Bollywood fans were in for a treat at the trailer launch of Thamma, the upcoming horror-comedy from Maddock Films, set to release this Diwali on October 21. While the event featured lead stars Ayushmann Khurrana, director Aditya Sarpotdar, and producer Dinesh Vijan, it was Shraddha Kapoor who stole the spotlight with an exciting surprise.
The original face of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, Shraddha announced a brand-new animated theatrical feature titled Choti Stree. This prequel will explore the mysterious backstory of her iconic character from Stree, the film that started the cinematic universe and became a cultural phenomenon.
Shraddha shared her excitement, saying the film will give fans the long-awaited answers about her character’s powers and origins. Producer Dinesh Vijan added that Choti Stree will release six months before Stree 3, and end with a sequence that directly connects to the much-anticipated sequel—effectively making it a narrative bridge between the two.
This strategic move not only expands the universe but also introduces a family-friendly entry point. By using animation, the franchise is tapping into a broader demographic, including children and younger audiences, while retaining the folklore-based roots that have defined the series.
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has steadily evolved since the success of Stree (2018), with titles like Bhediya and Munjya adding new layers and mythologies. Thamma, which delves into the legend of the Betaal, adds yet another folkloric thread to the shared universe.
Dinesh Vijan emphasized the studio’s mission: to celebrate India’s rich cultural stories instead of borrowing tropes from Western horror. He also revealed that Thamma will introduce two new characters who will lead future films, all interconnected and culminating in Stree 3.
With Choti Stree, Maddock Films is signaling its serious intent to craft a cohesive and enduring cinematic universe—one grounded in Indian mythology, reimagined for modern audiences, and now expanding into new formats like animation.
As the anticipation for Thamma and Stree 3 builds, Choti Stree adds another compelling chapter to one of Bollywood’s most creative franchises. Fans can expect not just jump scares, but layered storytelling, interconnected lore, and now, an exciting animated twist.
