**Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in Dinesh Vijan’s ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films Sets the Record Straight**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 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 all set to take on a new challenge. Rumors indicated that she has 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.
### Maddock Films Issues a Clarification
However, Maddock Films has now stepped forward to clear the air. 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 official announcements from us.”*
This statement aims to put an end to the circulating rumors and ask fans and media alike to hold off until the filmmakers make formal announcements.
### Casting Speculations and Director’s Plans
Prior to Maddock Films’ clarification, an insider had told Pinkvilla that Dinesh Vijan was impressed by Aneet Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara* and was considering bringing fresh energy to his horror-comedy universe. The source revealed:
*”Aneet Padda has been in discussions for *Shakti Shalini* for the last two months as Dinesh Vijan was looking to infuse his universe with new energies. He loved Aneet’s work in *Saiyaara* and has decided to mount the next chapter of the horror-comedy universe on her.”*
As for production details, *Shakti Shalini* is reportedly expected to go on floors by the end of 2025. While the director’s name remains under wraps, there is speculation that Dinesh Vijan is keen to bring Aditya Sarpotdar, known for *Munjya*, on board. The final decision on the director is expected within a fortnight.
### Changing Line-Up: Kiara Advani No Longer Attached
Earlier announcements had revealed actress Kiara Advani as the lead for *Shakti Shalini*. However, she is reportedly no longer part of the project due to undisclosed reasons. The film is said to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.
In addition, the Maddock Films horror-comedy universe includes *Chamunda*, with Alia Bhatt in the lead. *Chamunda* is slated to begin production in May 2026 after Bhatt completes Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s *Love and War*.
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Stay tuned for official updates from Maddock Films regarding the new chapters in their horror-comedy universe.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story