The horror-comedy universe is about to get even bigger, and this time, it’s Ranveer Singh stepping into the spooky spotlight. After Rajkummar Rao opened the gates with Stree (2018), followed by Varun Dhawan in Bhediya (2022), Abhay Verma in Munjya (2024), and Ayushmann Khurrana in the upcoming Thama (2025), the universe is now set to welcome its next big name.
According to sources, Ranveer is in advanced talks with producer Dinesh Vijan to headline a new instalment in Maddock Films’ horror-comedy slate. The actor was recently spotted at Maddock’s office, fuelling speculation about the collaboration. “Ranveer has been in conversations with Dinesh for a while. The makers wanted a fresh energy to drive the next chapter, and Ranveer is keen to explore the genre. The paperwork is likely to be completed soon,” a source close to the development shared. The project, still under wraps, is reportedly being developed as a crossover that will merge characters and storylines from Stree, Bhediya, and Thama, with a vision to build towards an Avengers-style culmination for the Maddock universe. “They are discussing dates, as Ranveer will wrap up Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar soon, and he has also allotted dates for Don 3. This Maddock project is expected to go on floors in early 2026,” the source added.
Rumours suggest that Manushi Chhillar is the top choice for the female lead in the film, though an official announcement is awaited.
Ranveer’s Birthday Surprise: Dhurandhar First Look Teaser
Apart from this potential horror-comedy venture, Ranveer Singh’s fans are in for a treat as the first look teaser of Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is set to drop on the actor’s birthday on July 6, 2025. The film will showcase Ranveer in a rugged “angry young man” avatar, sporting a heavy beard and long hair, in what is being described as a high-octane spy drama reflecting the restless spirit of today’s times.
Pinkvilla had earlier reported that the teaser is being treated as a birthday gift for the actor. A source revealed: “Aditya Dhar has locked a solid teaser to launch his ambitious directorial, Dhurandhar. It’s a birthday special unit that will introduce the espionage world of the film to audiences. The team is confident it will take viewers on a thrilling ride.”
Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Yami Gautam, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, marking one of Ranveer’s most ambitious projects to date.
Building the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe
Maddock Films has quietly yet steadily expanded its horror-comedy universe since Stree became a sleeper hit in 2018. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, laid the foundation for interconnected stories set in a supernatural world tinged with humour.
With Ranveer Singh now likely to join the franchise, the Maddock horror-comedy universe is poised for its most star-studded chapter yet, aligning with the studio’s vision of creating an Indian-style supernatural crossover event.
While the official casting and project announcement are yet to be made, one thing is clear: Ranveer Singh is ready to bring his infectious energy to a genre he hasn’t explored before. If all goes according to plan, audiences can look forward to a rollicking blend of thrills and laughs as the Maddock horror-comedy universe expands, and Ranveer Singh leads the charge into its next eerie adventure.
By Sulagna Kar
