The Massive Success of MHCU: How the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe Became a ₹1500 Crore Franchise

Discover how the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU) grew from Stree to Thamma and became a ₹1500+ crore blockbuster franchise. Full movie breakdown, box office, future films & hidden universe secrets.

12/10/20254 min read

For years, Indian cinema has flirted with horror and experimented with comedy—but very few filmmakers dared to merge these two opposite worlds into one powerful, interconnected universe. That changed in 2018, when Maddock Films introduced a concept so fresh, so rooted in Indian folklore, and so unexpectedly entertaining that it grew into one of Bollywood’s most successful franchises ever.

Welcome to the MHCU — Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.
A universe built on myths, humor, clever world-building, and unforgettable characters.

What started with Stree has now expanded into a ₹1500-crore phenomenon with Bhediya, Munjya, Stree 2, and the mega-blockbuster Thamma (2025). But how did a horror-comedy universe, something Bollywood rarely takes seriously, become this big?

Let’s dive deep into the real secret behind MHCU’s massive success.

How the MHCU Journey Began — The Birth of a Universe

The journey began quietly, almost like a whisper—much like the eerie chant in the film:

“O Stree, kal aana…”

Stree (2018), directed by Amar Kaushik, wasn’t designed to launch a cinematic universe. It was simply an attempt to create a refreshing blend of horror and humor based on a local legend: the “Nale Ba(Come Tomorrow)” folklore of Karnataka.

Yet the film did something extraordinary:

✔ It scared the audience

✔ It made them laugh

✔ It delivered social commentary

✔ It created a mysterious world

And the biggest masterstroke?
A post-credit scene that hinted at a much bigger story.

That one scene planted the seed of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Something unusual was coming—and fans sensed it.

The Vision of Maddock Films — Building an Indian Cinematic Universe

Producer Dinesh Vijan recognized the potential immediately. Unlike superhero universes, India has something far more powerful:

⭐ Local myths

⭐ Regional folklore

⭐ Cultural legends

⭐ Small-town stories everyone relates to

Maddock Films decided not to imitate the MCU.
Instead, they created something uniquely Indian—where monsters aren’t aliens or mutants, but spirits our grandparents warned us about.

The vision was clear:

Build a universe rooted in India
Use real folklore creatures
Connect films through characters
Maintain a balance of scares and humor
Grow the universe gradually, not forcefully

This vision became the backbone of the MHCU.

The Creative Minds Behind the Universe

The MHCU owes its success to a consistent creative team:

🎬 Directors

Amar Kaushik – Stree, Bhediya, Stree 2
Aditya Sarpotdar – Munjya, Thamma

✍️ Writers

Niren Bhatt (major architect of MHCU’s writing)
Raj & DK (Stree’s original concept)
Yogesh Chandekar, Vishal Kapoor, and others

🧠 Producer

Dinesh Vijan, the mastermind behind the entire universe.

This consistency is why the tone, humor, and world-building feel seamless across all films.

MHCU Movies Explained

Stree (2018)

Director: Amar Kaushik

Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana , Abhishek Banerjee

Story in Short

A town haunted by a female spirit who abducts men at night. Four friends try to solve the mystery, only to uncover social themes hidden beneath the horror.