After delivering a major success with Stree 2, Maddock Films expanded its horror-comedy universe with Thamma, which has already hit screens and added a new chapter to the studio’s supernatural franchise.
And now, Maddock Films founder Dinesh Vijan has announced a long-term expansion of the studio’s horror-comedy universe. He has confirmed that seven new films are in development and will roll out over the next five years. The move signals Maddock’s continued focus on franchise-led IP and steady world-building.
At an award event, Vijan said that cinematic universes grow best when not stretched too thin. “The sweet spot is three to four films over a few years,” he said, adding that the idea is to build properties that last, rather than chase short-term trends.
While several large theatrical releases have struggled at the box office recently, Maddock’s slate — often rooted in cultural and folklore-driven storytelling —has maintained a consistent audience base. Vijan attributed this to choosing distinct narratives rather than formula-driven projects.
He also pointed out that the biggest challenge for cinema today is not competing studios, but the smartphone, which has shifted audience focus to short-form content. This has encouraged Maddock to adopt a platform-neutral approach, where stories can move across theatrical, streaming and mobile formats.
On the impact of technology, Vijan said AI and advanced VFX could significantly alter production economics within 18-24 months. The cost of photoreal imagery, he suggested, may drop enough for a wider pool of creators to operate at a professional level, which will intensify the competition for audience attention.
One key title on Maddock’s upcoming slate is Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan and based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film features Agastya Nanda in the lead, with Dharmendra playing a pivotal role. Vijan described it as a project that reflects the studio’s intent to balance franchise content with character-driven cinema.
