Enthusiasts of Maddock Films' horror comedy cinematic landscape will need to exercise patience, as the third installment of the blockbuster franchise headlined by Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor faces a revised release calendar. While the production team had previously mapped out a theatrical debut for August 13, 2027, producer Dinesh Vijan has now indicated that the third chapter is aimed at a 2028 launch. The adjustment comes as the creative team aligns production milestones around key directorial commitments.
Revised Filming Timeline and Theatrical Windows
Detailing the production itinerary during a panel discussion alongside Rajkummar Rao, Dinesh Vijan shed light on when cameras will officially begin rolling. Principal photography is expected to kick off toward the tail end of next year. Addressing when audiences can finally catch the feature in cinemas, Vijan pointed toward major festive periods, hinting that the team is eyeing either Independence Day or Christmas in 2028 for the movie's grand rollout.
Director Amar Kaushik and the Mahavatar Schedule
The core factor driving the schedule change is the prior professional commitment of director Amar Kaushik, whom Vijan described as an integral pillar of both this franchise and the entire cinematic universe. Kaushik is currently at the helm of the production banner's ambitious spectacle titled Mahavatar. The filmmaker is slated to wrap up work on Mahavatar around June. Because Kaushik must conclude that undertaking before diving into the next installment, shooting cannot commence until late next year, ultimately shifting the arrival of the horror comedy to 2028.
Completed Script and Narrative Twists
On the writing front, the groundwork is already firmly in place. Vijan affirmed that the script has been completely drafted, though he remained cautious about divulging narrative particulars to safeguard plot surprises. He noted that the story will deliver every element audiences have celebrated in earlier chapters while steering the journey into unforeseen territory. He stated, ‘आपने जो कुछ भी सोचा है, उसे अपने दिमाग से निकाल दें.’ Vijan underlined that where the narrative takes off and where it ultimately concludes will come as a massive surprise to fans, positioning the project as a substantial theatrical package.
Evolution of the Shared Cinematic Universe
This distinct cinematic venture began in 2018 with the release of the original film, which blended spooky folkloric tropes with localized humor and emerged as a major commercial triumph. The story universe broadened significantly in 2024 with the arrival of Stree 2. The shared banner also weaves in other interconnected properties such as Bhediya and Munjya. With the third installment now pacing toward 2028, the narrative scope is anticipated to expand even further once production commences.
