Introduction
The Stree universe is getting ready for its next chapter. At FICCI Frames 2026, producer Dinesh Vijan confirmed when Stree 3 is expected to reach theatres and teased a story that could surprise even longtime fans. He also revealed that Amar Kaushik will begin work on Mahavatar before returning to the horror-comedy franchise.
Stree 3 Is Coming in 2028
Fans of the Maddock supernatural universe finally have an update on Stree 3.
During a panel on the second day of FICCI Frames 2026, producer Dinesh Vijan discussed the future of the successful franchise alongside actor Rajkummar Rao, who has played Vicky in the Stree films.
Vijan confirmed that director Amar Kaushik will return for the third instalment and that production is expected to begin towards the end of 2027.
The film is then planned for a 2028 theatrical release.
While the makers haven’t locked a specific date yet, Vijan suggested that Stree 3 could potentially arrive around Independence Day or Christmas 2028.
That gives the franchise plenty of time to build another major theatrical event around its return.
Dinesh Vijan Says Fans Should Expect the Unexpected
While discussing what comes next, Vijan made it clear that the third film won’t simply repeat the formula of its predecessors.
According to the producer, audiences can expect the elements they have enjoyed throughout the franchise, but the overall journey of the new story could take them somewhere completely unexpected.
He teased that the film’s starting point and eventual destination would be difficult to predict, suggesting that the team is deliberately keeping major story details under wraps.
That could mean another expansion of the supernatural world introduced through Stree and subsequently connected to films such as Bhediya.
Rajkummar Rao Recalls How It All Started
Rajkummar Rao also looked back at the beginning of the franchise during the FICCI Frames conversation.
He recalled that the original Stree, released in 2018, was initially made as a relatively small-budget project. However, the team had strong confidence in the script and director Amar Kaushik.
Rao described the atmosphere on the sets as extremely relaxed, with the cast and crew sharing a strong friendship and plenty of humour.
According to the actor, that chemistry eventually became visible in the finished film and contributed to the unique tone of the franchise.
Amar Kaushik Was Surprised by Stree’s Success
Rao also shared an amusing behind-the-scenes story about the first film’s box office performance.
As Stree started performing strongly and crossed the ₹70-75 crore mark, Kaushik apparently became concerned that the film was earning more than expected.
Rao recalled that the director was surprised by the numbers and questioned how a first film could be doing such strong business.
The reaction changed completely after the success of the franchise’s subsequent projects.
Kaushik went on to direct Bala and Bhediya, while Stree itself developed into one of Maddock Films’ most recognisable cinematic properties.
Mahavatar Starts Before Stree 3
Before returning to the world of Stree, Amar Kaushik has another major project to complete.
Dinesh Vijan confirmed that Vicky Kaushal-starrer Mahavatar will begin filming in January 2027.
The film is reportedly based on the story of Bhagwan Parshuram and is being described as one of Maddock’s most ambitious productions.
Kaushik is expected to complete the project by June, after which the filmmaker will turn his attention towards Stree 3.
The back-to-back schedule underlines the scale of the filmmaker’s upcoming slate.
The Horror-Comedy Universe Continues to Expand
The Stree franchise has grown beyond the original 2018 film.
After Stree 2 became a major theatrical success, the Maddock supernatural universe expanded through interconnected stories and characters, including Bhediya.
With Stree 3 now targeting 2028, the franchise is set to remain an important part of the studio’s long-term plans.
However, Vijan’s comments suggest that the third instalment won’t simply rely on familiar characters and situations. The makers a
