Shraddha Kapoor is stepping into an intriguing new world of myth and mystery. After weeks of speculation about her exit, the actress is reportedly back on board Rahi Anil Barve’s dark fantasy film Pahadpangira, with talks suggesting she will not only headline the project but also take part in shaping its creative vision.
Shraddha’s Next Big Step After ‘Stree 3’
While fans eagerly await Stree 3, Shraddha Kapoor’s schedule seems busier than ever. She was recently spotted at the trailer launch event of Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal. But behind the scenes, Shraddha has been juggling multiple major projects.
According to a recent report, the actress is set to begin filming director Laxman Utekar’s upcoming movie in November 2025. Once that is wrapped up, she is expected to finalize her commitment to Pahadpangira, which could go on floors by mid-2026.
A source close to the development revealed that Shraddha is fascinated by the originality of the story and sees potential for it to become a full-fledged franchise. Her involvement as a possible creative producer highlights her growing interest in working beyond acting and shaping the kind of stories she tells.
Rahi Anil Barve’s Vision for ‘Pahadpangira’
Rahi Anil Barve, best known for directing the acclaimed film Tumbbad, is known for crafting intense, visually stunning worlds drawn from Indian mythology and folklore. With Pahadpangira, Barve is said to be developing a new kind of dark fantasy that blends supernatural themes with human emotion.
The filmmaker is currently busy completing work on his Netflix series Rakt Bramhand. Once that wraps up, Pahadpangira will move into pre-production.
Barve’s storytelling has often explored greed, fear, and cosmic justice through Indian mythic roots. Pahadpangira is expected to follow that signature tone but with a larger scale and emotional depth. Industry insiders say that if executed well, the movie could become one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological fantasy projects in recent years.
A Packed Slate for Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor’s career has entered an exciting new phase, where she’s balancing mainstream entertainment with creative risks. Apart from Pahadpangira, she will also star in Stree 3, the much-awaited continuation of Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe.
The film, directed by Amar Kaushik, will see Shraddha reunite with Rajkummar Rao. It is slated for release on August 13, 2027, and is expected to expand the spooky yet humorous world that began with the original Stree in 2018.
Meanwhile, Shraddha recently announced Chhoti Stree, an animated film set within the same horror-comedy universe. Speaking at the Thamma trailer event, she said, “Guys, Maddock Horror Comedy Universe is coming out with Chhoti Stree as an animated film! It’ll be released in theatres. It’ll be a dhamaal film for kids, families, basically, for everyone.”
Her statement shows that she’s not just revisiting old characters but helping to build an interconnected universe that appeals to both children and adults.
The Expanding Maddock Horror Universe
The Maddock Films horror-comedy universe has become one of Bollywood’s most successful experiments in genre storytelling. What started with Stree grew with Bhediya and Munjya, and will soon continue with Thamma and Chhoti Stree.
Below is a quick look at the universe’s upcoming releases:
| Film Title | Type | Expected Release | Key Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thamma | Live Action | October 21, 2025 | Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna |
| Chhoti Stree | Animated | 2026 | Shraddha Kapoor (Voice) |
| Stree 3 | Live Action | August 13, 2027 | Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao |
| Pahadpangira | Dark Fantasy | Mid-2026 (Expected Start) | Shraddha Kapoor |
Fans are particularly curious about how Thamma connects to Stree and Bhediya. Producers have confirmed that Thamma will continue the shared universe’s storyline and expand its mythological backdrop.
Shraddha’s Shift Toward Creative Leadership
What’s drawing attention in industry circles is Shraddha Kapoor’s move toward creative leadership. After years of being one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, she appears ready to shape the stories she tells, not just perform in them.
Her possible dual role as lead actor and creative producer in Pahadpangira signals a new chapter in her career. It reflects a broader trend among top Indian actors who are taking control of content and narrative direction, blending stardom with storytelling authority.
If Pahadpangira becomes the mythic fantasy franchise it promises to be, Shraddha could find herself at the center of India’s next big cinematic universe. That would not only redefine her career but also mark a shift in the kind of roles leading actresses are embracing today.
As the actress prepares for a year filled with new beginnings, her fans are looking forward to seeing how she balances commercial projects with creatively daring ones like Pahadpangira.
In a landscape dominated by sequels and franchises, Shraddha Kapoor’s choices hint at something deeper — a willingness to evolve with cinema itself. Whether it’s a horror-comedy or a dark fantasy, her name increasingly represents freshness and courage in Bollywood storytelling.
It’s an exciting time for her fans, who are eager to see the next transformation in her career journey. What do you think about Shraddha’s new direction? Share your thoughts and tag your friends to discuss her upcoming projects.
