How storytelling triumphed over star power in India’s box office race
In an industry where star power often dictates success, a quiet revolution has been brewing in Bollywood. The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), an unconventional franchise built on spine-chilling tales mixed with laughter, has achieved what few could have predicted when Stree first haunted theaters in 2018.
Maddock Films’ unique universe of supernatural comedies has now crossed the remarkable ₹1500 crore mark in worldwide collections, establishing its dominance over some of Indian cinema’s biggest franchises .
The franchise’s latest installment, Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, contributed to this milestone despite facing tougher competition and mixed reviews. More significantly, this achievement positions the MHCU ahead of popular franchises like KGF and Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe in total earnings, proving that compelling storytelling can indeed compete with traditional star-driven formulas .
The Numbers Don’t Lie: How The Franchises Stack Up
While the YRF Spyverse might currently lead in per-film averages thanks to blockbusters like Pathaan (₹1055 crore), the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has demonstrated remarkable consistency and growth potential across multiple releases .
The table below offers a clear comparison of how these major Indian film franchises perform:
| Franchise | Total Worldwide Collection | Key Films | Highest Grosser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maddock Horror Comedy Universe | ₹1500+ crore | Stree, Stree 2, Bhediya, Munjya, Thamma | Stree 2 (₹857.15 crore) |
| YRF Spyverse | Data not fully specified | Pathaan, War, Tiger series | Pathaan (₹1055 crore) |
| Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe | Approximately ₹1433 crore (5 films) | Singham, Simmba, Sooryavanshi | Singham Again (Recent release) |
| KGF Chapter 2 (Individual Film) | ₹434.7 crore (Hindi version) | KGF Chapter 2 | KGF Chapter 2 |
What makes the MHCU’s achievement particularly impressive is its consistent performance across multiple releases without relying on A-list superstars. While the YRF Spyverse banks heavily on established names like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan, Maddock has blended emerging talents with character actors to create a loyal audience .
Inside MHCU’s Box Office Journey
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe began its successful run in 2018 with Stree, a horror-comedy that became an unexpected hit and later a cult classic. The film’s unique blend of scares and laughter, combined with sharp social commentary, resonated with audiences and collected ₹182 crore worldwide .
The universe expanded with Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024), and the record-shattering Stree 2 (2024), which emerged as the highest-grossing film in the franchise with ₹857.15 crore in worldwide collections .
The latest addition, Thamma, despite being the most expensive MHCU film with a reported budget of nearly ₹150 crore, has had a more measured success. The film opened strong during the Diwali weekend with ₹24 crore on day one but experienced a decline in subsequent days, highlighting the challenges of maintaining momentum in a competitive marketplace .
Thamma introduced vampires to the universe and marked MHCU’s first attempt at blending horror-comedy with a love story, signaling the franchise’s willingness to experiment with new subgenres .
The Secret Sauce: Why MHCU Connects With Audiences
Storytelling Over Stars
Unlike traditional Bollywood franchises that rely heavily on bankable stars, the MHCU has placed narrative at the forefront. By developing interconnected stories with crossovers and references that feel organic rather than forced, the universe has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that follows the storylines, not just the stars .
The Horror-Comedy Balance
The franchise has mastered the delicate art of blending genuine scares with laugh-out-loud moments. This unique combination makes the films accessible to broader family audiences who might avoid pure horror films, while still satisfying genre enthusiasts.
Cultural Roots With Universal Appeal
Many MHCU films draw from Indian folklore and mythology, creating stories that feel familiar yet fresh to domestic audiences. Stree was inspired by the urban legend of a female ghost who abducts men, while Bhediya explored shape-shifting creatures from Indian folk tales.
Strategic Budgeting
Until Thamma, most MHCU films were produced at modest budgets compared to typical franchise films, allowing for profitability even with moderate box office returns. This financial discipline has enabled the studio to experiment with new ideas and characters without excessive risk .
What’s Next For The Universe?
The commercial scaling of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe shows no signs of slowing down. With as many as 8 upcoming movies in development, including sequels and new entries, the franchise is positioned to potentially overtake even the YRF Spyverse in total box office dominance in the coming years .
The producers have also introduced their next franchise character, Shakti Shalini, at the end of Thamma, signaling their commitment to expanding this supernatural world with fresh faces and stories .
A New Franchise Model For Bollywood
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe’s crossing of ₹1500 crore represents more than just financial success—it signals a shift in what’s possible in Indian cinema. By proving that compelling storytelling and innovative universe-building can compete with traditional star-driven formulas, MHCU has opened doors for more creative risk-taking in the industry.
As Bollywood continues to embrace the franchise model, the MHCU stands as a testament to the power of connecting with audiences through originality rather than relying solely on established formulas.
What do you think about the rise of horror-comedy in Bollywood? Are there other folklore stories you’d like to see adapted into the MHCU? Share your thoughts on social media using #MaddockUniverse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe?
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) is a shared universe of Bollywood films produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films that blend horror and comedy elements. The universe began with Stree in 2018 and has expanded to include multiple interconnected films .
Which films are part of the MHCU, and how much have they earned?
The main films in the universe and their worldwide collections are:
- Stree 2 (2024) – ₹857.15 crore
- Stree (2018) – ₹182 crore
- Thamma (2025) – ₹127.57 crore (still running)
- Munjya (2024) – ₹125 crore
- Bhediya (2022) – ₹94.91 crore
How does MHCU’s box office compare to KGF?
While KGF Chapter 2 earned approximately ₹434.7 crore for its Hindi version alone, the entire Maddock Horror Comedy Universe franchise has collectively grossed over ₹1500 crore worldwide, making it larger in total cumulative earnings .
What makes the MHCU different from other Bollywood franchises?
Unlike star-driven franchises like YRF Spyverse, MHCU relies more on storytelling, character actors, and unique horror-comedy blends rather than bankable stars. This approach has proven successful in building a dedicated audience and achieving consistent box office performance across multiple films .
What upcoming films are planned for the MHCU?
The franchise has as many as 8 upcoming movies in development, including sequels and new entries, though specific titles and release dates haven’t been officially announced yet .
