Amar Kaushik
Amar Kaushik is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for revitalising the horror-comedy genre in Hindi cinema. He is best recognised as the creative force behind the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which includes commercially successful films such as Stree (2018), Bala (2019), Bhediya (2022), and Stree 2 (2024). His work blends folklore, humour, and social commentary, establishing him as a leading genre filmmaker in contemporary Bollywood.
| Amar Kaushik | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 4 August 1983 Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Film director, screenwriter, producer |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Education | Graduate (Science) Mass Communication |
| Known for | Stree, Bala, Bhediya, Stree 2 |
| Notable work | Maddock Horror Comedy Universe |
| Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Early Life and Background
Amar Kaushik was born on 4 August 1983 in Uttar Pradesh, India, into a Gaur Brahmin family. He spent parts of his childhood in Kanpur and later in Arunachal Pradesh, where his father served as a forest ranger in the Indian Forest Service. His mother, Shashi Kaushik, was a school teacher. Kaushik grew up with his siblings Arun and Kiran in a close-knit family environment shaped by storytelling and education.[1]
Much of Kaushik’s formative imagination developed during his years in Medo, Arunachal Pradesh. Frequent power cuts, dense forests, tribal folklore, and long evenings listening to his mother’s mythological stories deeply influenced his narrative instincts. These early experiences later became foundational to his fascination with folklore-driven cinema.[2]
After returning to Kanpur, Kaushik completed his schooling and graduated with a science degree. He later pursued mass communication studies in Delhi, where his interest in filmmaking became more defined.
Career
Entry into Film Industry
Amar Kaushik moved to Mumbai in 2006 to pursue a career in cinema. He began working as an assistant director, gaining hands-on experience on films such as Aamir (2008), Sorry Bhai! (2008), No One Killed Jessica (2011), Go Goa Gone (2013), and Ghanchakkar (2013). These projects exposed him to diverse genres and strengthened his technical understanding of filmmaking.[3]
Breakthrough with Short Film
Kaushik made his directorial debut with the short film Aaba (2017), a poignant story set in Arunachal Pradesh focusing on the bond between a young girl and her elderly grandfather. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Special Prize of the Generation Kplus International Jury. It later received the National Film Award for Best Short Fiction Film, marking Kaushik as a filmmaker of strong emotional and visual sensibility.
Feature Film Success
His feature film directorial debut came with Stree (2018), a horror-comedy inspired by Indian urban legends. The film became a sleeper hit and earned critical and commercial success, winning him the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director.
Kaushik followed this with Bala (2019), a satirical comedy addressing male insecurity and societal beauty standards. The film further cemented his reputation for socially aware storytelling.
In Bhediya (2022), Kaushik expanded the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe by introducing a werewolf narrative rooted in Arunachal Pradesh folklore, blending environmental themes with visual spectacle.
The sequel Stree 2 (2024) emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year, crossing ₹800 crore worldwide. The film established Kaushik as a blockbuster director capable of scaling intimate folklore-based stories into large cinematic events.
Producing and Future Projects
In addition to directing, Kaushik has taken on producing roles, contributing to films such as Munjya (2024), Sky Force (2025), and Thamma (2025). He is also developing the mythological epic Mahavatar, expected to release later in the decade.
Filmography
Directed Feature Films
- Stree (2018)
- Bala (2019)
- Bhediya (2022)
- Stree 2 (2024)
Short Films
- Aaba (2017)
Producer
- Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023)
- Munjya (2024)
- Sky Force (2025)
- Thamma (2025)
Style and Influence
Amar Kaushik is known for combining Indian folklore with contemporary humour and social themes. His films often explore fear, superstition, gender dynamics, and identity, using comedy as a tool for cultural commentary. His emphasis on ensemble casts and regional myths has played a key role in shaping a shared cinematic universe in Hindi cinema.
Awards and Recognition
- National Film Award – Best Short Fiction Film (Aaba)
- Filmfare Award – Best Debut Director (Stree)
- Berlin International Film Festival – Generation Kplus Jury Special Prize (Aaba)
Legacy
Amar Kaushik is regarded as one of the most influential genre filmmakers of his generation. His success with the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has redefined the commercial viability of folklore-driven cinema in India and inspired a new wave of genre storytelling in Bollywood.