Archive · 26 Oct 2025
Maddock Horror Comedy Universe Criticized for Male-Centric Narratives
Imagine a series of scary and funny movies that are all connected, like different stories in the same world.
It's called the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.
Some people are saying that in these movies, even though there are important female characters, the stories always end up being about the men.
The women help the men on their journey, but the men are the main heroes.
The article suggests this trend might need to change.
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) is compared to Ekta Kapoor's Naagin universe.
The MHCU includes films like Stree, Bhediya, and Thamma.
The author finds similarities, especially in the stories of ordinary men becoming involved in the supernatural.
The films are criticized for a "faux feminism" where women support the male leads.
The author hopes this can be addressed in the future.
- Who
- Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, including Stree, Bhediya, Thamma, Munjya
- What
- Criticism of the MHCU's narrative structure, specifically regarding the portrayal of female characters.
- When
- The criticism is based on the trajectory of films released so far.
- Where
- Across various media and within the context of Indian cinema
- Why
- The films are criticized for featuring male protagonists at the center, with female characters mostly supporting the male lead's journey.
Critic's View
Pro-Studio View
Female Character Portrayal
Critic's View
Female characters are often supporting, or catalysts to the male character's story.
Pro-Studio View
Not explicitly stated - this is the critic's perspective.
- Franchise
- Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU)
- Key Films Mentioned
- Stree, Bhediya, Thamma, Munjya
- Core Criticism
- Male characters are central while female characters are supporting roles.
