Maddock Supernatural Universe

Maddock Supernatural Universe is an Indian shared universe consisting of Hindi-language supernatural horror comedy films.

The film series began in 2018 with the release of '' Stree'', directed by Amar Kaushik and starring Rajkumar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in 2022, starring Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon. After Bhediya, Munjya is the latest film of the franchise starring Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma. Made on a budget of 30 crores, it became a huge commercial success. Stree 2 is the next film of the franchise to be released on 15 August 2024.

The franchise has been commercially successful, having grossed a combined ₹380 crore against a combined budget of ₹124 crore. The franchise has predominantly received positive reviews.

Overview

''Stree'' (2018)

The people of Chanderi live under constant fear of Stree, the spirit of a woman who attacks men at night during festivals. Vicky, along with his friends, decides to unravel the mystery.

''Bhediya'' (2022)

''Bhediya'' revolves around the story of Bhaskar, a road construction contractor, who transforms into a werewolf. The story has its roots in popular folklore (Yapum) and is inspired by legendary tales of Arunachal Pradesh, where the movie was also shot.

''Munjya'' (2024)

A young man's visit to his native village unveils a family secret and a vengeful spirit, Munjya, who wants to get married. Now the young man must fight to protect himself and his love from Munjya's clutches leading to a humorously chaotic and terrifying adventure. It is based on Konkan folklore.

Films

''Stree'' (2018)

The first installment of the series, centers on the real-life incidents. The people of Chanderi live under constant fear of Stree, the spirit of a woman who attacks men at night during festivals. Vicky, along with his friends, decides to unravel the mystery. The film focused on the " Naale Baa" was an urban legend that went viral during the 1990s in Karnataka. The myth goes "a witch roams the streets in the night and knocks the door." "Naale Baa" has been found written on walls of small towns and villages (Rural Bangalore) for years now. Stree was released on 30 August 2018 in United Arab Emirates and 31 August 2018, in India to positive reviews. It earned ₹180 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹14 crore.

''Bhediya'' (2022)

Bhediya is the second installment in this series. The film starring Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon and Deepak Dobriyal, released worldwide on 25 November 2022. The shooting took place in regions of Arunachal Pradesh - Ziro (Lower Subansiri), Sagalee (Papum Pare) and parts of Pakke-Kessang district- over a span of two months, from March to April 2021. Over 70 percent of the artists in Bhediya are from Arunachal Pradesh.The shooting schedule in Arunachal Pradesh completed on 19 April 2021. The film was wrapped up on 10 July 2021. Abhishek Banerjee reprises his role of Jaana from the film '' Stree'' (2018) as cousin of Bhaskar. Additionally Shraddha Kapoor and Aparshakti Khurana appear in cameo appearances, all reprising their roles from ''Stree''.

''Munjya'' (2024)

The third installment in this series released on 7th June 2024. The film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and written by Niren Bhatt and Yogesh Chandekar. It stars Sharvari and Abhay Verma in lead roles. It depicts the story of munjya which is a myth from the Konkan region of Maharashtra.

''Stree 2'' (2024)

The fourth installment in this series, and also a sequel to Stree. The film is directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan, featuring Shraddha Kapoor, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee in lead roles. Varun Dhawan will also make a cameo appearance reprising his role of Bhaskar from Bhediya. In April 2023, the makers announced that the film will be released on 31 August 2024. The film is set to release on 15th of August 2024.

Upcoming films

''Vampires of Vijay Nagar (DHAAMA)'' (2025)

The fifth installment in this series, the film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna as the leads. The film is set to release on the 14th of February 2025.

''Bhediya 2'' (2025)

The sixth installment in this series, the film is directed by Amar Kaushik and stars Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon as the leads. The film is set to release on September 2025.

Recurring cast and characters

This table lists the main characters who appear in the Maddock Supernatural Universe, in alphabetical order by the character's last name.

Key

^C indicates that the actor/actress has a cameo role.

Additional crew and production details

Reception

''Stree'' (2018)

Rajeev Masand of News18 also gave 4.5 out of 5: "Stree is especially entertaining, packed with laugh-aloud moments and a cast that's on top of their game. It's one of the most original films this year, and I recommend that you make the time for it."
Rachit Gupta of ''The Times of India'' offered 4 out of 5, noting the superlative writing and dialogues, but felt the film was a little too long and had some 'ambiguous ideas.'
Raja Sen of the ''Hindustan Times'' gave it a 4 out of 5 and had a more moderate tone, commending the actor's energy and collaborative efforts but noting a rushed-feeling plot: "The laughs are inconsistent, and the plotting feels sloppy and rushed. The ideas are fine, but the writing needed work."

''Bhediya'' (2022)

''Bhediya'' received positive reviews from critics. Amandeep Naang of ''ABP News'' rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "''Bhediya'' is a mad ride of a horror-comedy which feels different in the current climate of remakes, thrillers and period dramas". ''Bollywood Hungama'' rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "''Bhediya'' works due to its novel idea, memorable performances, captivating climax, and VFX". Dhaval Roy of ''The Times of India'' rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote " Director Amar Kaushik handles both genres skillfully in his latest outing and strikes a fine balance to deliver a movie that’s spine chilling in some instances, rib-tickling in almost all, and leaves you with something to think about." Anna M. M. Vetticad of ''Firstpost'' rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, “Bhediya is not the first film in this world to sideline characters from social groups sidelined in reality, even while purportedly being about those communities... All the noble intentions in the world and even Abhishek Banerjee’s comedic genius cannot compensate for such mindlessness.”

''Munjya'' (2024)

Munjya received positive reviews from critics. Bhawna Arya of ''Times Now'' rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "In conclusion, Munjya appears to be an entertaining film that successfully combines elements of comedy and horror. While it may not satisfy hardcore horror fans, it promises to be a fun and thrilling ride for those who enjoy a good laugh with their scares."

Box office

The franchise has been notable for its profit, with ''Stree'' and its follow-up having earned a combined gross of ₹400 crore, according to Hindustan Times.

See also

*YRF Spy Universe
*Cop Universe
* ''Dhoom'' (franchise)
* ''Race'' (film series)
*Don (franchise)

References

External links

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*{{IMDb title, qid=Q126086642, title=Munjya

Film series introduced in 2018
Indian film series
Horror film franchises
Fictional universes
Indian supernatural horror films
Indian comedy horror films
Shared universes