Aneet Padda’s Double Role Revelation
Bollywood’s horror comedy universe has found its next big chapter in Shakti Shalini, a Maddock Films production directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. The film has officially wrapped its shoot, and the central revelation — Aneet Padda in a double role — has sharpened curiosity around its folklore‑driven narrative. Unlike routine supernatural rides, this film promises a darker, stranger territory.
At the heart of the story lies a clash between Shakti and Shalini, two characters bound by rage, protection, and revenge. Shakti is an ordinary woman who becomes a protector, while Shalini is a vengeful spirit returning after betrayal and death. This duality gives the film its dramatic hook, positioning Padda as both savior and destroyer.
The Final Schedule in Powai
The last leg of filming concluded on May 27 at Chitrarth Studio in Powai, where the team shot a large‑scale climax sequence. The set recreated a Rajasthani village and house interiors, with the sequence built around the symbolic defeat of evil. A production source revealed, “The sequence shows the village people, especially women, celebrating the defeat of evil.”
The film moved at a brisk pace after going on floors in March. The cast and crew shot across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, including Chambal, Datia, Antri, Panihar, Gwalior, and Morena. Additional portions were filmed in Dholpur and Barkhandi, capturing authentic landscapes to root the story in folklore.
Ensemble Cast and Performances
The film features a strong supporting cast. Viineet Kumar Singh plays the antagonist, sharing key outdoor sequences with Padda. Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas joined the shoot in May, adding gravitas to the ensemble. Rising star Vishal Jethwa is also part of the cast, ensuring a mix of seasoned performers and youthful energy.
Expanding Maddock’s Horror Comedy Universe
Maddock Films has already tasted success with Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. With Shakti Shalini, the studio pushes the universe into a more mythic register. Rooted in Bengali mythology, the film blends horror, revenge drama, and supernatural folklore. It retains Maddock’s appetite for local legends and female‑led supernatural conflict, but the double‑role twist adds a darker edge.
Aneet Padda’s Career Trajectory
Aneet Padda began her screen journey with Salaam Venky (2022), appearing in a brief role alongside Kajol. She then moved to streaming with Prime Video’s Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024), marking her first lead role and widening her visibility among younger audiences.
Her breakthrough came with Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara (2025), co‑starring Ahaan Panday. The film gave her mainstream recognition and placed her firmly on the industry’s watchlist.
Shakti Shalini marks a sharp tonal shift, taking her from romance into a physically and emotionally demanding supernatural space. Scheduled for release on December 24, 2026, the film positions her as a versatile performer capable of carrying complex roles. She is also attached to Nyaya, a courtroom drama with Fatima Sana Shaikh, further diversifying her slate.
Conclusion
With filming complete, Shakti Shalini stands as one of Maddock’s key genre offerings for 2026. By blending folklore, mythology, and a double‑role twist, the film promises to expand Bollywood’s horror comedy universe into darker, more intense territory. For Aneet Padda, it is a defining project — one that showcases her range and cements her place among the industry’s rising stars.
