BREAKING: It's Official! Aneet Padda replaces Kiara Advani in Shakti Shalini; to release in Christmas 2026

Aneet Padda’s career is moving fast. After her breakthrough debut in Saiyaara, the young actor has landed her next big-ticket film. Maddock Films has now confirmed that she will lead Shakti Shalini, a key title in the studio’s growing horror-comedy universe.

The news became official when the announcement video dropped alongside the release of Thamma, revealing Padda as the new face of the franchise.

Kiara Advani’s Exit and the Change in Casting

For months, the industry had been buzzing about Kiara Advani stepping away from Shakti Shalini. Initial speculation hinted at personal commitments and shifting schedules. Insiders now suggest that timelines for the film’s shared universe clashed with Kiara’s availability, prompting Maddock to rework the lead.

The role, reportedly rewritten as a story about a young woman navigating a supernatural adventure tied to the larger Maddock horrorverse, eventually found its new anchor in Aneet. The studio’s choice seems to fit the creative direction, giving the universe a fresh lead who connects with a younger audience.

Maddock’s Expanding Horror Universe

With Thamma already stirring strong buzz, Shakti Shalini is set to be the next chapter that ties the interconnected supernatural stories together. Maddock has quietly built a genre identity with hits like Stree and Bhediya, and this project continues that streak.

Aneet’s casting also signals the studio’s confidence in her rising stardom. From her emotional debut in Saiyaara to now leading a universe film, the move marks a sharp progression in her career. For Maddock, it’s a balance between continuity and reinvention- keeping the genre alive while introducing a fresh energy.

The film’s production is expected to roll soon, and fans are already eager to see how Shakti Shalini fits into Maddock’s evolving world of eerie laughter and mystery.

It is fascinating to think that Aneet Padda, just one film old is now geared up for her next film and she will be headlining a major horror-comedy universe film now. What do you think about the same? Let us know in the comments below.