Deepika Padukone to join Maddock's horror-comedy universe?
What's the story
Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone is in talks with Maddock Films for two major projects, reported Mid-Day. One of these is a character named Shaakhchuni, a Bengali ghost and a potential part of the studio's expanding horror-comedy universe. The other project is a large-scale fantasy epic. For now, she has reportedly asked to see the full scripts before deciding.
Character details
Padukone's potential roles in Maddock's horror-comedy universe
If Padukone accepts the role of Shaakhchuni, it will be a major shift for her from glamorous star to scary supernatural figure. The character is said to be "powerful, eerie, and central" to the next chapter of Maddock's horror-comedy universe. However, nothing has been confirmed yet. Meanwhile, Padukone is currently working on King, led by Shah Rukh Khan.
Film franchise
Maddock's horror-comedy universe: A brief overview
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) began with Stree (2018), which became a massive hit. It was followed by Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024), the blockbuster Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank (2024), and Thamma (2025). Upcoming projects include Shakti Shalini, Bhediya 2, Chamunda, Stree 3, and Maha Munjya. The two-part finale to the current saga, Mahayudh, is set to release in 2028.