch.

Along with the trailer, producer Dinesh Vijan and Shraddha also revealed the official logo of Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU). The franchise kicked off with Amar Kaushik’s Stree in 2018, followed by Bhediya, the sleeper hit Munjya, and last year’s blockbuster Stree 2.

Speaking about her collaboration with Maddock Films, Shraddha Kapoor said: “To be a part of a film like Stree was a very special moment, and 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. Now, within India, we are creating universes like these. It’s time to forget Hollywood universes, because we have our very own desi horror-comedy universe.”

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Director Amar Kaushik, who has also produced Thamma, reflected on the universe’s unexpected journey: “In 2017, when we started, we had no idea that we would make a universe. All we wanted was to make a small horror-comedy with Stree that entertains and also, at places, gives jump scares. After it became a huge hit, that’s when Dino told me, ‘Now let’s make our own universe.’”

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The event also featured a surprise announcement: a standalone animated film centered on Shraddha Kapoor’s character from Stree. She revealed: “Maddock’s horror-comedy universe is coming with Choti Stree as an animated feature, and it will be released in theatres.” Dinesh Vijan added: “The way Amar and Niren Bhatt (screenwriter) have planned this is that Choti Stree will end with live-action footage from Stree 3, and it will answer all your questions about Stree’s backstory. And then six months later, we will release Stree 3”

Watch | Thamma trailer: Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna join forces to fight a 1,000-year-old ‘betaal’

Ayushmann Khurrana, making his debut collaboration with Maddock Films, expressed his excitement, noting that Thamma marks his first Diwali release. He added that the film will push the horror-comedy universe to new heights with a story unlike anything audiences have experienced before.

Thamma is set to hit theatres on October 21.

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