Post by : Meena Ariff

After extensive speculation about the female lead for Shakti Shalini, the upcoming entry in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, it has been officially announced that Aneet Padda, known for her role in Saiyaara, will take center stage. This news coincided with the unveiling of the Shakti Shalini teaser, which is attached to the film Thamma, featuring notable actors like Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Amar Kaushik, a crucial player in the Maddock horror-comedy lineup and producer of Thamma, elaborated on the choice of Aneet Padda. He mentioned that during the script development, the necessity for a younger performer became clear. After viewing her performance in Saiyaara, the team believed she was an ideal match. Upon hearing the storyline, she enthusiastically accepted the offer to join the project. Kaushik also announced that filming for Shakti Shalini will kick off in January 2026.

On Maddock’s 2026 release agenda, Kaushik emphasized that Shakti Shalini will be the sole offering from the horror-comedy zone that year. The intention is to evade an 'overload' of releases, making sure that audiences aren’t overwhelmed by a barrage of films. The discussions about who will direct the film are still in progress.

Since 2018, Maddock Films has been gradually expanding its Horror Comedy Universe, starting with Stree. Following this, they added films like Bhediya, inspired by a shape-shifting werewolf legend from Arunachal Pradesh, and Munjya, highlighting a playful creature from Marathi folklore. The latest addition, Thamma, presents a macabre love story featuring Ayushmann Khurrana as a historian-turned-vampire who falls for the character played by Rashmika Mandanna, Tadaka. By debuting the Shakti Shalini teaser alongside Thamma, Maddock signifies an exciting new chapter in its cinematic universe.

With Aneet Padda in the lead, Shakti Shalini is poised to be an exhilarating blend of myth and horror, set to hit theaters on December 24, 2026.

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