Not Stree but Aneet Padda's Shakti Shalini is the 'most significant' in Horror Comedy Universe, states Amar Kaushik | Know Why

Ayushmann Khurrana's debut into the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe with Thamma brought in a fresh surprise. Through the movie, it was confirmed that Aneet Padda would be a part of the next offering, Shakti Shalini. The franchise might have evolved thanks to Shraddha Kapoor's Stree, but filmmaker Amar Kaushik has now revealed that not Stree but Shakti Shalini is going to be the most important link in the franchise. He further clarified, once again, whether Kiara Advani was actually considered for the role.

Amar Kaushik on Shakti Shalini playing the most important role

Amar Kaushik has confirmed to Zoom that the idea of Shakti Shalini came to them soon after the expansion of Horror-Comedy franchise post Stree release in 2018. "Horror-comedy universe jab ban raha tha toh woh toh pehle se idea tha humare paas. But jab humko laga ki yeh kahaani is universe ki sabse important kahaani ho sakti hai, and jab likh rahe the, toh woh bahut hi aisa wala character tha jo abhi tak explored nahi hai. You know, kisi ke baare mein zyaada nahi pata hota," he shared.

Amar Kaushik hints Kiara Advani was not considered for Shakti Shalini

The filmmaker further stated that they were looking for a fresh face for Shakti Shalini. Through the statement, he hinted that Kiara Advani, who has worked in the Indian film industry for some time now, was not really on the list. It was only when Saiyaara happened that Aneet Padda was finalized for Shakti Shalini.

Further praising the lead of his upcoming horror-comedy film, Amar said, "Abhi jo aapne usko Saiyaara mein dekha hai, woh uska sirf chhota sa taste hai. Matlab jo usne kiya, kamaal kiya hai. Uske andar bahut depth hai. Bohot deep understanding hai is age mein."

Shakti Shalini, followed by Chamunda, will mark the end of MHCU character introductions. The franchise will then collaborate various characters from the Universe that would ultimately lead to the various Mahayudh.

FAQs:

Q: When is Shakti Shalini releasing?

A: Aneet Padda's Shakti Shalini is scheduled to be released on December 24, 2026.

Q: Where can I watch the movie Thamma online (OTT)?

A: Thamma will be released digitally on Prime Video. It will first be available for rent starting December 2, 2025, with a full, unlimited streaming release for all subscribers on December 16, 2025.

Q: Who is in the cast of Thamma?

A: The main cast of Thamma includes Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok Goyal and Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the antagonist Yakshasan. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal and Varun Dhawan (in a special appearance) also feature in the film.