Vishal Jethwa has addressed reports surrounding the release date of Aneet Padda starrer ‘Shakti Shalini’, an upcoming horror-comedy from the Maddock Horror Universe. The film is currently scheduled to release on December 24, 2026, putting it on a potential collision course with Shah Rukh Khan’s King. In a recent interview, Jethwa reacted to reports that ‘Shakti Shalini’ could be pushed to 2027.
Vishal Jethwa reacts to Shakti Shalini postponement rumours
Speaking to The Free Press Journal at FICCI FRAMES 2026, Vishal Jethwa was asked about reports that ‘Shakti Shalini’ could be pushed to 2027 to avoid a clash with ‘King’. The actor acknowledged that he had heard the speculation but did not confirm whether the release date was being changed.“Maine bhi sune hain rumours (I have also heard the rumors),” Jethwa said.The actor laughed off the speculation and neither confirmed nor denied the said reports. As of now, ‘Shakti Shalini’ remains officially scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026. Unless the makers announce a change, there is no confirmed postponement of the Aneet Padda and Vishal Jethwa-starrer.
Vishal Jethwa undergoes physical transformation for ‘Shakti Shalini’
Jethwa is also undergoing a significant physical transformation for his role in ‘Shakti Shalini’. While the makers have kept details about his character under wraps, the actor’s transformation has added to the curiosity surrounding the project.The film is expected to expand the world of Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe, with Aneet Padda taking on the titular role after ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Thamma’. Notably, producer Dinesh Vijan has confirmed that ‘Stree 3’, starring Rajkummar Rao, will arrive in theatres in 2028. While details about the highly anticipated horror-comedy are being kept under wraps, Vijan revealed that director Amar Kaushik has recently completed the script. He also assured fans that the film will retain everything they have loved about the franchise while taking the story in an unexpected direction. “Stree 3 arrives in 2028,” Vijan said, hinting that the film could release as an Independence Day or Christmas treat.
Aneet Padda and Vishal Jethwa reunite after ‘Salaam Venky’
Interestingly, Shakti Shalini marks another collaboration between Aneet Padda and Vishal Jethwa. The actors previously worked together in the 2022 film ‘Salaam Venky’. Their reunion comes after Padda gained wider recognition with ‘Saiyaara’, in which she starred opposite Ahaan Panday. The character was introduced through the post-credits scene of ‘Thamma’, the Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer that released in theatres on October 21, 2025.
What is Shakti Shalini about?
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Shakti Shalini is part of Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe.
Vishal Jethwa’s current work slate
Jethwa was last seen in ‘Homebound’ alongside Ishaan Khatter and Janhavi Kapoor, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, co-written by Ghaywan and Sumit Roy. Notably, the film was selected as India’s official Best International Feature entry for the 98th Academy Awards and advanced to the December shortlist but missed out on a final nomination.
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