Saiyaara Breakout Star Aneet Padda To Lead Maddock Films' Next Horror-Comedy Shakti Shalini, Replaces Kiara Advani

Mumbai, September 19 - Debutante actress Aneet Padda became an overnight sensation after the success of Saiyaara under the banner of Yash Raj Films. It was not only a dream debut for the actress, but it also announced the arrival of a new female star who scored praise for her acting skills.

Well, it didn't take long for Aneet to bag her next big project as he has been roped in to headline Maddock Films' next horror comedy Shakit Shalini. According to the report by Pinkvilla, Aneet Padda will spearhead Shakti Shalini and has already completed the look test for the film.

It is said that producer Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to infuse his universe with new energies, and multiple actresses were in the race to lead the film, but it's Aneet who has made it to the finish line. She has replaced Kiara Advani, who was originally cast, but she is no longer doing the film for reasons best known to the stakeholders.

The director for Shakti Shalini is not finalised yet, but Dinesh Vijan is keen to rope in Munjya fame Aditya Sarpotdar, who is also the director of Maddock's upcoming horror-comedy universe film Thama. The shoot of the Shakti Shalini, which will be the next film after Thama (Diwali 2025), is expected to start by the end of this year.

After Shakti Shalini, Maddock has Chamunda in the pipeline with Alia Bhatt in the lead. It is expected to start rolling in May 2026, followed by Stree 3, Bhediya 2, Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh, and Doosara Mahayudh, in the blockbuster universe.

Stay tuned...