Nana Patekar Joins Aneet Padda's Shakti Shalini - EXCLUSIVE First Pictures Inside

The

cast of Maddock Films’ upcoming mythological horror-drama, Shakti Shalini, gets bigger. While Aneet Padda leads as the titular character, Nana Patekar makes his MCHU debut, too. The shoot of the Aditya Sarpotdar-directed film is in full swing in Mumbai and Nana has joined the team for an important schedule. Zoom’s lens spotted the veteran actor on the film’s shoot location on Thursday afternoon. It appears that Patekar will be seen playing an occultist/tantric in the mythological movie. Further details about his character are under tight wraps until the release of Shakti Shalini’s first promotional assets.

Nana Patekar's Shakti Shalini look out

In the pictures accessed by Zoom, Nana would be seen wearing a black dhoti and an angavastram. The actor’s look also included a red-coloured turban. Wearing a religious thread and a spiritual amulet, Patekar had ash smeared on his forehead. Shakti Shalini went on floors earlier this year, after Aneet completed her exams. The team wrapped a schedule in Madhya Pradesh, before returning to Mumbai.

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Shakti Shalini movie stars Aneet Padda

Shakti Shalini’s announcement was attached with Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s Thamma, which released in theatres on October 21, 2025. According to early reports, Vishal Jethwa and Viineet Kumar Siingh are also a part of the film. As announced, Shakti Shalini releases on December 24, 2026. As per recent reports, Shakti Shalini might not release in December 2026. Averting a clash with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s King, the mythological drama is said to move its release to early 2027.

Why is Shakti Shalini important?

In a previous interview with Zoom, Amar Kaushik, director of the Stree franchise, said Shakti Shalini is the most important chapter of the horror-comedy universe. Talking about signing Aneet for the film after the success of Saiyaara, he mentioned that the team was keen to cast a newcomer. Saiyaara opened the door for the actress and the makers. Amar further shared that he had seen Aneet’s auditions before the romantic musical’s grand success. The filmmaker said he and Dinesh Vijan, head of Maddock Films, understood that ‘she’s the one’ after meeting her and listening to the way she spoke to them.

Aneet Padda in double role?

Amid reports of Aneet playing a double role, director Aditya denied the development while talking to Zoom exclusively. As per Mid-Day’s report, a source close to Shakti Shalini informed the portal that Aneet plays Shakti, the protector and Shalini, an evil spirit who attacks her family. Reportedly, Shakti transforms into an indestructible force to fight the vengeful Bengali ghost, who dwells in trees and water bodies. Shalini’s revenge has a purpose. Shakti, inspired by the virtues of Goddess Kali, is pitted against the spirit.