general

Aneet Padda to begin Shakti Shalini shoot soon after final-year exams in December and January

Saiyaara star Aneet Padda, who is regarded as the biggest Gen Z face of our country after delivering the all-time highest-grossing love story in the history of Indian cinema, is set to give her college final year exams in December and January! A source informs, “It is incredible that Aneet Padda is so young, and she has become such a massive success story in our country. The Gen Z face of India is set to give her college final year exams in December and January before she starts shooting for her next, Dinesh Vijan’s Shakti Shalini, a film that she is headlining.”The informer adds, “Aneet is currently studying for her final-year examinations. She is pursuing a B. A. (Hons.) in Political Science and is neck deep balancing work and studies. Her schedule is being managed perfectly so that she can give ample time to her studies while finishing what is absolutely priority at the work front.”Saiyaara marked Aneet’s big-screen debut as the YRF heroine. The film, which also starred Ahaan Panday in the lead, made history with its box-office success, emerging as the biggest launchpad for any newcomer since Kaho Na Pyaar Hai which released 25 years ago! Such was the impact of Aneet’s performance that she was handpicked by Dinesh Vijan for his blockbuster Maddock Horror Comedy Universe’s (MHCU) project, Shakti Shalini. Aneet is the youngest actor ever to headline a franchise in Indian cinema, having signed the film when she was just 22. Shakti Shalini is scheduled to release on December 24, 2026, which has again made Aneet go down in history books as the youngest actor ever to have a Holiday release that only sees the biggest superstars of our country arrive in cinemas! Also Read: Amar Kaushik clarifies rumours about Aneet Padda replacing Kiara Advani in Maddock’s next horror comedy Shakti Shalini.

bollywoodcomedyEntertainmenthorrormovies

BREAKING: Aneet Padda’s Shakti Shalini to release on December 24, 2026

Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to confirm that Aneet Padda, who became a nationwide sensation with Saiyaara (2025), has replaced Kiara Advani in Shakti Shalini. On October 19, we also brought to you the news that Shakti Shalini’s announcement video is attached with Thamma, the grand Diwali release. And now, we bring to you another exciting update from the film. It has come to light that Shakti Shalini will release in cinemas on December 24, 2026. Just like Thamma, Shakti Shalini also belongs to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. The blockbuster franchise began with Stree (2018) followed by Bhediya (2022). Munjya (2024) came next and it was a sleeper super-hit. Stree 2 (2024) emerged as the highest Bollywood grosser of all time. Thamma is the fifth film of the universe. When Shakti Shalini starred Kiara Advani, the plan was to release it on December 31, 2025. With the Aneet Padda-starrer having moved to 2026, it means that three films of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe will arrive next year Shakti Shalini, Chamunda and Bhediya 2. Stree 3 will arrive in 2027. In 2028, the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe will end with a bang with three exciting movies, namely Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh. Until now, prominent names are a part of this world like Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Sharvari, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Varun Dhawan, Aneet Padda and above all, Akshay Kumar. Many more famous actors are expected to join the series in these upcoming films. The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has turned into India’s own Marvel-style saga and Shakti Shalini could be the next major chapter tying all the worlds together. With each film introducing new characters and mythologies, the stage is now set for a multi-film crossover event that fans have long awaited. Also Read: Shakti Shalini announcement video to debut with Thamma: First glimpse reveals Aneet Padda’s starring role.

general

Nawazuddin Siddiqui teams up with Mission Impossible star Ilia Volok for heist thriller Faraar: Report

Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is set to take on a new role in the upcoming heist film Faraar, where he will portray a physics professor. According to HT City, this marks a departure from his previous roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Joining him in this venture is Hollywood actor Ilia Volok, known for his performances in Mission Impossible, G. I. Joe, and Indiana Jones, who will play the antagonist. Directed by Kushagra Sharma, Faraar aims to redefine the portrayal of villains in cinema. He shared, “Casting Ilia Volok opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui was a creative decision driven by the desire to reintroduce the essence of a powerful, layered villain while breaking away from conventional portrayals. As cinema becomes increasingly global, it is essential to bring together two performers who embody depth, intensity, and authenticity.”He added, “Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s brilliance on screen demands an equally compelling counterpart, and Ilia Volok brings that rare combination of gravitas and unpredictability. Also, with the Money Heist composers crafting the background score, audiences can expect a sound that takes the thrill to the next level, turning the film into a true big-screen experience that’s meant to be felt as much as it’s watched.”The film also features Nimisha Sajayan, known for her role in Dabba Cartel, and boasts a background score composed by Ivan Lacamara, the Spanish composer famed for his work on Money Heist. This collaboration is expected to elevate the film’s intensity and provide a gripping auditory experience. The film is currently in production, with more details expected to be released in the coming months. Also Read : Nawazuddin enters the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) with Thamma, says: “It’s first time my children will be able to watch me on the big screen.

