After winning praise for Homebound, India’s official entry to the Oscars this year, Vishal Jethwa is now stepping into a very different space, the fast-growing Maddock cinematic universe.

An exclusive report by India Today quoted "reliable sources" says that the 31-year-old  has come on board the much-anticipated film Shakti Shalini, where he will be seen opposite Aneet Padda. 

According to sources close to the project, the Mardaani 2 actor plays the female lead’s love interest, with the film set to go on floors in March.

 Comments from Vishal and Maddock on this development are still awaited.

However, in an industry that is slowly opening up to women-led action stories, Shakti Shalini already feels like a shift. 

The film is billed as a female-led action drama with strong emotional undercurrents. 

While details of the Saiyaara fame’s character remain tightly guarded, insiders say she will be seen in a physically demanding, performance-heavy role.

On the otherhand the Tiger 3 actor’s casting adds a new layer to the project. Known for playing morally complex characters, his role is expected to go beyond a conventional romantic arc. 

The film has been in development for some time and has quietly generated industry buzz for its scale and treatment.