Aneet Padda-led ‘Shakti Shalini’, initially announced for a Christmas 2026 release, has reportedly been pushed to early 2027 to avoid a box-office clash with Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’. According to a recent report, producer Dinesh Vijan and director Aditya Sarpotdar are considering a March release for the Maddock Films horror comedy. The film will also mark the final screen appearance of veteran actor Nana Patekar, who completed shooting in May 2026, according to Sarpotdar.
‘Shakti Shalini’ release reportedly pushed to 2027 to avoid ‘King’ clash
When the teaser for Shakti Shalini was unveiled in October 2025, the film was announced as a Christmas 2026 release. However, speculation about a possible postponement had been circulating for months, with the makers reportedly considering a new date to avoid competing with Shah Rukh Khan’s King at the box office.According to Mid-Day, producer Dinesh Vijan and director Aditya Sarpotdar have decided to move the Aneet Padda-led horror comedy to the first quarter of 2027.A source cited by the publication said the film introduces a new character in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and is being positioned as a major offering for the production house. The makers had initially considered Christmas 2026 an appropriate release window, but reportedly also wanted to give Padda a solo theatrical release following the success of Saiyaara (2025).The source said the decision was influenced by the importance of the film in establishing Padda’s place in the franchise and giving her a release window without a major competing title.
Makers eye March 2027 release for Aneet Padda ‘s ‘Shakti Shalini’
Another source told Mid-Day that March 2027 is being considered for the film’s theatrical release, although a final date has yet to be locked.The source pointed to several anticipated releases in the preceding months, including ‘Love and War’ and ‘Golmaal 5’ in January, followed by ‘Naagzilla’ and Ayushmann Khurrana’s ‘Mupasa’ in February, as reported in the publication’s release-date update.March was described as a comparatively open window for the horror comedy. However, until the makers make an official announcement, the film’s exact release date remains unconfirmed.Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, ‘Shakti Shalini’ is expected to introduce another character into the studio’s horror-comedy universe.
Nana Patekar’s final film ‘Shakti Shalini’ will be a tribute, says Aditya Sarpotdar
The release update comes amid the loss of Nana Patekar, who died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack in Goa. According to PTI, Patekar had completed filming for ‘Shakti Shalini’ in May and had been looking forward to watching the film.Speaking to PTI over the phone from Berlin, Sarpotdar expressed shock and sadness at the actor’s death, saying he had not imagined that the film would become Patekar’s final work.“I never expected that ‘Shakti Shalini’ will be his last film. I’m deeply saddened that this will be his last work. I never thought that he would suddenly step away in this way. I’m unable to process what has actually happened. It (film) is going to be a tribute to one of the best actors of our cinema,” the director told PTI.Sarpotdar also revealed that Patekar had spoken to him around 10 days before his death to ask about the film’s post-production. The actor, he said, was keen to know how the project was progressing and was looking forward to seeing the finished film.
Aditya Sarpotdar recalls narrating ‘Shakti Shalini’ to Nana Patekar
Sarpotdar, who also shared a personal bond with Patekar and his family, recalled approaching the actor for two earlier Marathi films. Those collaborations did not materialise because Patekar was not convinced by the scripts.According to the director, the actor prioritised the writing above all else and agreed to projects only when the material appealed to him.When Sarpotdar narrated Shakti Shalini to Patekar at his farmhouse in Pune, however, the actor immediately agreed to join the film.“He liked the story, his role, Aneet’s role and the world that we were creating as well as the things we are talking about in the film. He was excited about ‘Shakti Shalini’,” Sarpotdar told PTI.The director added that they spent several days at the farmhouse discussing and developing the script. Patekar appreciated a collaborative approach and was interested in understanding the creative decisions behind the project. Sarpotdar did not reveal details about the actor’s role.The filmmaker also said Patekar was familiar with the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and had appreciated the studio’s earlier films, including ‘Stree’ and ‘Munjya’.
Director on working with Nana Patekar
Sarpotdar described working with Patekar as an enriching experience, calling him a “power house of a talent” and recalling his curiosity about filmmaking techniques and younger members of the crew. The actor, he said, was eager to learn about visual effects, the thought processes of young performers and technicians, and their working styles.Sarpotdar also spoke candidly about Patekar’s outspoken nature on set. While the actor sometimes reprimanded him, the director said he understood that Patekar wanted everyone to give their best to the film.“Yes, of course, he yelled at me. He would yell ‘haq se’. He wanted everyone to put their best foot forward. He was a senior and experienced actor, and he had a point of view. He would want to express that, talk, discuss things, which he believed was good for the film and the filmmaker,” he said.According to Sarpotdar, any anger was short-lived. He recalled that Patekar would often return within minutes to pat him on the back, offer him food or give him a hug.See More: Nana Patekar passes away: Nana Patekar cremated with full state honours at his Pune farmhouse; thousands bid him an emotional farewell as his son lights the funeral pyre
‘Shakti Shalini’ cast and its place in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe
Shakti Shalini stars Aneet Padda in the titular role, alongside the late Nana Patekar, Vishal Jethwa, Vineet Kumar Singh and Seema Biswas. The film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films.The project is part of the studio’s expanding horror-comedy universe, which includes films such as Stree and Munjya. The makers have not revealed Patekar’s character or disclosed extensive plot details.
