Bollywood Hungama exclusively revealed that rising star Aneet Padda, who captivated audiences nationwide with Saiyaara (2025), has stepped into the role originally meant for Kiara Advani in Shakti Shalini. On October 19, we reported that the film’s announcement video would be screened alongside Thamma, the highly anticipated Diwali blockbuster. Now comes another major update: Shakti Shalini is confirmed to hit theaters on December 24, 2026.
Like Thamma before it, Shakti Shalini expands the beloved Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. This phenomenally successful franchise launched with Stree (2018), continued with Bhediya (2022), followed by the sleeper hit Munjya (2024), and reached unprecedented heights with Stree 2 (2024)—which became Bollywood’s highest-grossing film ever. Thamma marks the universe’s fifth installment.
Originally scheduled for December 31, 2025 with Kiara Advani attached, the film’s shift to 2026 with Padda in the lead means fans can expect three Maddock Horror Comedy Universe films next year: Shakti Shalini, Chamunda, and Bhediya 2. Stree 3 is slated for 2027, while 2028 will bring the franchise to an epic conclusion with Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh, and Doosara Mahayudh.
The universe has already assembled an impressive ensemble including Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Sharvari, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Varun Dhawan, Aneet Padda, and Akshay Kumar. Industry insiders anticipate several more A-list additions as the saga unfolds. What began as a quirky horror-comedy has evolved into India’s answer to Marvel’s cinematic universe. With each installment weaving new characters and mythological elements into an increasingly interconnected tapestry, Shakti Shalini promises to be a pivotal chapter. As the groundwork laid by previous films converges, the franchise appears poised to deliver the massive crossover event that fans have been eagerly anticipating.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
