Aneet Padda’s upcoming horror-comedy Shakti Shalini is generating fresh buzz even before its theatrical release. The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe film was originally scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 24, 2026, but reports suggest that the makers could reconsider the date because Shah Rukh Khan’s much-awaited King is also scheduled to release on the same day.

While speculation about a possible postponement has intensified, there has been no official announcement confirming that Shakti Shalini has been postponed. As of September 30, 2026, the film continues to be listed for a December 24 release by several entertainment sources.

Shakti Shalini vs King: Why Is the Release Date Creating Buzz?

The major reason behind the speculation is the unusual competition surrounding the Christmas weekend.

Aneet Padda and Vishal Jethwa’s Shakti Shalini was announced as a December 24, 2026 theatrical release. However, Shah Rukh Khan’s King, directed by Siddharth Anand, is also scheduled to reach cinemas on December 24. The simultaneous arrival of two high-profile Hindi films during the holiday period could create intense competition for screens, show timings and audience attention.

According to recent reports, the makers of Shakti Shalini are considering whether moving the film to a different date would provide a more suitable theatrical window. A January 2027 release has previously been discussed in industry reports.

However, it is important to note that this remains a reported possibility rather than a confirmed release-date change.

Is Shakti Shalini Really Moving to 2027?

At present, the answer is not officially confirmed.

A May 2026 report suggested that the makers were looking at January 2027 as a possible release period. The report stated that the film had entered the final phase of production and that the team was considering an early-January theatrical window. More recent reports have again revived the postponement discussion. Zoom TV reported on September 30 that speculation about a possible change in the release schedule had increased because of the potential clash with King. Actor Vishal Jethwa reportedly acknowledged that he had also heard such rumours but did not confirm or deny a change.

Therefore, until the producers make an official announcement, December 24, 2026 remains the listed release date.

King Release Date Also Remains December 24

Interestingly, King itself recently faced rumours about a possible postponement.

Shah Rukh Khan addressed those reports during a fan interaction in September and confirmed that King is on track for its December 24, 2026 release. This makes the potential Shakti Shalini-King clash even more significant for the December box-office calendar.

With King retaining its Christmas release date, attention has naturally shifted toward whether Shakti Shalini will stay in the same slot or move.

Aneet Padda Takes the Lead in Shakti Shalini

Shakti Shalini is particularly important for Aneet Padda following the attention she received for her recent work. The actress is reportedly playing a central role in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe project. Reports have also indicated that she will portray two contrasting characters connected to the supernatural world. The film is expected to combine horror, comedy, mythology and fantasy, continuing the genre-driven approach associated with Maddock’s supernatural universe. The project also reunites Aneet Padda and Vishal Jethwa, who previously appeared together in Salam Venky.

Vishal Jethwa’s Physical Transformation Adds to the Curiosity

Vishal Jethwa has reportedly undergone a significant physical transformation for Shakti Shalini.

The actor has been preparing extensively for his role, although many details about his character have been kept under wraps. His transformation and the mystery surrounding his part have added another layer of curiosity around the film. The combination of Aneet Padda, Vishal Jethwa and director Aditya Sarpotdar has therefore made Shakti Shalini one of the upcoming projects to watch within the Maddock supernatural franchise.

What Is Shakti Shalini About?

Reports indicate that Shakti Shalini is inspired by elements of Bengali folklore and mythology.

The story reportedly revolves around supernatural forces and the battle between good and evil. A central element is said to involve a female supernatural entity and the divine power represented by Shakti. According to reports, the film explores themes of revenge, supernatural mythology and the conflict between opposing forces. While the exact plot details have largely been kept secret, the combination of Indian folklore and the Maddock horror-comedy format has generated considerable anticipation.

A New Addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe

Shakti Shalini is part of the expanding Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which has established a recognizable identity through films combining supernatural stories with humour and mainstream entertainment. The franchise has continued to expand with new characters and interconnected concepts. Shakti Shalini is expected to introduce another supernatural storyline while bringing a new female-led perspective to the universe. A possible January 2027 release could also position the movie differently within the franchise’s theatrical calendar if the December clash is ultimately avoided.

Why a Release-Date Change Could Matter

The Christmas and New Year period is traditionally an important theatrical window for major Hindi films.

If two substantial releases arrive simultaneously, they can compete for:

• Premium theatre screens
• IMAX and other large-format shows
• Prime evening and weekend timings
• Family audiences
• Holiday-season footfall
• Media and promotional attention

For a film belonging to an established cinematic universe, the number of screens and the ability to sustain shows during the opening period can be particularly important. This is why reports of a possible January shift have continued to attract attention.

However, whether the makers actually move Shakti Shalini will depend on several factors, including production readiness, distribution plans, theatre availability and the overall release calendar.

January 2027 Could Become the New Window

If the December 24 release is changed, January 2027 appears to be one of the possible alternatives discussed in industry reports. A May report from Mid-Day indicated that the makers were eyeing January 2027 while the movie entered its final shooting schedule. Times of India subsequently reported that an early-January release was being considered to avoid a major December clash with King.

But this should not be interpreted as a confirmed January release yet. The official schedule remains important because entertainment release calendars can change multiple times before a film reaches theatres.

Shakti Shalini Release Date: Current Status

Here is the situation as of September 30, 2026:

Will Shakti Shalini Clash With King?

For now, audiences will have to wait for an official announcement. The reports have created genuine uncertainty around Shakti Shalini’s release schedule, but it would be premature to state that the movie has definitely been postponed. The current publicly listed date remains December 24, 2026, while reports indicate that the makers are considering alternatives. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan has confirmed that King is scheduled for the same date. If Shakti Shalini ultimately moves to January 2027, the change would allow both films to occupy separate theatrical windows. If the makers retain December 24, the two movies could become one of the notable Bollywood clashes of the 2026 Christmas season.

Aneet Padda’s Shakti Shalini currently finds itself at the centre of release-date speculation. The horror-comedy is officially associated with a December 24, 2026 theatrical release, but reports suggest that the makers are considering a possible move to January 2027, partly because of the same-day arrival of Shah Rukh Khan’s King. For now, there is no confirmed announcement that Shakti Shalini has been postponed. The coming weeks should provide greater clarity about whether Aneet Padda and Vishal Jethwa’s supernatural entertainer will retain its Christmas release or shift to a new date.

Either way, the film remains an interesting upcoming addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, and its final release date will be closely watched by Bollywood audiences and trade observers.