Shakti Shalini pushed to 2027 to avoid SRK’s King

Shakti Shalini exits the Christmas corridor

Maddock Films’ horror comedy Shakti Shalini will not occupy its announced Christmas 2026 slot. Producer Dinesh Vijan and director Aditya Sarpotdar are said to be moving the Aneet Padda-led film to early 2027, with March emerging as the likely destination. The shift, reported after months of speculation, is designed to avoid a direct box-office collision with Shah Rukh Khan’s King.

The teaser had arrived in October 2025 with a Christmas 2026 date, but the calendar around that period became crowded. Sources cited in the report say the team wants a solo theatrical window for Padda, especially after the success of Saiyaara in 2025, so the new franchise character can be introduced without a competing tentpole.

Why March 2027 makes sense

No final date has been locked, but March 2027 is being evaluated as a comparatively open window.

• January is expected to bring Love and War and Golmaal 5.
• February is expected to host Naagzilla and Ayushmann Khurrana’s Mupasa.
• March currently gives the horror comedy breathing room.

For Maddock, this is not only about avoiding King. Shakti Shalini is being positioned as a major addition to the Horror Comedy Universe that includes Stree and Munjya, and the studio wants Padda to own the release frame rather than share it.

Nana Patekar’s final screen bow

The scheduling update lands as the industry mourns Nana Patekar, who died on October 8 at age 75 after a heart attack in Goa. Sarpotdar, speaking from Berlin, confirmed that Patekar had completed his portions in May 2026 and had been looking forward to watching the finished film.

Sarpotdar said he never imagined the project would become Patekar’s last. “I never expected that ‘Shakti Shalini’ will be his last film,” he told PTI, adding that the release will be a tribute to the veteran.

The director also recalled Patekar’s commitment to writing. The actor turned down two earlier Marathi scripts, but agreed immediately after hearing Shakti Shalini at his Pune farmhouse. On set, Sarpotdar remembered Patekar’s demanding side: he would yell “haq se” when he wanted the best from everyone, then return with a hug or food soon after.

What fans should watch for

With the exact date still pending, the official announcement from Maddock Films will matter more than the speculation. Until then, the clues point to a March theatrical launch that gives the cast, and Patekar’s farewell, a clear run.

Source: The Times of India