Aneet Padda Joins Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe with Shakti Shalini, Releasing December 24, 2026

The official confirmation arrived through a special announcement video attached to Thamma  the Diwali 2025 release starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.

With Shakti Shalini, Aneet makes her much-awaited debut in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe  a cinematic world that began with Stree (2018), followed by Bhediya (2022) and Munjya (2024). Known for its witty humor and supernatural twist, the franchise continues to set benchmarks in the genre.

 Aneet steps into the role initially considered for Kiara Advani, who eventually opted out. Maddock Films had earlier clarified that casting updates would come only through official channels  and this confirmation now settles all speculation.

Holiday Season Blockbuster Incoming

Releasing on December 24, 2026, Shakti Shalini is positioned as Maddock’s big festive entertainer for the Christmas-New Year window. The timing mirrors the studio’s past successful release strategies for family-friendly horror comedies.

Industry buzz also hints that Aneet could make a special cameo in Thamma’s end-credit scene, teasing her upcoming character for the first time on the big screen.

2025 has been a breakthrough year for Aneet Padda, and stepping into Maddock’s horror-comedy universe marks a major milestone  blending her charm with one of Bollywood’s most loved genre franchises.