The Indian film industry is abuzz with the latest casting shake-up in the horror-comedy genre. South Indian star Krithi Shetty has officially signed on to star in Jhalak, a highly anticipated project featuring Aaman Devgan. Shetty steps into the lead role following the exit of Sreeleela, who was previously attached to the project.
The move marks a significant pivot for the production and cements Krithi Shetty’s status as a rising force in Hindi cinema. With multiple high-profile projects now in her kitty, the actress appears to be executing a strategic and powerful entry into the Bollywood market.
According to industry reports, the makers of Jhalak finalized Krithi Shetty shortly after Sreeleela opted out of the project due to scheduling conflicts. While Sreeleela’s departure initially caused a stir, the addition of Krithi has reignited excitement among fans and trade analysts alike.
Krithi, who became a household name with the Telugu blockbuster Uppena, brings a massive fan following and a proven track record of delivering emotional depth to her characters. In Jhalak, she takes on a role that requires a delicate balance of comedic timing and the “chills” associated with the horror genre.
Jhalak serves as the second feature film for Aaman Devgan, the nephew of Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn. Aaman recently made his silver screen debut in the period drama Azaad, directed by Abhishek Kapoor. While Azaad showcased his ability to handle intense, grounded drama, Jhalak offers the young actor a chance to explore a more commercial and eccentric space.
Industry insiders suggest that the chemistry between Krithi and Aaman will be a central highlight of the film. Casting a seasoned performer like Krithi opposite a fresh talent like Aaman indicates the producers’ confidence in the script’s ability to cater to both youth and family audiences.
The signing of Jhalak is not an isolated event; it is part of a larger “Bollywood takeover” for Krithi Shetty. The actress is already preparing for her grand Hindi debut in an action entertainer directed by Milap Zaveri, where she stars opposite Tiger Shroff.
By diversifying her portfolio with an action-heavy debut and a horror-comedy sequel, Krithi is positioning herself as a versatile lead capable of handling different genres. Her fluency in Hindi—a language she grew up speaking in Mumbai—gives her a distinct edge over many of her contemporaries from the South who are transitioning to the North.
Jhalak is being mounted on a grand scale by Devgn Films and Panorama Studios, two of the most successful production houses in modern Indian cinema. Following the massive box-office success of Shaitaan, producer Ajay Devgn and the team at Panorama Studios are doubling down on the horror-supernatural space.
The film is being directed by Umang Vyas, who recently directed the Gujarati blockbuster Jhamkudi. The script is penned by Tushar Ajgaonkar, the writer behind the 2024 sleeper hit Munjya. This creative combination suggests that Jhalak will lean heavily into the “folk-horror” and “dark comedy” elements that have recently dominated the Indian box office.
The timing of Jhalak couldn’t be better. Bollywood is currently witnessing a “Golden Age” of horror-comedies. With the success of the Stree franchise, Bhediya, and Munjya, audiences have shown an insatiable appetite for films that blend jump-scares with laugh-out-loud moments.
Jhalak aims to capitalize on this trend by offering a “fresh and spooky” perspective. While plot details remain under wraps, sources indicate the film is inspired by real-life incidents, adding an extra layer of intrigue for the viewers.
As pre-production for Jhalak nears completion, fans are eager to see the first look of this new on-screen pair. For Aaman Devgan, this is a crucial step in establishing his solo stardom. For Krithi Shetty, it is the beginning of what looks like a long and successful innings in Hindi cinema.
