Actress Aneet Padda, who has been riding the fame wave since her box office smash hit Saiyaara, has an exciting new acting update on the horizon. The starlet is set to headline comedy horror "Shakti Shalini," the upcoming sequel in Maddock Films' horror-comedy franchise.
The popular horror-comedy universe commenced with Stree (2018), and includes Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024), and Thamma (2025). The film franchise is a delectable blend of humour, suspense, and supernatural elements, and the performances given by well-established actors have garnered immense praise as well.
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
According to Bollywood Hungama, initially, Kiara Advani was approached for the lead role in Shakti Shalini. However, the actress's schedule didn't align with the shooting timeline of the newest Maddock Film project, and she officially backed out of the project. Now, Aneet Padda is set to lead the film.
The movie is aiming for a Christmas Day release next year, with the official theatrical release scheduled for 24th December, 2026. The release date was pushed back to the next year after Kiara backed out of the lead role. Now that Aneet is leading the cast, fans are eagerly awaiting the unique blend of horror and comedy, something that every instalment in Maddock's horror-comedy franchise has impeccably delivered.
The next few marks a new phase for Maddock, with the horror-comedy franchise expanding to include many new additions. Other than next year's Shakti Shalini, Chamunda and Bhediya 2 are expected next. Stree 3 is set for a 2027 release, followed by Pehla Mahayudh, Doosra Mahayudh, and Maha Munjya. Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Sharvari, Varun Dhawan, and others are expected to reprise their roles in the upcoming film, and there is also the potential of new faces joining in.
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in India's own Marvel-style horror-comedy tale, with Aneet Padda playing the starring role of Shakti Shalini. The official first look and teaser for the movie are eagerly anticipated by the fans.