Aneet Paddy, best known for her role in “Saiyaara”, has officially been confirmed as the leading actor of Maddock Films’ upcoming horror-comedy ‘Shakti Salini’. This film is now scheduled to be released on December 24th, 2026. It was originally set for 2025.
A special video was included with the theatre print of “Thamma”. The first audience members to learn of the new release date and the cast reveal were those who saw ‘Thamma in the cinema. It appears that the decision to delay the release of the film was made to capitalize on the holiday period, when families flock to the theaters.
Aneet Padda will play the title role in “Shakti Shalini”, a character that has generated a lot of interest on social media. Maddock Films confirmed Padda’s selection as the leading actor. Early reports suggested Kiara Advani had been considered. Studio has promoted the film as an important addition to their Horror Comedy Universe franchise, which has built up a large fan following with its mix of humor and supernatural elements.
Aneet Padda officially enters her era.
— 𝙁𝘼𝙍𝙄𝙃𝘼 🌵 (@aneetfied) October 21, 2025
I'm getting goosebumps. 😭
The protector
The destroyer
The MOTHER OF ALL#AneetPadda in #ShaktiShalini pic.twitter.com/vr1mah13zW
Maddock Films, in conjunction with this announcement, released Aneet Padda’s first look, which was widely circulated on social media. Fans have speculated that Padda might already be her character from a cameo in ‘Thamma,’ the end credit scene. The studio is yet to respond officially to these claims.
Maddock Films has made the Horror Comedy Universe a part of its slate. Previous installments have been a hit with audiences, combining both horror and comedy. The makers of ‘Shakti Shalini,’ by delaying the film until late 2026, appear to give themselves more time to perfect the project and align its release to a window which maximizes the box office potential.
Aneet’s Padda is a major step for her as it marks her transition from her previous work on ‘Saiyaara’ into a prominent franchise film. Fans of the genre have welcomed her casting and are excited to learn how she will fit into the universe Maddock Films has created.
In the next few months, we expect to learn more about the plot of the movie, the supporting cast, and the production schedule. Aneet Padda’s confirmation as lead actor and the December 2026 date have set up what is sure to be a thrilling addition to Horror Comedy Universe.
About Maddock Films
Maddock Films, a major Indian production house known for its varied slate of content-driven and commercial cinema. Studio has a strong reputation for creating compelling narratives in a variety of genres. Its Horror Comedy Universe is a specialty.
