Aneet Padda, who made her breakthrough with Saiyaara, has been confirmed as the lead of Maddock Horror Comedy Universe's (MHCU) upcoming entry Shakti Shalini.
Kiara Advani was originally supposed to play the role, according to Bollywood Hungama.
The announcement video was released on the occasion of the release of Thamma, on Tuesday. Slated to hit theatres on December 24, 2026, it was earlier planned for 2025, when Kiara was attached.
Spearheaded by filmmaker Dinesh Vijan, the Maddock banner is going the MCU way, with two Avengers-style projects at the end of the list that are likely to feature characters from previous films in their ever-growing franchise whose films minted huge numbers at the Indian and worldwide box-office.
ALSO READ | 'Thamma' review: A soulless, unexciting, and instantly forgettable adventure
The 'Maddock Horror Comedy Universe' had earlier promised "8 theatrical films that will take you on a wild ride of laughter, spooks, thrills, and screams!"
The other upcoming titles in the MHCU are Bhediya 2 and Chamunda in 2026; Stree 3 and Mahamunjya (Munjya 2) in 2027; Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh in 2028.
In an earlier statement, Vijan said making "grand cinematic stories rooted in Indian culture" is their goal. "Our mission at Maddock has always been to innovate and entertain. We've crafted compelling characters that resonate with audiences, grounded in India's rich culture and heritage. This deep connection has made our stories not just relatable but also meaningful. Also, with a passionate and devoted fanbase, we're now setting the stage for something even bigger: a cinematic universe that brings unforgettable characters and their stories to life like never before. We can't wait to take audiences on this journey through 2028 and beyond, and we are just getting started."
