Shakti Shalini: Aneet Padda Leads Maddock Horror-Comedy in 2026

After months of speculation over the female lead for Shakti Shalini, the next installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, makers have officially confirmed Aneet Padda of Saiyaara fame as the leading lady. The announcement came alongside the release of the first teaser of Shakti Shalini in theatres, attached to Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Amar Kaushik, a key figure in Maddock’s horror-comedy franchise and producer of Thamma, revealed the reasoning behind casting Aneet Padda. He explained that while developing the script, the team realized they needed a younger actor for the part. After watching Saiyaara, they felt Aneet was a perfect fit. Upon hearing the story, she agreed to join the project. Kaushik also confirmed that shooting for Shakti Shalini will commence in January 2026.

Regarding Maddock’s 2026 slate, Kaushik clarified that Shakti Shalini would be the only release from the horror-comedy universe that year. He explained that the team wanted to avoid an “overdose” of releases, ensuring audiences are not overwhelmed by too many films in quick succession. Discussions about the film’s director are still ongoing.

Maddock Films has been steadily building its Horror Comedy Universe since 2018, starting with Stree. The universe has expanded with Bhediya, based on Arunachal Pradesh’s shape-shifting werewolf legend, and Munjya, revolving around a mischievous creature from Marathi folklore. The recent addition, Thamma, tells a bloody love story featuring Ayushmann Khurrana as a historian-turned-vampire who falls for Rashmika Mandanna’s character, Tadaka. By releasing the Shakti Shalini teaser alongside Thamma, Maddock signals the next phase of its cinematic universe.

With Aneet Padda now at the forefront, Shakti Shalini is shaping up to be a high-octane, myth-meets-horror spectacle, set for theatrical release on December 24, 2026.