Deepika Padukone is back in the spotlight, and this time the buzz is about her possible entry into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. After her exit from the Kalki franchise, attention has shifted to what comes next beyond AA22XA6. Industry talk now points toward MHCU as a serious possibility.
Reports say Maddock Films has offered her the role of a Bengali ghost named Shaakhchuni in two upcoming films. The character is described as dark and powerful. If finalised, it would mark her first full-fledged villain role in a horror universe.
The MHCU already features Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshay Kumar in negative roles. Adding Deepika Padukone would give the franchise a stronger female antagonist and raise curiosity around future storylines. The makers are yet to make any official announcement.
Audiences also remember her presence in the Spy Universe through Pathaan and in the Cop Universe via Singham Again. If she joins MHCU, it will be her third major franchise in a short span, pushing her into a new genre space.
For now, she is preparing for the Atlee directorial starring Allu Arjun. Fans are watching closely to see whether MHCU becomes her next big step and how a villain turn reshapes her screen image.
