19 September,2025 03:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aneet Padda and Kiara Advani
Kiara Advani is currently embracing the phase of parenthood in her life. After the birth of her baby girl, reports were rife that she had backed out of Don 3, and now it looks like she is not even a part of Dinesh Vijan's Shakti Shalini. As per reports, Saiyaara fame Aneet Padda has replaced her. Now, the makers have issued a statement clarifying the buzz around casting.
Maddock Films shared their official note on their Instagram handle, which read, "While we truly value the excitement around our horror-comedy universe, we want to make it absolutely clear that any reports regarding the casting of the upcoming chapters, including Shakti Shalini and Maha Munjya, are purely speculative."
A report in Pinkvilla stated that Aneet will lead Shakti Shalini. A source quoted by the portal said, "Aneet Padda has been in discussions for Shakti Shalini for the last two months, as Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to infuse his universe with new energies. He loved Aneet's work in Saiyaara, and has decided to mount the next chapter of horror comedy universe on her."
The report added, "Shakti Shalini is expected to begin towards the end of 2025. While the director's name has been kept under wraps for now, Dinesh Vijan is keen to rope in Aditya Sarpotdar (Munjya fame) for the part. However, the final call on direction will taken in a fortnight."
Maddock Films has big plans for the horror comedy universe. As we all know, their upcoming lineup includes films like Thama, Shakti Shalini, Bhediya 2, Chamunda, Stree 3, Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh, and Doosra Mahayudh. Each of these films can introduce new characters, fresh myths, and unexpected twists.
Dinesh Vijan is currently gearing up for the Diwali release of Thama, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Following that will be Shakti Shalini and Chamunda, which will be headlined by Alia Bhatt. It is set to go on floors in May 2026, after Alia wraps up Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War.
On the work front for Aneet, she will also star in a courtroom drama alongside Fatma Sana Shaikh.
