Aneet replaced Kiara in 'Shakti Shalini'? Amar Kaushik clarifies
What's the story
Amar Kaushik, who is developing Maddock's next horror-comedy Shakti Shalini, has quashed rumors that actor Aneet Padda replaced Kiara Advani in the film. The speculation started after the end-credits scene of Thamma revealed Padda would star in Shakti Shalini, which is part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). In a recent interview with Filmygyan, Kaushik said, "Kiara is a beautiful actor. Nothing was confirmed, so I don't know how it came out."
Casting details
No 1 was locked for the role: Kaushik
Kaushik further explained his casting process, saying, "When you write a story, you have an idea and as you develop it further, you realize who is fit for which character." "When Saiyaara came out, we were still in the process of writing (Shakti Shalini)." "Nobody was locked. There was nothing like it." "We were just thinking who would fit. Sometimes, even we don't know the full story, but someone leaks something."
Film announcement
Everything we know about 'Shakti Shalini'
Shakti Shalini was officially announced on October 21 during the end credits of Thamma, which stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. It will be released in December 2026. Meanwhile, Thamma's box-office success has pushed the MHCU past ₹1,500 crore. The film has reportedly earned over ₹180 crore worldwide, adding to the already impressive figures of the two Stree films, Munjya, and Bhediya.