LOADING...
Summarize
Aneet to debut as 'Shakti Shalini' with 'Thamma' screenings: Report
'Saiyaara' star is ready for her next challenge

Aneet to debut as 'Shakti Shalini' with 'Thamma' screenings: Report

Oct 20, 2025
02:17 pm

What's the story

The much-awaited Diwali release Thamma will not just be a treat for movie lovers but also for fans of the upcoming superhero film Shakti Shalini. The official announcement video for the Dinesh Vijan-backed project will be screened with every showing of Thamma across India, reported Bollywood Hungama. This will mark the formal introduction of Aneet Padda in the lead role, a casting decision that has been speculated about in the last few months.

Casting insight

Padda's casting followed creative shift at Maddock Films

Padda's casting as the titular Shakti Shalini came after a major creative shift at Maddock Films and Vijan. The studio was reportedly impressed by her performance in Saiyaara and believed she was perfect for leading their newest female-led franchise. Reports had suggested that Padda replaced Kiara Advani in the lead role after the makers decided to reframe the story and focus it on a younger protagonist.

Video details

Announcement video to showcase Padda's journey as a superhero

The announcement video of Shakti Shalini will reportedly offer a sneak peek into Padda's origin story as a modern-day superhero. The visuals are expected to capture her emotional depth and the grandeur of the narrative without revealing any plot details. This move by Maddock Films is seen as a sign of their confidence in new talent and innovative storytelling, aligning with their Diwali release strategy for Thamma.

Festival special

Diwali box office spectacle gets bigger with 'Shakti Shalini'

The simultaneous release of Thamma and the announcement video for Shakti Shalini is sure to add to the excitement of moviegoers this festive season. Thamma, a genre-bending film starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, has already been touted as a Diwali blockbuster. Apart from Shakti Shalini, Agastya Nanda's Ikkis and Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Mandanna's Cocktail 2 promos will also run with Thamma, per reports. Thamma releases on Tuesday.