After weeks of speculation, Maddock Films has finally confirmed that Aneet Padda will be headlining its upcoming horror comedy Shakti Shalini, replacing Kiara Advani in the lead role. The big announcement came with the theatrical release of Thamma, further expanding the production house’s growing horror comedy universe.
Aneet Padda Steps Into Maddock’s Horror Comedy Universe
The confirmation was revealed through a special announcement video attached to Thamma, the fifth instalment in Maddock’s horror comedy lineup. The clip introduced Shakti Shalini as “the creator, the destroyer, and the mother of all,” setting the tone for a larger-than-life supernatural narrative. The video concluded with the official reveal — “Aneet Padda in Shakti Shalini” — confirming the actress as the new face of the franchise.
The film, initially slated for release this year, has now been scheduled to hit theatres on December 24, 2026. The announcement video quickly went viral, with fans celebrating Aneet’s casting and expressing excitement about seeing a fresh face in a major studio project.
Netizens React: “Huge Win For An Outsider”
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions following the news. While some users described it as a “big loss” for Kiara Advani, others called the opportunity a career-defining moment for Aneet Padda.
One Reddit user wrote, “This is such a big opportunity for Aneet to showcase her acting skills and prove she can carry a film on her own. Hopefully, she nails it — the girl has potential!” Another added, “Looks like a strong, aggressive role. This will really test her range since she’s mostly been seen in soft, girl-next-door characters.”
Many also celebrated Maddock Films’ decision to cast a new talent, with one user commenting, “Not a fan of Aneet, but happy that a nepo didn’t bag it. Huge for an outsider!”
Viral Leaked Image From The Sets
Alongside the announcement, a photo allegedly from Shakti Shalini has been circulating online. The image shows a woman levitating in a dark forest, dressed in a white lehenga with braided hair swaying mid-air. Though her face isn’t visible, fans are convinced it’s Aneet Padda shooting for the film, adding more intrigue to the already viral buzz surrounding the project.
A Defining Move For Aneet Padda
Fresh off the success of Saiyaara, Aneet Padda has quickly become one of the most talked-about newcomers in the industry. With Shakti Shalini, she’s stepping into a major franchise, following in the footsteps of stars like Shraddha Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, who also rose to fame through Maddock’s supernatural comedies.
As Shakti Shalini prepares to take over Christmas 2026, all eyes are on Aneet Padda to see if she can deliver a breakout performance worthy of the hype.
Follow Binge Moves on Instagram and Facebook for more entertainment stories, movie updates, and viral film industry news.
