Dinesh Vijan’s leadership and exploring vision are the reasons behind Maddock Films’ brave and adventurous move into new ground where the blending of AI with the horror-comedy genre will be explored. It is said that the new project is at the “brainstorming and development” stage, and it will be happening parallel to the studio’s announced lineup of MHCU films—consisting of Stree 3, Bhediya 2, Shakti Shalini, and Chamunda.
Expanding the Horror-Comedy Universe with a High-Tech Twist
Beginning with Stree (2018), Vijan has developed a strong brand in recent years, followed by Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024), and more. Maddock Films is known for its horror-comedy world, which is based on Indian folklore and takes place outside of the typical metro area.
What’s Next: Film Titles, Timelines & Expectations
The AI-infused film is anticipated to be produced in parallel with Shakti Shalini and Bhediya 2, as per sources, which hints at a possible release in the middle of 2026, but the schedules are still not confirmed. A news source exclaimed, “If it lands, it may prove to be pathbreaking for Hindi cinema.” Fans are anticipated for this in this AI era to see how storytelling and visuals will diverge and not just copy the anime world.
Meanwhile, the broader MHCU release calendar includes:
- Thama (Diwali 2025)
- Shakti Shalini (December 2025)
- Bhediya 2 (August 2026)
- Chamunda (December 2026)
- Stree 3 (August 2027)
- A two-part epic, Mahayudh, concluding the universe in 2028
Why It Matters: Genre Innovation in Bollywood
Maddock has introduced an artificial intelligence niche to a horror-comedy scenario, thus asserting its presence in the Indian film industry’s niche exerting towards a high-potential area of interest. It is a sign of a batch of films but also a drive towards technology-based storytelling, something that has been barely tested in-depth at this height of mainstream Hindi films. The decision aligns with the studio’s long-term goal of constructing endearing icons and filmic realms rooted in Indian tastes, as Vijan has pointed out. The new film starring Sunny Leone called Kaur vs Kore, produced by Paparazzi Entertainment Company and directed by Vinil Vasu, is also set to release in 2026, which might be India’s first AI-driven feature film, so Maddock may follow the lead and explore the genre.
