Now, Indian cinema is also adopting the connected storytelling approach like Hollywood. As a result, every major Indian film industry, be it Bollywood or South Indian cinema, is creating its own cinematic universe within its genre. Today, we will talk about all these Indian cinematic universes and find out what their future holds.
Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU)
Maddock Studios has a unique genre that blends horror with comedy, which began with the film Stree in 2018.
Movies Released
Stree (2018)
Bhediya (2022)
Munjya (2024)
Stree 2 (2024)
Thamma (2025)
Upcoming Movies
Shakti Shalini (31 Dec 2025)
Bhediya 2 (14 Aug 2026)
Chamunda (31 Dec 2026)
Stree 3 (13 Aug 2027)
Maha Munjya (24 Dec 2027)
Pehla Mahayudh (11 Aug 2028)
Doosra Mahayudh (18 Oct 2028)
This cinematic universe is the most successful and popular Indian cinematic universe. Its unique storytelling and perfect connection with other movies and characters make it the most beloved Indian cinematic universe.
Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)
Tamil cinema is also not far behind in the cinematic universe trend. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj is participating in this trend with his LCU.
Movies Released:
Kaithi (2019)
Vikram (2022)
Leo (2023)
Upcoming Movies:
Kaithi 2 (2026)
Rolex (2027)
Vikram 2 (2027)
Lokesh’s vision creates a perfect action thriller universe for Lachu, featuring megastars like Kamal Haasan, Karthi, and Thalapathy Vijay.
YRF Spy Universe
This cinematic universe is created by Yash Raj Films and is based on the spy action thriller genre.
Movies Released:
Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
War (2019)
Pathaan (2023)
Tiger 3 (2023)
War 2 (2025)
Upcoming Movies:
Alpha (2025)
Pathaan 2 (2027)
Tiger vs Pathaan (2028)
It all started with the Salman Khan-starrer Ek Tha Tiger in 2012, and since then, big names like Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan have also become a part of it. It enjoys considerable popularity among the mass audience.
Mahavatar Cinematic Universe
This is Indian cinema’s first 3D animation film based on a mythology universe, which depicts the stories of all the avatars of the supreme Lord Vishnu.
Movie Released:
Mahavatar Narsimha (2025)
Upcoming Movies:
Mahavatar Parshuram (2027)
Mahavatar Raghunandan (2029)
Mahavatar Dwarkadhesh (2031)
Mahavatar Gokulananda (2033)
Mahavatar Kalki Part 1 (2035) & Part 2 (2037)
The popularity and hype surrounding the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe has been further amplified by the massive success of its first film, Mahavatar Narasimha, which perfectly presents Hindu mythology on screen.
Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU)
India’s first superhero universe from Telugu cinema, based on Hindu mythology and gods.
Movie Released:
HanuMan (2024)
Upcoming Movies:
Jai Hanuman (2026)
Mahakaali
Adhira
The unique blend of modern storytelling and Indian mythology, along with Prashanth Varma’s vision, makes it a strong contender for the list of best Indian cinematic universes.
Why Is This Trend Important?
Indian filmmakers have now understood that audiences enjoy watching interconnected stories, and people discuss these movies after watching them and create new fan theories about upcoming films. Seeing all this, studios and filmmakers have started creating their own universes.
Conclusion
Looking at the situation, film studios and filmmakers are making good efforts, and some are showing success, while others are still struggling due to poor execution or delays in their movies. However, this step taken by the filmmakers will take the Indian cinematic universe to the next level.
