Post by : Meena Ariff

The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) is growing once more. Following hits such as Stree, Bhediya, Munjya and the recent Thamma, Maddock Films has announced its next entry — Shakti Shalini — which will feature Saiyaara actor Aneet Padda in a leading role.

Ayushmann Khurrana, who led Thamma, used his Instagram stories to publicly welcome Aneet into the MHCU fold.

He wrote, “Welcome to the MHCU @aneetpadda Punjabi aa gaye oye! From one dreamer to another – keep chasing what you want. Nothing is impossible… so proud to see someone from Punjab making us all proud. Can't wait to see you shine in Shakti Shalini! Onwards and upwards, Aneet.”

Aneet replied appreciatively, sharing his message on her profile and acknowledging the encouragement.

She posted, “Khurrana ji da munda is making waves like always. Thank you so much, it’s a little extra special coming from someone I look up to so much. So grateful for the warm wishes.”

Directed by Amar Kaushik, Shakti Shalini is expected to continue the franchise’s trademark blend of supernatural tension, Indian folklore and dry comic moments that define the MHCU.

At the same time, Thamma — starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna — is sustaining strong box-office returns. Released on October 21, the film crossed the ₹90 crore threshold in India within its first week.

Trade estimates indicate Thamma earned about ₹3.24 crore net on Monday, taking its reported domestic tally to ₹94.54 crore. The film opened with ₹24 crore on day one and held steadier receipts through the midweek — ₹18.6 crore on Wednesday, ₹13 crore on Thursday and ₹10 crore on Friday.

Over the weekend it collected ₹13.1 crore on Saturday and ₹12.6 crore on Sunday, bringing the six-day total in India to ₹91.3 crore and the worldwide aggregate to ₹124.5 crore.

Thamma follows Alok (Ayushmann Khurrana), who encounters the enigmatic Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna) while on a hike and later learns she is a betal, a vampiric figure from lore.

With Thamma delivering commercially and Shakti Shalini in development, the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe continues to build its reputation as one of Bollywood’s inventive and profitable franchises.

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