A look at Maddock Films’ spooktacular universe that makes us laugh in the face of fears
With a penchant for blending horror and humour, Maddock Films has carved a niche for itself and has conjured up a supernatural universe that keeps audiences both spooked and entertained. As we eagerly await the release of Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s Stree 2, let’s take a spectral stroll down memory lane and explore Maddock’s eerie offerings.
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The Birth of the Spooky-Verse
The Maddock Supernatural Universe materialized in 2018 with the release of Stree. Directed by Amar Kaushik and starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, this film introduced us to the quaint town of Chanderi. Here, the townsfolk lived in perpetual fear of Stree, a vengeful spirit who preyed on men during festivals. The movie cleverly wove urban legends into its narrative, including the infamous “Naale Baa” myth from Karnataka. With a budget of Rs 14 crore, Stree reaped a whopping Rs 180 crore worldwide, proving that horror and humour could coexist harmoniously.
Bhediya: Howling Success
In 2022, Maddock Films unleashed Bhediya, a hair-raising tale that transformed road construction contractor Bhaskar (played by Varun Dhawan) into a werewolf. Drawing inspiration from Arunachal Pradesh’s folklore, the film delved into the mysterious world of shape-shifters. Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee and Deepak Dobriyal joined the eerie ensemble, and the film howled its way to success. With a combined budget of Rs 124 crore, the supernatural duo of Stree and Bhediya amassed a staggering Rs 380 crore at the box office.
Munjya: A Konkan Conundrum
Munjya, the latest addition to the spooky-verse, materialized in 2024. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, this film unravelled family secrets and introduced us to the vengeful spirit, Munjya. Set against the backdrop of Konkan folklore, it promises a humorously chaotic and terrifying adventure. As the young protagonist battles Munjya’s clutches, we witness a delightful fusion of scares and chuckles. Maddock Films continues to weave its supernatural tapestry, leaving audiences spellbound. Made on a budget of Rs 30 crore, the film collected Rs 107.48 crore at the box office, proving that content is king, despite the OTT wave changing the way we decide to watch a movie in theatres.
Stree 2: The Haunting Continues
And now, the anticipation reaches fever pitch as Stree 2 prepares to haunt theatres on August 15, 2024. Directed once again by Amar Kaushik, this sequel promises more chills, more laughs, and perhaps a few sleepless nights. It brings back the dynamic ensemble comprising Rajkummar, Shraddha, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee and Pankaj Tripathi. The film also boasts of a sizzling dance number by Tamannaah Bhatia. Will Vicky and his friends finally unravel the mystery behind Stree? Only time (and a few well-timed jump scares) will tell.
The Maddock Magic
What sets Maddock Films apart is its deft handling of horror-comedy. Rather than relying solely on jump scares, the studio infuses its supernatural tales with wit, relatable characters, and a dash of quirkiness. Whether it’s the eerie streets of Chanderi or the moonlit forests of Arunachal Pradesh, Maddock Films invites us to laugh in the face of fear. So, dear readers, as we brace ourselves for Stree 2, let’s raise our chai cups to Maddock Films—a studio that fearlessly dances between realms, leaving behind footprints in both the mortal and spectral worlds. After all, life is too short to be scared all the time—sometimes, a good laugh is the best exorcism.
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