Saiyaara actor Aneet Padda bags lead role in Maddock Films’ Shakti Shalini; check release details
After impressing audiences in Saiyaara, Aneet Padda is set to headline Maddock Films' upcoming horror-comedy Shakti Shalini. The makers have officially confirmed her as the lead, revealing new details about the film's release and what fans can expect next.
New Delhi: Rising Bollywood actress Aneet Padda, who made a striking debut in Saiyaara earlier this year, has officially been cast as the lead in Maddock Films’ next horror-comedy, Shakti Shalini. The long-awaited confirmation came through a special announcement video attached to the theatrical release of Thamma, the Diwali 2025 film starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.
The announcement marks Aneet’s entry into the widely celebrated Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which has delivered blockbusters like Stree (2018), Roohi (2021), Bhediya (2022), and Munjya (2024).
Aneet Padda confirmed in Shakti Shalini
Known for its seamless blend of supernatural thrills and humour, the franchise has developed a loyal fan base and continues to expand with interconnected storylines and recurring mythological motifs.
According to Bollywood Hungama, Aneet has replaced Kiara Advani, who was initially in talks for the project. Maddock Films had earlier requested fans to wait for official confirmation amid speculative casting reports. With this latest announcement, all rumours surrounding the film’s lead have been put to rest.
Shakti Shalini is set to hit theatres on December 24, 2026, just in time for the Christmas weekend. The timing is seen as a strategic move to maximise box office potential during the festive season. Initially slated for a 2025 release, the film’s production timeline was revised after Aneet’s casting was finalised.
Reports suggest that audiences may get an early glimpse of Aneet’s character in Thamma’s end-credit sequence, a move that mirrors Hollywood-style cinematic universes. The teaser clip has already created significant excitement, with fans calling her "the perfect addition to Maddock’s supernatural world.”
Aneet, who won widespread praise for her emotional range and screen presence in Saiyaara, is expected to bring fresh energy to the franchise. For the actress, this role marks a major milestone in her career, positioning her as one of the most promising new faces in mainstream cinema.
More about Maddock's horror-comedy universe
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe continues to grow, with upcoming titles including Chamunda, Bhediya 2, and Stree 3, slated for 2027. Further films such as Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh, and Doosara Mahayudh are also in the pipeline. The expansive cinematic world already features stars like Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Varun Dhawan, Sharvari Wagh, Akshay Kumar, and Ayushmann Khurrana.