Aneet Padda Confirmed as the Lead in Shakti Shalini
Maddock Films officially confirmed that Aneet Padda will headline Shakti Shalini, marking her first major outing in the studio’s blockbuster horror-comedy universe. The film, originally slated for a 2025 release, has now been rescheduled to December 24, 2026, strategically aligning its premiere with the festive holiday season to maximize box office potential.
This update puts to rest earlier reports that Kiara Advani was being considered for the lead role. The final announcement highlights Maddock’s decision to introduce a fresh face into the franchise, signaling an exciting new direction for its expanding cinematic world.
Announcement Video Attached to Thamma’s Theatrical Release
Audiences watching Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma in theatres were in for a surprise when an exclusive announcement video for Shakti Shalini played before the end credits. The short clip not only confirmed Aneet Padda’s casting but also unveiled the film’s new release timeline and first look.
The teaser instantly sparked conversations on social media, with fans dissecting every frame for hints about the story and connections to Thamma. Several users speculated that Aneet Padda may have already made a cameo appearance in Thamma’s post-credit scene, teasing her upcoming role as Shakti Shalini. However, Maddock Films has yet to confirm this detail.
Maddock Films Expands Its Horror-Comedy Universe
With Shakti Shalini, Maddock Films continues to strengthen its position as the pioneer of the horror-comedy genre in India. The studio’s interconnected universe includes successful titles such as Stree, Roohi, Bhediya, and most recently, Thamma.
Each film has introduced supernatural elements rooted in Indian folklore, blended with humor and strong emotional narratives. The consistent success of these films has created a loyal fanbase eager to explore new stories within this cinematic universe.
Shakti Shalini is expected to follow in this tradition, introducing a new female protagonist who might serve as a key link between past and future storylines within Maddock’s growing supernatural world.
Aneet Padda’s First Look Goes Viral
Following the theatrical reveal, Aneet Padda’s first look from Shakti Shalini was officially released online, quickly going viral across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and fan pages dedicated to Maddock’s horror-comedy series.
In the striking visual, Padda is seen donning a mysterious and powerful avatar — suggesting that her character might possess supernatural abilities or be at the center of a new mythological conflict. Fans have praised the casting choice, calling it a bold and refreshing move by Maddock to bring a rising talent into an established franchise.
Release Postponed to December 2026
While Maddock Films hasn’t provided a detailed explanation for the postponement, sources suggest that the decision was strategic, designed to ensure that Shakti Shalini benefits from a high-profile holiday release window. The December 24, 2026 date aligns the film with Christmas festivities and the long weekend, offering strong box office potential both domestically and internationally.
Industry insiders also hint that the studio aims to give the project a bigger production scale and more time for world-building, ensuring it matches the expectations set by recent hits like Thamma and Bhediya.
What We Know So Far About Shakti Shalini
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, Shakti Shalini is expected to feature Aneet Padda in a central role that could redefine the tone of Maddock’s horror-comedy universe. Rumors suggest that the film may explore a female-led supernatural narrative, possibly expanding on mythological or vampiric themes introduced in Thamma.
As of now, no supporting cast or production crew details have been announced, though fans expect Maddock Films to retain key creative talents such as writers Niren Bhatt and Suresh Mathew, who have been instrumental in shaping the franchise’s distinctive blend of humor, horror, and folklore.
Anticipation Builds for Maddock’s Next Big Chapter
The announcement of Shakti Shalini has reignited excitement among fans of Maddock’s horror-comedy universe, who are eager to see how Aneet Padda’s character connects to the events of Thamma and beyond.
With its holiday 2026 release date, mystery-filled teaser, and fresh female lead, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated entries in the franchise.
As Maddock Films continues to expand its supernatural cinematic world, Shakti Shalini promises to deliver yet another thrilling, laughter-filled adventure — one that could redefine the future of India’s most successful horror-comedy saga.
