Shraddha to feature in all 8 horror-comedy universe films?
What's the story
Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoor, who has starred in the hit horror-comedy films Stree and Stree 2, is rumored to be appearing in all eight upcoming films of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. This speculation was fueled by a report from The Nod after an interview with the actor. The news has divided fans, with some excited and others disappointed.
Universe growth
Maddock Horror Comedy Universe's expansion and Kapoor's involvement
Earlier this year, filmmaker Dinesh Vijan announced the addition of eight new films to Maddock Films's Horror Comedy Universe. The lineup includes Thama and Shakti Shalini, Bhediya 2, Chamunda, Stree 3, Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh, and Doosara Mahayudh. Out of the four films already released in this universe, Kapoor has starred in three: Stree (2018), Stree 2 (2024), and made a cameo in Bhediya (2022).
Audience response
Fan reactions to Kapoor's rumored involvement in all films
The prospect of Kapoor featuring in all eight films has drawn mixed reactions from fans. One social media user speculated, "Either she's the real Thanos of horror universe or she's gonna bring entire team together," while another expressed disappointment, saying, "Her PR will make it all about her and if the film is hit, they will say it's bcoz of her." Notably, after Stree 2 release, a credit row erupted, between Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao fans.
Star-studded cast
Other actors rumored to join the horror-comedy universe
Following Kapoor's cameo in Bhediya, the werewolf horror-comedy star Varun Dhawan had a cameo in Kapoor's Stree 2. Thus, Kapoor's special appearance in Bhediya 2 is quite likely. Apart from Kapoor, other actors who are rumored to be a part of the horror-comedy universe are Kiara Advani, Alia Bhatt, and Akshay Kumar. However, official confirmations regarding their involvement are yet to be made. The first film from this lineup (Shakti Shalini) is expected to be released in December 2025.