Alia Bhatt’s Chamunda Casting: Amar Kaushik Clarifies Rumours

Director Amar Kaushik has finally addressed the swirling rumours about Alia Bhatt joining Chamunda, the next instalment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). While speculation has been persistent, Kaushik clarified in a Filmfare interview that there is no official confirmation yet regarding Bhatt’s involvement. He emphasized that at Maddock, the story always precedes casting decisions.

“I’m not denying or accepting anything right now,” Kaushik stated. “We don’t write scripts based on actors. The story always comes first.” He explained that the creative workflow of the MHCU prioritizes narrative development, with casting decisions made later in the process. “Everything is on the timeline. When it happens, everyone will know. We focus on the story first and casting later,” he added.

The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has grown into one of India’s most successful interconnected film franchises. Since its inception with Stree in 2018, the universe has expanded to include films such as Bhediya, Munjya, Stree 2, and the recently released Thamma. Each instalment has blended folklore, humour, and scares, a formula that director Amar Kaushik and producer Dinesh Vijan continue to refine.

Upcoming projects in the MHCU include Shakti Shalini, featuring Aneet Padda, and Bhediya 2, which will see Varun Dhawan reprise his role. The recent film Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, further expanded the universe and its mythology. Kaushik highlighted that audience expectations drive the team to elevate the storytelling in each film. “The audience can expect the bar to go up with every film. We’re making these stories for them. We want to be honest and make films that feel honest, like Stree,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt remains busy with several high-profile projects. She will next appear in Alpha, an action thriller from the YRF Spy Universe, where she plays a commanding officer alongside Sharvari Wagh. The film is scheduled for release on December 25. Bhatt is also set to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming period drama Love & War, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.

With Chamunda still in pre-production, fans of the MHCU will have to wait for official casting announcements. Amar Kaushik’s remarks underline the franchise’s commitment to prioritizing story and creativity, ensuring that the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe continues to blend thrills, comedy, and folklore in innovative ways.