Two Universes, One Star: Can Alia Bhatt Manage Maddock HCU and YRF Spy Films?

When Amar Kaushik speaks, fans listen. The filmmaker, who kickstarted the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) with Stree, has now stirred a storm by neither confirming nor denying Alia Bhatt’s involvement in his next film, Chamunda. In a chat with Filmfare, Amar said he isn’t “denying or accepting anything right now,” adding that at Maddock, stories come before stars.

That one statement was enough to send social media into a frenzy. The idea of Alia Bhatt stepping into the eccentric, spooky-yet-fun world of MHCU instantly caught attention. After all, this is the same cinematic world that has already given us Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, Stree 2, and the recently released Thamma. The next instalments, Shakti Shalini and Bhediya 2, are already in the pipeline. So, if Alia does join, she’d be entering a thriving and commercially steady franchise that shows no signs of slowing down.

But this possible addition also raises an interesting question: should Alia Bhatt be part of another cinematic universe when she’s already committed to one?

Can Alia Be in Two Universes at Once?

Alia is already locked into the YRF Spy Universe, with Alpha slated for release this Christmas. She stars as a commanding officer leading an all-women combat unit alongside Sharvari Wagh, who, interestingly, is also part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe through Munjya. That overlap is what makes the current buzz fascinating.

If Sharvari can juggle both worlds, could Alia follow suit? Theoretically, yes. The spy universe and MHCU operate in completely different genres, one’s packed with guns, grit, and espionage, while the other thrives on ghosts, humour, and small-town charm. Alia’s versatility has always been her biggest strength, and this duality could work in her favour.

Still, there’s the question of timing. Alia has Love & War with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal under Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s direction, and reports suggest Ayan Mukerji has already started prep for Brahmastra 2. That’s a heavy lineup. Adding another universe-level commitment might stretch her schedule thin. If she does say yes to Chamunda, it’ll likely mean reshuffling major timelines, and that could affect both the spy and horror-comedy franchises.

What It Could Mean for Alia and the MHCU

For Alia Bhatt, joining MHCU wouldn’t just be another role. It would mark her entry into one of Bollywood’s most consistent cinematic universes. While YRF’s spy world recently stumbled after War 2 underperformed, Maddock’s spooky universe has been on a winning streak. Even Thamma, which opened to mixed reviews, is holding its own at the box office.

If Alia enters this universe, it could bring a new layer of star power and depth. Amar Kaushik’s horror comedies often blend folklore with wit, and Alia’s ability to slip into both intense and light-hearted roles could make her a great fit. Imagine her leading a story like Chamunda, which, as the title suggests, may lean on mythology or female strength; it could be a refreshing departure from her action-heavy Alpha avatar.

For the MHCU, her presence would bridge the gap between commercial magnetism and strong performance-driven storytelling. The franchise already has a healthy mix of stars like Shraddha Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, and newer faces like Sharvari Wagh and Aneet Padda. Alia’s addition would bring a seasoned, bankable name into the mix without disrupting its quirky, ensemble-driven nature.

On the industry side, it’s also symbolic. Bollywood’s move toward interconnected universes has been ambitious but uneven. The MHCU has quietly achieved what others have struggled to do, maintain audience interest without relying on overhyped crossovers or inflated budgets. If Alia chooses to join, it could reinforce MHCU’s reputation as the most stable shared universe in Hindi cinema right now.

Whether or not Alia Bhatt signs on for Chamunda, the conversation around it shows how invested audiences have become in the idea of cinematic universes. It’s no longer just about one film, it’s about belonging to a world. Amar Kaushik’s cryptic “Everything is on the timeline” only adds to the anticipation.

For now, all eyes are on Alpha and how it performs. A strong response could cement Alia’s position in the spy universe, while a lukewarm one might open the door wider for MHCU.