**Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda Starring in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films Clarifies**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:49 PM*

After making a grand entry into Bollywood with the blockbuster film *Saiyaara*, there were reports suggesting that actor Aneet Padda is set to take on a new challenge. Rumors circulated that she had been roped in for the next installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, titled *Shakti Shalini*. According to Pinkvilla, Padda had even completed her look test for the film.

However, Maddock Films has now issued a clarification regarding these reports.

### Maddock Films Issues Statement

The production house released an official statement saying,
*”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. We urge the media to avoid misinformation and to wait for an official announcement from us.”*

This statement aims to put an end to circulating rumors and asks fans and media alike to hold off on speculation until official details are revealed.

### Behind the Scenes: Casting Discussions

An insider familiar with the project had earlier told Pinkvilla that director Dinesh Vijan was impressed by Aneet Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara*. Eager to breathe fresh energy into his horror-comedy universe, Vijan had reportedly been in discussions with Padda for the past two months. The source shared,
*”Dinesh Vijan was looking to bring fresh energy into his horror-comedy universe. He loved Aneet’s work in Saiyaara and had decided to mount the next chapter on her.”*

Despite these discussions, nothing has been confirmed publicly by the filmmakers as of now.

### Production Updates on ‘Shakti Shalini’

Reports suggest that *Shakti Shalini* is expected to go on floors by the end of 2025. The director for the project is yet to be announced, though Dinesh Vijan is keen on bringing Aditya Sarpotdar, known for *Munjya*, on board as director. A final decision on the director is anticipated within the next two weeks.

### A Look at the Film’s History and Upcoming Projects

Earlier, *Shakti Shalini* was announced with popular actor Kiara Advani in the lead role. However, she has since exited the project for reasons that remain undisclosed.

This film is reportedly slated to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, *Chamunda*, featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead, is also in the pipeline. *Chamunda* is expected to go on floors in May 2026 after Bhatt finishes filming Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s *Love and War*.

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Stay tuned for official announcements from Maddock Films regarding further updates on *Shakti Shalini* and other exciting projects in Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story