Amar Kaushik Declares Shakti Shalini Starring Aneet Padda Most Important Film
Amar Kaushik Declares Shakti Shalini Starring Aneet Padda Most Important Film
After the phenomenal success of Saiyaara, rising star Aneet Padda has become one of Bollywood’s most promising new faces. Now, acclaimed filmmaker Amar Kaushik—the creative force behind Stree and Bhediya—has revealed that Padda’s next project, Shakti Shalini, holds a special place in Maddock Films’ growing horror-comedy universe. According to the director, the upcoming film is not just another installment but the “most important” story in the franchise so far.
“Shakti Shalini Is the Core of Our Universe” – Amar Kaushik
Speaking exclusively to Zoom, Kaushik opened up about why Shakti Shalini stands out among the interconnected films crafted under Maddock’s banner.
“When we started building this universe, the idea was always there,” he shared. “But while writing Shakti Shalini, we felt this could be the most important story in the entire [horror-comedy] universe. The character is so unique—someone whose world hasn’t been explored before.”
Kaushik hinted that the film introduces a completely fresh perspective to the franchise, something he believes fans haven’t seen yet. – Amar Kaushik Declares Shakti Shalini Starring Aneet Padda Most Important Film
Aneet Padda Chosen for Her Talent, Tenacity & Depth
The Stree director revealed that the team had been searching specifically for a newcomer capable of adding freshness and emotional complexity to the role. Aneet Padda stood out instantly.
Kaushik recalled watching her earlier auditions and being impressed long before Saiyaara became a blockbuster.
“We’d seen her in several auditions. Aneet has struggled, but in a very honest way—she kept auditioning for years until she landed Saiyaara,” he said. “What viewers saw in that film was just a glimpse of what she can really do. She has remarkable depth and understanding at such a young age.”
The filmmaker further revealed that both he and producer Dinesh Vijan knew she was the right fit from their very first meeting.
“Whenever she said something or made a small comment, Dinu and I would look at each other and think, ‘She is the one.’” – Amar Kaushik Declares Shakti Shalini Starring Aneet Padda Most Important Film
A Career-Defining Role Awaits Aneet
With industry buzz steadily growing, Shakti Shalini is being positioned as one of the biggest entries in Maddock Films’ massively popular horror-comedy universe. The franchise, which includes giants like Stree, Roohi, and Bhediya, has repeatedly struck gold at the box office—and expectations from Aneet’s solo lead outing are sky-high.
If Saiyaara showcased her potential, Shakti Shalini may well be the film that cements Aneet Padda as one of Bollywood’s next major breakout performers.
Amar Kaushik Declares Shakti Shalini Starring Aneet Padda Most Important Film
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