Diwali moviegoers are in for a double treat this festive season. Alongside Maddock Films’ highly anticipated blockbuster Thamma, audiences nationwide will witness the premiere of the official announcement video for Shakti Shalini—Dinesh Vijan’s ambitious new superhero venture. The exclusive footage will introduce Aneet Padda in the coveted title role, confirming casting news that Bollywood Hungama was first to reveal.
Long before the studio’s official word, our sources disclosed the significant development that Aneet Padda had stepped into the role of Shakti Shalini, taking over from Kiara Advani after the project underwent creative restructuring [read our original exclusive here]. Industry insiders shared that Maddock Films and Dinesh Vijan were captivated by Padda’s compelling work in Saiyaara, believing her to be the ideal choice to anchor this groundbreaking female-driven franchise within their ever-growing cinematic universe.
While plot specifics for Shakti Shalini remain closely guarded, the announcement video—scheduled to play before every Thamma screening—reportedly showcases Aneet Padda’s powerful portrayal of a modern-day superhero who embodies both fragility and fierce determination. For the rising star, this isn’t merely a career-defining opportunity but the launch of a franchise that reimagines Indian mythology through a contemporary, adrenaline-fueled lens.
Despite months of speculation and industry chatter, Maddock Films maintained silence on casting details—until now. The theatrical debut of this announcement video serves as the studio’s most definitive declaration that Aneet Padda is indeed their Shakti Shalini. The strategic move underscores Maddock’s commitment to championing emerging talent and innovative narratives, perfectly complementing their Diwali offering Thamma—a genre-defying spectacular featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.
By pairing the Shakti Shalini reveal with Thamma, Dinesh Vijan and his creative team are orchestrating a festive season spectacle, offering audiences an exclusive preview of what’s poised to become Bollywood’s next major female-fronted universe. While Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy may dominate Diwali 2025 conversations, Aneet Padda’s emergence as Shakti Shalini will undoubtedly spark equal excitement—news that Bollywood Hungama remains honored to have broken first.
