The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe just added a fresh on-screen pairing to its ever-growing roster. If reports are to be believed, Vishal Jethwa has signed Shakti Shalini, stepping in as the male lead opposite Saiyaara breakout star Aneet Padda.
And yes — this one is expected to blend horror, humor, and romance in classic Maddock style.
🎬 The New Pairing
According to a report by India Today, Vishal Jethwa will romance Aneet Padda in the upcoming Maddock Films project. The film is reportedly set to go on floors next month and is eyeing a theatrical release on December 24, 2026 — perfectly timed for the Christmas weekend box office rush.
Jethwa is expected to play the female protagonist’s love interest, placing him right at the emotional core of the story.
👻 Enter the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe
Shakti Shalini will be a part of the ambitious Maddock Horror Comedy Universe — the franchise that has steadily built a loyal audience with its quirky supernatural storytelling.
The banner’s recent release, Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, hit theatres on October 21, 2025 and expanded the interconnected world further.
Looking ahead, the studio has an ambitious slate lined up:
- Chamunda
- Bhediya 2
- Stree 3
- Maha Munjya
- Pehla Mahayudh
- Doosara Mahayudh
Big names like Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Varun Dhawan, Akshay Kumar, and Ayushmann Khurrana are already associated with this cinematic universe.
With Shakti Shalini, the universe appears to be leaning toward a younger, fresh pairing.
🌟 Vishal Jethwa’s Momentum
Vishal Jethwa has been steadily building credibility in the industry. His 2025 film Homebound, co-starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, was widely appreciated and even became India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards. While it didn’t make the final nomination list, the film earned critical praise and put Jethwa firmly on the radar.
Joining a mainstream horror-comedy universe now signals a strategic shift — from intense drama to commercial entertainer.
💫 Aneet Padda’s Rising Star Power
On the other side is Aneet Padda, who made a strong impression with Saiyaara. Directed by Mohit Suri, the romantic drama co-starring Ahaan Panday turned into one of 2025’s biggest surprise blockbusters.
Made on a modest ₹45 crore budget, Saiyaara reportedly crossed ₹570 crore worldwide and was later named the most popular Indian film of 2025 by IMDb.
Stepping into a supernatural comedy now shows her versatility — and possibly, a conscious move to avoid being boxed into just romance-driven roles.
🎯 What This Means for Shakti Shalini
Interestingly, Shakti Shalini was initially slated for a 2025 release with Kiara Advani attached. The casting shuffle and new timeline suggest the project has undergone a creative refresh.
With Vishal and Aneet onboard, the film could offer a blend of youthful romance layered within Maddock’s signature horror-comedy chaos. If executed well, it might attract both franchise loyalists and Gen-Z audiences.
Final Words
Maddock’s cinematic universe continues to expand — and Shakti Shalini looks like its next major step. Pairing Vishal Jethwa’s dramatic depth with Aneet Padda’s rising star appeal feels like a calculated, interesting move.
If all goes as planned, December 2026 might just see another supernatural love story lighting up the big screen — with jump scares, punchlines, and plenty of heart.
