Documentary: The Horror-Comedy Universe Expands
After the success of Stree, Roohi, and Bhediya, Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films is expanding its unique Horror-Comedy Universe (HCU). Chamunda marks the eighth installment in this growing franchise. Named after a fierce goddess, the film weaves Indian mythology with modern fear in a female-led supernatural thriller that blends horror with quirky humor.
Set in a mysterious temple town haunted by ancient legends, Chamunda taps into divine vengeance, ritualistic terror, and small-town oddballs caught in cosmic chaos.
Movie Review (Early Buzz)
Early reports and fan expectations suggest:
- A fresh horror tone with stronger mythological roots
- A feminist angle – where the woman is not the victim but the power
- Smart blend of suspense, spirituality, and satire
- Strong visuals and ritual-inspired VFX
- Signature Maddock comedy for balance
Critics believe this could be one of the scariest yet funniest entries in the HCU.
News & Updates
- Directed by: Aditya Sarpotdar
- Written by: Niren Bhatt
- Production House: Maddock Films
- Release Date: 4 December 2026
- Setting: A fictional haunted temple town in UP
- Connection to Stree 2 and Bhediya 2 hinted
The announcement was made alongside Maddock’s larger slate for 2025–2026, confirming Chamunda’s placement within their shared horror-comedy universe.
Important Plot Points (No Spoilers)
- A mysterious Chamunda Devi temple is abandoned after a series of ritual deaths
- The village women mysteriously disappear during Navratri nights
- A new priestess arrives and awakens the goddess’s wrath
- Legends say Chamunda possesses women to fight evil – but who is the real threat?
- Humor comes from quirky villagers, a fake tantrik, and bumbling local cops
- A mid-credit sequence possibly connects the town to Stree’s Chanderi
Actors & Roles
| Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|
| Alia Bhatt | Lead role (possibly possessed woman or goddess avatar) |
| Vijay Varma | Local priest or historian, skeptical of myths |
| Manoj Pahwa | Funny but wise temple caretaker |
| Rajkummar Rao (Cameo) | Same character from Stree, brief crossover |
| Sharib Hashmi | Wannabe tantrik/exorcist |
Main Cast
- Alia Bhatt
- Vijay Varma
- Sharib Hashmi
- Manoj Pahwa
- Rajkummar Rao (special appearance)
Production Team
| Crew Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Director | Aditya Sarpotdar (Zombivli, Munjya) |
| Writer | Niren Bhatt (Stree, Bhediya, Munjya) |
| Producer | Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films) |
| Cinematographer | Jishnu Bhattacharjee |
| Music Directors | Sachin–Jigar |
| Costume & Set | Inspired by UP temple culture and rural legends |
Highlight Guide
- Visually stunning rituals inspired by Devi mythology
- Creepy possession scenes with comedic timing
- Strong performance expected from Alia as a dual-natured lead
- Story based in temple folklore and divine rage
- Emotional arc of female empowerment through the supernatural
- Subtle links to other HCU films for crossover fans
Major Takeaways
- A female-led horror-comedy rooted in folk mythology
- Alia Bhatt’s performance could redefine her genre reach
- Strengthens Maddock’s attempt at a connected cinematic universe
- Blends horror and humor without cheap jumpscares
- Pushes ritualistic horror in Bollywood to global standards
Closing Remarks
Chamunda promises to be a unique blend of divine horror and earthly humor, reflecting both the fear and faith Indian audiences feel about ancient powers. With Alia Bhatt at the center and a seasoned creative team behind the project, this December 2026 release might become a genre-defining film.
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