Everyone has wanted to see more of Aneet Padda ever since she broke out with the sleeper hit, Saiyaara (2025). What if we told you that you’ll see two of her in her next, Shakti Shalini? mid-day has exclusively learnt that Padda plays a double role in Aditya Sarpotdar’s directorial venture, which is the next chapter in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.

As the film’s title suggests, producer and co-writer Amar Kaushik and director Sarpotdar have etched out two powerful roles for the actor — the protector Shakti, and the evil force Shalini. From what we’ve heard, the horror comedy will see Shakti as an ordinary woman who transforms into an indestructible force when her family is attacked by an evil spirit.

A source told us, “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.”

Sarpotdar took the project, also starring Vishal Jethwa and Viineet Kumar Siingh, on floors in Mumbai last month. The unit is currently shooting in Madh Island, where a massive set, depicting a small town in West Bengal, has been built.

The source added, “Next, they will head to Madhya Pradesh for an extensive schedule. Crucial scenes will be filmed in Datia, Gwalior, Morena, and other towns.”