general

BREAKING: 1.51-minute-long Cocktail 2 song promo attached with Thamma

The Diwali biggie Thamma is all set to release tomorrow and the excitement is growing for it as the release date nears. Bollywood Hungama informed readers yesterday, that is, Sunday, October 20, that the teaser of Ikkis and the announcement promo of Shakti Shalini will be shown with the horror comedy. Bollywood Hungama has learned that there’s one more exciting asset attached to Thamma Cocktail 2. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “A song promo of Cocktail 2, titled ‘Jab Talak’, was passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on October 16. Its run time is 111 seconds, that is, 1 minute and 51 seconds, and it has been passed with a U/A 16+ rating.”The trade source further said, “The theatres have been informed of the promos to be shown with Thamma and one of them is that of Cocktail 2; the other two being Ikkis and Shakti Shalini. Cocktail 2’s release is many months away, but it’s a big, vibrant film, as evident from the on-set pictures from Sicily, Italy. Also, with audiences expected to arrive in hordes for Thamma in cinemas, it can be a great time to present its first look.”Cocktail 2, like Thamma, is backed by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. While the first part starred Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone and launched Diana Penty, the second part features Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. Both parts have been directed by Homi Adajania. Interestingly, Rashmika also stars in Thamma. The other lead actors in the film are Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. Thamma is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, who directed the other significant film of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe Munjya (2024). Shakti Shalini also belongs to the same universe and hence, it is apt to have its promo with Thamma. Also Read: Shakti Shalini announcement video to debut with Thamma: First glimpse reveals Aneet Padda’s starring role.

general

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC reduces kissing scene in Thamma by 5 seconds; replaces ‘Azaadi doonga’ with ‘Aiyaashi karata hoon’

Three days are left for the release of the grand Diwali biggie, Thamma, and the excitement is gradually building up. The makers, Maddock Films, completed the censor process on time and in this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts suffered by the horror comedy. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked for audio cuts in three places and one visual modification as well. The word ‘Alexander’ was replaced with ‘Sikandar’. In another dialogue, the word ‘Ashwathama’ was muted. In the second half of the film, the words ‘Azaadi doonga’ were replaced with ‘Aiyaashi karata hoon’. The Examining Committee also asked the makers to ‘reduce the slurping sound of drinking blood to minimum’. Finally, a kissing scene in the second half was reduced by 30%, that is, by 5 seconds. The last modification may dampen the excitement of the moviegoers but on the positive side, this is the shortest intimacy cut asked by the CBFC in recent times. In Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, liplock visuals were reduced by 60%. In Saiyaara, the makers were instructed to delete and replace 10 seconds of ‘sensual, intimacy, body exposure visuals’. Lastly, in Superman, the CBFC axed 33 seconds of ‘sensual visual’ from Superman. It led to massive criticism as the studio had to make abrupt cuts to accommodate CBFC’s directive. Coming back to Thamma, once the changes were made, the censor certificate was handed over to the makers on October 15. The film was passed with a U/A 16+ rating. The length of the movie, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 149. 59 minutes. In other words, Thamma is 2 hours 29 minutes and 59 seconds long. Thamma releases on Tuesday, October 21 and stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. It is backed by blockbuster producer Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar of Munjya (2024) fame. It is a part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and hence, belongs to the same world as Stree, Bhediya and Munjya. Also Read: Thamma Creates Diwali Frenzy: Thamma advance tickets selling fast after historic fan screening in Delhi.

general

Thamma Creates Diwali Frenzy: Thamma advance tickets selling fast after historic fan screening in Delhi

Delhi witnessed a legendary night as thousands of fans became part of a new Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) tradition the first public screening of Thamma. For the first time in Indian cinema, fans got to experience the first 20 minutes of the film before anyone else, creating a historic moment. Hosted by comedians Biswa Kalyan Rath and Divay Agarwal, the night was electric with Biswa’s razor-sharp humor, special appearances from MHCU’s Bhediya and Stree, and Delhi’s roaring crowd setting the perfect tone. At the event, producer Dinesh Vijan addressed the audience, “This is the beginning of a fan ritual. From now on, fans will see a glimpse of the film before the world. We’re building a universe that belongs to its fans.”The first 20 minutes left fans laughing, cheering, and on the edge of their seats, with the loudest applause reserved for Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s on-screen appearance. The event also saw cinematic icons Paresh Rawal, Rashmika Mandanna, Ayushmann Khurrana, director Aditya Sarpotdar, and the Thamma team take the centre stage. Adding to the excitement, advance bookings for Thamma opened this morning, and the response has been phenomenal. Tickets are already selling rapidly across major cities, with morning shows filling fast and strong traction visible across both metros and tier-2 markets. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “Thamma has all the makings of a festive winner. The advance booking response is solid, and the buzz is translating into footfalls. With the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe brand and the Diwali advantage, this one’s positioned very strongly at the box office.”Ashish Saksena, COO Cinemas, BookMyShow, adds, “Advance bookings opened this morning and picked up quickly. We’re seeing strong demand across regions, and morning and evening shows are already filling fast. Audiences are clearly excited for a big-screen Diwali entertainer.”Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thamma blends horror, comedy, and romance in a way that’s already connecting with audiences. With festive timing, high recall for its music, and growing social chatter, the film is poised for a powerful Diwali opening weekend. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, Thamma releases in cinemas worldwide on October 21. Also Read: Dinesh Vijan’s Thamma becomes the MOST EXPENSIVE film of Maddock’s Horror Comedy Universe; Rs. 145 crores bet on Ayushmann & Rashmika!.