Will 'Thamma' first shows begin a day early? Maddock Films might follow 'Stree 2' & 'Munjya' release strategy

Since Thamma is the biggest Diwali release around the corner, there is a chance that screenings could begin a day earlier than the official date. As per a report in Pinkvilla, Maddock Films, the company behind the popular horror comedy universe that comprises Stree, Stree 2, Bhediya, and Munjya, are planning special midnight shows on October 20.
The report mentions that a source has informed that producer Dinesh Vijan is likely to follow the same release strategy as for Stree 2 and Munjya. "After successfully hosting similar midnight screenings for Munjya and Stree 2, he’s continuing the strategy with Thamma as part of his cinematic universe. These shows will be paid previews across major national multiplex chains, offering fans an exclusive early experience before the film’s official release on October 21," it said.
Headlined by Rashmika Mandanna, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Thamma is helmed by Aditya Sarpotdar, who also made Munjya and Zombivli. The film is expected to cross over with other entries in the universe.
Spearheaded by filmmaker Dinesh Vijan, the studio seems to be going the MCU way, with two Avengers-style projects at the end of the list that are likely to feature characters from previous films in their ever-growing franchise whose films minted huge numbers at the Indian and worldwide box-office.
The 'Maddock Horror Comedy Universe' had earlier promised "8 theatrical films that will take you on a wild ride of laughter, spooks, thrills, and screams!"
The other upcoming titles are Shakti Shalini, slated for release in 2025; Bhediya 2 and Chamunda in 2026; Stree 3 and Mahamunjya (Munjya 2) in 2027; Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh in 2028.
In an earlier statement, Vijan said making "grand cinematic stories rooted in Indian culture" is their goal. "Our mission at Maddock has always been to innovate and entertain. We've crafted compelling characters that resonate with audiences, grounded in India's rich culture and heritage. This deep connection has made our stories not just relatable but also meaningful. Also, with a passionate and devoted fanbase, we're now setting the stage for something even bigger: a cinematic universe that brings unforgettable characters and their stories to life like never before. We can't wait to take audiences on this journey through 2028 and beyond, and we are just getting started."
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