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Maddock Films' horror comedy universe – the shared world of Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, Stree 2 and Thamma – is Bollywood's most successful cinematic universe. Ghosts, werewolves, a brahmarakshas and vampires all live in the same world, and the films keep crossing over with cameos and end-credit teases. Here is the right order to watch all five films, what to remember from each, and the latest on what's coming next as of October 2026.
Maddock horror comedy universe watch order
| Order | Movie | Year | Lead cast | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stree | 2018 | Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor | Where it all begins – Chanderi and its ghost |
| 2 | Bhediya | 2022 | Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon | Stree characters appear; universe officially born |
| 3 | Munjya | 2024 | Abhay Verma, Sharvari | Bhediya cameo; Jana returns |
| 4 | Stree 2 | 2024 | Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor | Direct sequel to Stree; Bhediya joins the fight |
| 5 | Thamma | 2025 | Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna | Vampires enter; cameos tie all four earlier films together |
The one face you will see in every film is Abhishek Banerjee as Jana – the universe's running thread.
Release order vs story order
For now, release order is the story order. Each film is set in the present day and picks up the threads left by the one before, and the cameos only land if you have seen the earlier films. Munjya has a flashback to an earlier era, but its main story happens in the same present-day world.
That may change later: Maddock has announced Chhoti Stree, an animated film reported to be a prequel to Stree. When it arrives, it may become the first film in story order – but it is not out yet, so stick to release order.
Note: 2021's Roohi (also a Maddock horror comedy) is not part of this universe. It even turns up as a "film" playing on a TV in Munjya.
1. Stree (2018)
Amar Kaushik's debut sets the tone. In the small town of Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, a female spirit abducts men during an annual festival – leaving only their clothes behind. Ladies' tailor Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) falls for a mysterious woman (Shraddha Kapoor) who only shows up during those nights. Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee make the funniest trio of friends in the universe.
What to remember (light spoilers): the "O Stree, kal aana" message painted on walls, Vicky's friend Jana's run-in with Stree, and the unanswered question of who Shraddha Kapoor's character really is.
2. Bhediya (2022)
Bhaskar (Varun Dhawan), a road contractor from Delhi, travels to the forests of Arunachal Pradesh for a highway project – and is bitten by a werewolf. Kriti Sanon plays the vet Dr Anika, with Deepak Dobriyal and Abhishek Banerjee bringing the laughs. The film is also about protecting forests.
What to remember (light spoilers): Bhaskar can now turn into the Bhediya; Anika is not who she seems; and a closing scene brings in Stree characters, officially linking the two films into one universe.
3. Munjya (2024)
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Munjya moves to the Konkan coast. Young Bittu (Abhay Verma) is haunted by Munjya – a mischievous, obsessive spirit who wants to marry Bittu's childhood crush Bela (Sharvari). Mona Singh and Sathyaraj are in the cast. Munjya himself is fully computer-animated, a first for the universe.
What to remember (light spoilers): how Munjya came to be, and the end-credits scene with Varun Dhawan's Bhediya and Jana, which hinted at a bigger crossover.
4. Stree 2 (2024)
The universe's biggest hit, and one of the highest-grossing Hindi films ever. Chanderi is now terrorised by Sarkata, a headless spirit who targets modern-minded women – and Vicky and gang need Stree's help. Tamannaah Bhatia has a hit special song, and Varun Dhawan's Bhediya joins the climax.
What to remember (light spoilers): Shraddha Kapoor's character's backstory, the surprise cameo by Akshay Kumar, and the end-credit scenes – one hints that Sarkata's story isn't over, another points towards Bhediya's return.
5. Thamma (2025)
Released for Diwali 2025, Thamma brings vampires – called betaals – into the universe. Ayushmann Khurrana plays Alok, a journalist who is rescued by Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a betaal, and gets pulled into her world. Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the chained-up betaal leader Yakshasan, and Paresh Rawal plays Alok's father. It reached Prime Video in December 2025.
What to remember (light spoilers): the big Alok-versus-Bhediya fight (Varun Dhawan in a special appearance), and the hints of an old hatred between werewolves and betaals – which Bhediya 2 is expected to explore.
What's next: upcoming films (as of October 2026)
In January 2025 Maddock announced a full slate running to 2028, ending in a two-part crossover called Mahayudh. Many of those dates have since moved. Here is where things stand:
- Shakti Shalini – starring Aneet Padda (Saiyaara) with Nana Patekar, Vishal Jethwa and Vineet Kumar Singh, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. It was set for 24 December 2026, but reports this month say it is moving to March 2027 to avoid Shah Rukh Khan's King. The new date is not official yet. Filming has wrapped.
- Stree 3 – producer Dinesh Vijan has confirmed a 2028 release (possibly Independence Day or Christmas). Amar Kaushik has finished the script; shooting is expected to start at the end of 2027, after he completes Mahavatar. Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor are expected to return.
- Bhediya 2 – originally announced for 14 August 2026, but it did not release then. No new date has been officially announced; reports point to 2027 or later.
- Chamunda – first announced for 4 December 2026. It is still in development; reports linking Alia Bhatt to the lead have not been officially confirmed, and no new date has been given.
- Maha Munjya – the Munjya sequel, originally announced for December 2027. No current date.
- Chhoti Stree – an animated Stree prequel, reportedly targeting 2028.
- Pehla Mahayudh and Doosra Mahayudh – the two-part finale where all the characters are expected to meet. Originally planned for 2028; with Stree 3 now in 2028, expect these to come later.
Watch more on NoWireTV
Want more from the people behind the universe? Maddock Films also made the historical blockbuster Chhaava and the Rajkummar Rao comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf. And before Shakti Shalini, catch Aneet Padda's breakout in Saiyaara. For more scares, there's The Conjuring: Last Rites too.
Horror comedies are regulars on Hindi movie channels – keep an eye on Sony Max HD, Star Gold HD and Colors Cineplex HD, or browse all movies on NoWireTV.
Read next
- Drishyam story recap before Drishyam: The Conclusion
- Upcoming Bollywood movies in October–November 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct order to watch the Maddock horror comedy universe?
Stree (2018), Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024), Stree 2 (2024) and Thamma (2025). Release order and story order are the same for now.
Is Roohi part of the Stree universe?
No. Roohi (2021) is a separate Maddock film and is not part of the shared universe.
When is Stree 3 releasing?
Producer Dinesh Vijan has confirmed 2028, with no exact date yet. Shooting is expected to begin at the end of 2027.
What is the next film in the universe?
Shakti Shalini, starring Aneet Padda. It was dated 24 December 2026, but recent reports say it is moving to March 2027.
