Bollywood’s rising star, Kiara Advani, is all set to add another feather to her cap as she steps into Maddock Films’ blockbuster Horror-Comedy Universe. The production house, known for hits like Stree and Bhediya, is expanding its cinematic universe with a lineup of eight films over the next four years. One of the most anticipated releases from this slate is Shakti Shalini, where Kiara takes on the titular role, blending supernatural thrills with laugh-out-loud moments.
Maddock’s Big Plans: A Universe Like No Other
Maddock Films has been raising the bar for Bollywood horror comedies. Earlier this month, the production house announced a slate of interconnected films that will culminate in an epic two-part finale by 2028. The journey begins this year with Thama, a star-studded Diwali release featuring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal, followed by Shakti Shalini, which will hit theaters on December 31, 2025.
Kiara Advani joins an ensemble of A-list stars like Shraddha Kapoor (Stree), Kriti Sanon (Bhediya), and Rashmika Mandanna as part of this growing cinematic universe. Her addition promises to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the franchise.
What is Shakti Shalini All About?
Unlike Maddock’s previous films, Shakti Shalini aims to stand out by drawing heavily from Indian folklore but presenting it in a new and unexpected way. The film will be a supernatural comedy with a strong narrative twist, ensuring it’s not just another ghost story with punchlines.
Adding to the intrigue is the choice of director. Maddock has roped in Ajitpal Singh, known for his critically acclaimed projects like Fire in the Mountains (premiered at Sundance 2021) and the SonyLIV series Tabbar. While Ajitpal’s forte lies in intense, emotionally driven stories, his transition to directing a horror comedy adds a layer of curiosity. Will he bring his signature depth to the genre? Fans can’t wait to find out.
Kiara’s Blockbuster Run Continues
Kiara Advani is on a roll, and Shakti Shalini is just one of the many big-ticket films she’s juggling. The actress, who already has massive projects like Game Changer (releasing January 10, 2025) with Ram Charan and War 2 (August 14, 2025) alongside Hrithik Roshan, has been making bold choices that showcase her versatility.
She’s also starring in Yash’s next action-packed drama, Toxic, and Ranveer Singh’s Don 3, both slated for 2026. Add to that rumors of her signing a biopic of a yesteryear Bollywood diva, and it’s clear Kiara is unstoppable.
Maddock’s Universe: Building to Something Bigger
Shakti Shalini will be the fifth standalone film in Maddock Films’ Horror-Comedy Universe, following hits like Stree and Bhediya. The interconnected universe is gearing up for something epic, with sequels like Bhediya 2 and Stree 3 leading up to the two-part finale: Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh, expected to release in 2028.
Each film in the universe ties into the larger story, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with a uniquely Indian twist. For Shakti Shalini, the fusion of folklore, comedy, and Ajitpal Singh’s storytelling prowess promises a film that could redefine the genre.
What Fans Can Expect
With Kiara at the helm, fans can expect a film that balances charm, suspense, and humor. The pairing of Maddock’s expertise in the horror-comedy space with Ajitpal’s knack for emotionally resonant storytelling could result in something truly special.
As the release date inches closer, the buzz around Shakti Shalini is only going to grow. Mark your calendars for December 31, 2025, because Kiara Advani is ready to close the year with a bang—and maybe a ghostly laugh or two.
Why You’ll Love It?
Kiara’s entry into the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe isn’t just another casting decision—it’s a move that could set the tone for future films in this genre. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, or simply a Kiara Advani admirer, Shakti Shalini promises to be an unmissable cinematic experience.
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