Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films To Launch Arabian Nights Fantasy Universe
Maddock Films, led by Dinesh Vijan, is developing a fantasy trilogy inspired by The Arabian Nights, starting with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and the "Chiranjeevi Universe".
Following the success of recent projects like Stree 2 and Chhaava, Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films is now preparing to embark on two new large-scale cinematic ventures – a fantasy franchise inspired by The Arabian Nights and a mythological universe rooted in Hindu lore. These ambitious plans mark a significant leap in Maddock's storytelling approach, moving beyond horror-comedy into grander, world-building narratives.
As per a report by PeepingMoon, Maddock has been quietly developing a fantasy trilogy based on The Arabian Nights for over two years. This universe will reinterpret the classic tales with an Indian sensibility, aiming to bring beloved characters and their stories to life with a fresh perspective and high production values. The trilogy will commence with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, followed by Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp, and finally Sinbad the Sailor. Each installment is expected to blend magic, adventure, and cultural heritage, promising visuals and storytelling on a scale rarely explored in Indian cinema. The production for Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is expected to begin in 2025.
Parallel to this, Maddock Films is also building what's being described as the 'Chiranjeevi Universe" – a mythological world centered on the immortal figures of Hindu epics. The universe will be launched with Mahavatar, a film starring Vicky Kaushal as Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 'Mahavatar" will be directed by Amar Kaushik and is slated to begin filming later this year, aiming for a Christmas 2026 release.
The term 'Chiranjeevi" refers to eternal beings believed to live on until the end of the Kali Yuga. Maddock intends to eventually introduce other mythological characters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, depending on how Mahavatar performs commercially.
First Published:
July 23, 2025, 17:20 IST
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