In the wake of the impressive success of Stree 2, Shah Rukh Khan convened a private discussion with Dinesh Vijan and director Amar Kaushik to consider potential collaborative projects. Subsequently, the filmmaking pair has engaged with the superstar on numerous subjects, encompassing horror comedies, fantasy films, and adventure genres, in order to assess his interest in the types of films he is inclined to pursue.

Shah Rukh Khan's reluctance to join Maddock horror-comedy universe

Bollywood Hungama has reported that Maddock has proposed to Shah Rukh Khan the film Chamunda, slated for release in 2026. According to credible sources, Maddock has approached SRK with an opportunity to star in a film that is expected to have a significant impact on their horror-comedy universe in the future. Under the direction of Amar Kaushik, Maddock expressed a strong desire to cast Alia Bhatt alongside Shah Rukh in Chamunda; however, this was not the anticipated outcome.

The source indicates that SRK is inclined to pursue an independent direction with Maddock and Amar Kaushik, rather than integrate into an established universe. He has encouraged the duo to develop something innovative and explore new avenues within the genre. Chamunda is being considered for new potential titles, and discussions for future collaborations with King Khan are already underway.

Also, the source told the entertainment portal that Vijan offered SRK a number of subjects, including Chamunda, but the two of them never clicked.

Maddock Films' universe expansion

Maddock Films has revealed three new titles set to expand their cinematic universe in 2025: Thama, Shakti Shalini, and Chamunda. These films are poised to enrich the Maddock Films universe significantly. The studio is preparing to unveil its most ambitious project to date—a creative and interconnected realm of horror-comedies.

From 2025 to 2028, Vijan intends to release two films each year from this universe. Thama is scheduled for a Diwali release in 2025, followed by Shakti Shalini on December 31, 2025, marking the commencement of the second phase of the horror-comedy superhero narrative. These films will pave the way for Chamunda, set to premiere on December 4, 2026, along with Bhediya 2, which is slated for August 14, 2026.

The anticipated release dates for Stree 3 and Mahamunjya in 2027 are August 13 and December 24, respectively. An ambitious two-part saga, Mahayudh, is set to redefine the landscape of horror humour in Indian cinema, culminating the overarching storyline of this universe once all individual films have been released. This project aims to transcend genre limitations and will bring together superheroes from across the Maddock horror-comedy universe. Pehla Mahayudh is expected to debut in theatres around Diwali 2028, on October 18, with Dusra Mahayudh following on August 11, 2028.

Read Also: Bajpayee Refutes Rumors of Reuniting with Kay Kay Menon for Neeraj Pandey's Upcoming Film

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!