The highly anticipated box office calendar for late 2026 is undergoing major reshuffling, as the makers of Aneet Padda’s supernatural thriller ‘Shakti Shalini’ are reportedly looking to vacate their December 24 release slot. To safeguard its box office potential from Shah Rukh Khan‘s massive action entertainer ‘King’, the producers are pivoting toward a safer theatrical window in early January 2027. This tactical retreat from the holiday clash ensures that the high-stakes project can secure optimal screen counts without being overshadowed by the intense trade buzz surrounding SRK’s next blockbuster.
‘Shakti Shalini’s December 2026 release may be dropped
Shakti Shalini was earlier expected to hit theatres on December 24, 2026. That date would have brought it into direct competition with ‘King’. With SRK’s film generating huge buzz, the producers of Shakti Shalini are reportedly reconsidering their strategy.
January 2027 release under consideration
According to a Mid-Day report, the film is currently in the final stages of production. The makers are now said to be targeting a release in the first half of January 2027. Reports from the portal say, “If everything goes as planned, they’re looking at a January 2027 release.” The report also noted that the final decision could be influenced by the box office performance of ‘Cocktail 2’, starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna.
Aneet Padda in dual roles
Shakti Shalini will reportedly feature Aneet Padda in two distinct characters. She will portray Shakti, a symbol of protection and divine power, and Shalini, a sinister supernatural entity.
Inspired by Bengali folklore
The story draws heavily from Bengali mythology and supernatural traditions. “Rooted in Bengali folklore and mythology, the movie revolves around the eternal battle between good and evil. The story is about a vengeful female ghost dwelling in trees and water bodies, who punishes men, as she was betrayed and killed in a brutal manner. In Bengal, the goddess invoked to destroy evil spirits is Goddess Kali. She is recognised as the ultimate form of Shakti. Here, the character Shakti is pitted against the spirit,” according to Mid Day. The film blends mythology, horror and fantasy into a story centered on revenge and divine justice.
New chapter in Maddock horror universe
Last year, Aneet Padda was officially announced as the lead of ‘Shakti Shalini’. The film is the next major installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. If the release shift is finalized, ‘Shakti Shalini’ could arrive in January 2027 with greater box office potential.
