Maddock Horror Universe Postpones Key Film; Taps Rising Star Aneet Padda to Replace Kiara Advani
Maddock Films officially locked in a new release date for its much-anticipated horror-comedy, Shakti Shalini, confirming the film will now hit theatres on December 24, 2026. The studio simultaneously ended months of speculation by formally announcing Aneet Padda as the lead, who steps into the pivotal role following the exit of Kiara Advani due to personal commitments, including her recent pregnancy.
This major development, strategically revealed via a special announcement teaser attached to the theatrical release of another Maddock horror-comedy, Thamma, signifies a significant shift in the studio’s calendar. Shakti Shalini, a key entry in the rapidly expanding Maddock Horror Cinematic Universe (MHCU), was initially slated for a December 31, 2025, release.
The film’s lead casting became a subject of intense industry buzz after Kiara Advani reportedly stepped away from the project. Sources indicate the actress needed to prioritize her maternity break and personal life following the birth of her child, causing a scheduling conflict with the MHCU’s tightly coordinated production timeline.
Maddock Films, helmed by Dinesh Vijan, embarked on a meticulous search for a suitable replacement to anchor the female-led narrative. While unconfirmed reports had already named Aneet Padda as the frontrunner, the production house maintained a strict silence, determined to make the official announcement a spectacular event.
Aneet Padda, who gained widespread acclaim for her breakthrough performance in the recent box-office hit Saiyaara, officially secures a massive project with this casting. Her entry into the MHCU marks a major career leap, positioning her alongside established stars of the universe like Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan.
The rescheduling of Shakti Shalini from its original New Year’s Eve 2025 slot to the Christmas 2026 window recalibrates the Maddock Horror Cinematic Universe’s flow. The one-year delay allows the team ample time to rework production schedules and integrate the new lead while maintaining the high production quality expected from the franchise that gave audiences Stree and Bhediya.
This new date places the film squarely in the highly lucrative Christmas holiday season. Strategically, this timing aims to maximize box office returns, capitalizing on the festive mood and extended audience turnout.
The official teaser introduced Aneet Padda with a cryptic yet powerful tagline: “The protector. The destroyer. The Mother of all. Aneet Padda in Shakti Shalini. Shakti unleashed Dec 24, 2026.” The announcement hinted at a story revolving around a powerful female entity, suggesting the film will deepen the mythology of the MHCU and its core supernatural folklore.
With the casting now finalized and the release date secured, Maddock Films will soon move the project into the active production phase. Insiders report that the filmmakers plan to begin filming by early 2026, ensuring they meet the ambitious holiday release deadline.
Aneet Padda faces the challenge of helming one of the most significant installments in the franchise. Fans and critics eagerly await to see how the young star interprets the role of Shakti Shalini and how her character will connect with the wider narrative of the MHCU as it heads towards its rumoured two-part climax, Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh.
The announcement not only confirms a major star vehicle for Aneet Padda but also re-establishes the dynamic expansion of the Maddock Horror Cinematic Universe, promising audiences a thrilling and festive scare in 2026.
