The much-awaited teaser of Thama, starring Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana, is finally unveiled today (August 19), and it’s as eerie as it is intriguing. Promising a never-before-seen mix of horror, myth, and romance, Thama brings a new flavour to the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU). Created by the makers of Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya, this film not only expands the shared universe but also introduces its first full-fledged love story, wrapped in horror. Directed by Munjya filmmaker Aditya Sarpotdar, the film is set to hit theatres on Diwali 2025.
Set across two time periods, modern India and the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar, Thama follows the journey of a historian, played by Ayushmann, who is researching the roots of vampirism in Indian folklore. Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, Faisal Malik and Geeta Agrawal round out the impressive cast. The teaser teases a story of blood, heartbreak, and a hauntingly beautiful love story.
As audiences gear up for Thama, here’s where you can watch the earlier films from the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe on OTT platforms:
1. Stree (2018)The one that started it all. Directed by Amar Kaushik, Stree is inspired by the urban legend “Nale Ba” and mix horror with comedy in a refreshing way. Set in the town of Chanderi, it tells the story of a mysterious female spirit who abducts men at night during a festival. Starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee, the film was a huge box office hit and set the tone for the shared universe.
Watch it on: JioHotstarand Amazon Prime Video
2. Bhediya (2022)
The second installment takes the supernatural out of small-town India and into the forests of Arunachal Pradesh. Featuring Varun Dhawan as a man bitten by a mythical wolf, the film explores themes of transformation, nature conservation, and identity. Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, and Deepak Dobriyal also star in this visually striking film. Bhediya features cameo appearances by Stree characters.
Watch it on: JioHotstar
3. Munjya (2024)
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Munjya is based on a lesser-known Marathi folklore spirit that haunts peepal trees and seeks closure. With CGI-heavy visuals and full of suspense and laughs, the film became one of the highest-grossing Hindi movies of 2024. Sharvari, Abhay Verma, Mona Singh, and Sathyaraj headline this creepy-yet-comical tale. Characters from Bhediya make special appearances, tightening the crossover threads.
Watch it on: JioHotstar
4. Stree 2 (2024)
Released on Independence Day 2024, Stree 2 continues the story of Chanderi’s haunted past. Directed again by Amar Kaushik, the film sees Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, and Pankaj Tripathi reprise their roles as they confront a new threat, a headless ghost named “Sarkata” who abducts women. With references and cameos linking it to Bhediya and Munjya, Stree 2 solidifies Maddock’s horror-comedy universe.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
What Makes the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe Unique?
Unlike other franchises, the MHCU stands out for mixing Indian folklore with humour, emotion, and a fresh cinematic approach. With Thama, the universe takes a romantic turn, a vampire love story deeply rooted in Indian mythology.
So while you wait for Thama to hit theatres next Diwali, it’s the perfect time to revisit or catch up on the earlier chapters of this thrilling universe, all just a few clicks away on your favourite OTT platforms.
Set across two time periods, modern India and the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar, Thama follows the journey of a historian, played by Ayushmann, who is researching the roots of vampirism in Indian folklore. Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, Faisal Malik and Geeta Agrawal round out the impressive cast. The teaser teases a story of blood, heartbreak, and a hauntingly beautiful love story.
As audiences gear up for Thama, here’s where you can watch the earlier films from the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe on OTT platforms:
1. Stree (2018)The one that started it all. Directed by Amar Kaushik, Stree is inspired by the urban legend “Nale Ba” and mix horror with comedy in a refreshing way. Set in the town of Chanderi, it tells the story of a mysterious female spirit who abducts men at night during a festival. Starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee, the film was a huge box office hit and set the tone for the shared universe.
Watch it on: JioHotstarand Amazon Prime Video
2. Bhediya (2022)
The second installment takes the supernatural out of small-town India and into the forests of Arunachal Pradesh. Featuring Varun Dhawan as a man bitten by a mythical wolf, the film explores themes of transformation, nature conservation, and identity. Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, and Deepak Dobriyal also star in this visually striking film. Bhediya features cameo appearances by Stree characters.
Watch it on: JioHotstar
3. Munjya (2024)
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Munjya is based on a lesser-known Marathi folklore spirit that haunts peepal trees and seeks closure. With CGI-heavy visuals and full of suspense and laughs, the film became one of the highest-grossing Hindi movies of 2024. Sharvari, Abhay Verma, Mona Singh, and Sathyaraj headline this creepy-yet-comical tale. Characters from Bhediya make special appearances, tightening the crossover threads.
Watch it on: JioHotstar
4. Stree 2 (2024)
Released on Independence Day 2024, Stree 2 continues the story of Chanderi’s haunted past. Directed again by Amar Kaushik, the film sees Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, and Pankaj Tripathi reprise their roles as they confront a new threat, a headless ghost named “Sarkata” who abducts women. With references and cameos linking it to Bhediya and Munjya, Stree 2 solidifies Maddock’s horror-comedy universe.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
What Makes the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe Unique?
Unlike other franchises, the MHCU stands out for mixing Indian folklore with humour, emotion, and a fresh cinematic approach. With Thama, the universe takes a romantic turn, a vampire love story deeply rooted in Indian mythology.
So while you wait for Thama to hit theatres next Diwali, it’s the perfect time to revisit or catch up on the earlier chapters of this thrilling universe, all just a few clicks away on your favourite OTT platforms.
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