Amid Thamma craze, Dinesh Vijan aims to expand MHCU with AI-driven story - All you need to know

A new report suggests that Dinesh Vijan might expand his Maddock Horror Comedy Universe with an AI-driven story. However, the project is currently in the early stages.

MHCU

Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), previously known as the Maddock Supernatural Universe, created by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, has released five films as of now: Stree (2018), Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024), Stree 2 (2024), and the latest offering, Thamma (2025). Amid the release of Thamma, a report mentioned that Dinesh Vijan is aiming to expand MHCU with an AI-driven story.

Dinesh Vijan's AI-driven story

Mid-Day reported that a new film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) will be made by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dinesh Vijan is exploring the possibility of creating a fully-fledged artificial intelligence-powered big screen scene that will be a part of MHCU.

It shared, “There are exciting titles ‘Bhediya 2’, ‘Stree 3’, ‘Shakti Shalini’ with Aneet Padda, and ‘Chamunda’ with Alia Bhatt. The makers want to integrate an AI film into the slate as well. They have high ambitions with the MHCU, and an AI film feels like a natural fit that will widen the possibilities of what can happen in that universe. Things are, however, in the nascent stage,” reveals a source.

MHCU upcoming films

The sixth instalment of MHCU is Shakti Shalini, starring Saiyaara star Aneet Padda. The first look was shown during the theatrical screening of Thamma, and it also revealed that the film will hit theatres on December 24, 2026.

The seventh instalment is the sequel to Bhediya, titled Bhediya 2. Varun Dhawan will reprise his role. During an interactive session with fans on X, the actor addressed the postponement of Bhediya 2. The fan said, "Just tell me Bhediya 2 is happening and NOT shelved. Please." To this, Varun replied, "Arre bhai sab sab kuch bol denge toh suprise kaise de apology wait thoda #varunsays." This means Bhediya 2 is happening.

The eighth instalment in the franchise is Chamunda. The reports suggest that it will star Alia Bhatt in a lead role. However, Amar Kaushik addressed the rumours and added, "When it happens, everyone will know. I am not denying or accepting anything right now. Everything is on the timeline. We only focus on the story and think about the casting later. We don't write the script or story based on the cast. Thankfully, that does not happen here." The film is set to release on 4 December 2026, only 20 days before Shakti Shalini

Also Read: Thamma 2 confirmed after Shakti Shalini, Bhediya 2, Stree 3 - Know MHCU’s upcoming films' release in chronological order

Apart from these, the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth instalments are Stree 3, Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh, and Doosara Mahayudh.

FAQs

Q: What is Thamma?

A: Thamma is the latest instalment in Maddock Films' successful horror-comedy franchise, which includes hit films like Stree Stree 2, Bhediya, and Munjya. It is described as a "Genesis film" that expands the established cinematic universe.

Q: Who stars in the cast of Thamma?

A: The film features a high-profile cast, including Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Q: What kind of character does Ayushmann Khurrana play in Thamma?

A: Ayushmann Khurrana plays a Betal (a vampiric spirit from Indian folklore). He specifically refers to his character as the "Sarvasrisht Betal — the supreme one."

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