Aneet Padda is gearing up for another major Bollywood project after making a strong impact with Saiyaara. The actress will headline Shakti Shalini, an upcoming horror-comedy from Maddock Films’ Horror Comedy Universe. The film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, who previously directed Munjya and Thamma.
The movie has already generated curiosity because Aneet Padda is reportedly taking on a challenging double role, while Homebound actor Vishal Jethwa has joined her as the male lead. The cast also includes Viineet Kumar Singh, Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas.
Shakti Shalini Release Date
Shakti Shalini is currently scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 24, 2026. However, there has recently been speculation that the release could move to 2027 because of a potential clash with Shah Rukh Khan’s King.
Vishal Jethwa recently addressed the speculation and said that he had also heard the rumours, but he did not confirm that the release date had actually been changed. As of October 1, 2026, there has been no confirmed announcement from the makers regarding a postponement, so December 24 remains the reported theatrical release date.
Aneet Padda in a Double Role
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Shakti Shalini is Aneet Padda’s reported double role.
According to reports, she plays Shakti, an ordinary woman who eventually becomes a protector, and Shalini, a supernatural character driven by revenge. The two sides of the story eventually come together, creating the central conflict of the film.
The role could give Aneet an opportunity to move into a very different space after her romantic drama Saiyaara.
What Is the Story of Shakti Shalini?
The makers have kept many details about the plot under wraps, but reports indicate that the story draws from Indian folklore and supernatural mythology.
The narrative reportedly revolves around Shakti and Shalini, two characters connected to opposing sides of the supernatural conflict. Shalini is described in reports as a vengeful spirit who returns after being betrayed and killed.
The film combines elements of horror, comedy, revenge and supernatural drama, giving it a different flavour within Maddock’s expanding horror-comedy universe. India Today has also reported that the film’s folklore has Bengali roots.
Vishal Jethwa Joins Aneet Padda
Vishal Jethwa will reportedly play an important role opposite Aneet Padda.
The two actors have previously appeared together in Salaam Venky, making Shakti Shalini another collaboration between them. Jethwa’s character is reportedly connected to Aneet’s character’s emotional journey, although the makers have not revealed the complete details of his role.
Jethwa has also undergone a physical transformation for the movie, adding further curiosity around his character.
Viineet Kumar Singh as the Antagonist
Another important addition to the cast is Viineet Kumar Singh, who reportedly plays the antagonist.
His character is expected to be an important part of the conflict between the film’s supernatural forces and its central characters. However, specific details about the character have been kept confidential.
Reports also indicate that Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas are part of the cast.
Shakti Shalini Director
The film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, a filmmaker who has already become closely associated with Maddock’s supernatural universe.
Sarpotdar directed Munjya and Thamma, making Shakti Shalini another project that expands the studio’s interconnected horror-comedy world.
Part of Maddock Horror Comedy Universe
Shakti Shalini is part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, the franchise that has brought films such as Stree, Bhediya, Munjya and Stree 2 to audiences.
The film was also teased as part of Maddock’s expanding supernatural universe, increasing interest among fans who follow connections between its movies.
Rather than being a straightforward horror movie, Shakti Shalini is expected to combine supernatural elements with humour, mythology and action.
When Did Shakti Shalini Shooting Start?
Production began in March 2026, and reports in May said that the film had completed its final shooting schedule.
The production travelled to several locations, including parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, while major sequences were also filmed in Mumbai. A large climax sequence was reportedly shot in Powai, with sets designed to recreate a village environment.
Shakti Shalini Cast
Here is the currently reported cast of the movie:
| Cast | Role/Details |
|---|---|
| Aneet Padda | Shakti/Shalini |
| Vishal Jethwa | Male lead |
| Viineet Kumar Singh | Antagonist |
| Nana Patekar | Important role |
| Seema Biswas | Important role |
| Soham Majumdar | Supporting role |
The film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films.
Why Shakti Shalini Is Important for Aneet Padda
After Saiyaara, Aneet Padda has become one of the young Hindi-film actors attracting considerable attention. Shakti Shalini gives her a completely different character space, moving from a romantic drama into supernatural horror and comedy.
The reported double role also makes the project particularly interesting because she will have to portray two contrasting characters within the same story.
If the reported storyline is accurate, the film will allow her to explore both the emotional and supernatural sides of the narrative.
Shakti Shalini Latest Update
The latest confirmed information is that Shakti Shalini remains scheduled for a December 24, 2026 theatrical release.
There is currently speculation about a possible move to 2027 because of its reported proximity to Shah Rukh Khan’s King. However, Vishal Jethwa has only acknowledged hearing the rumours and has not confirmed a change. Therefore, the December 24, 2026 date should be treated as the current reported release date until Maddock Films announces otherwise.
With Aneet Padda in a reported double role, Vishal Jethwa as the male lead and Aditya Sarpotdar returning to Maddock’s supernatural world, Shakti Shalini is shaping up as one of Aneet Padda’s most anticipated upcoming films.