Before the audience sat down to watch the grand Diwali release *Thamma*, they were treated to a 60-second-long announcement promo for *Shakti Shalini*. The teaser confirmed that Aneet Padda would play the lead and that the film is slated for release on December 24, 2026.
Interestingly, this was the same date initially booked for *Mahavatar*, starring Vicky Kaushal, directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Maddock Films. Maddock is also the producer of *Thamma*, with Amar serving as one of its producers and mentors.
In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Amar opened up about *Mahavatar* and why it is his most ambitious film to date.
### EXCLUSIVE: Vicky Kaushal-starrer *Mahavatar* to go on floors in mid-2026; Amar Kaushik shares exciting details
When asked if *Mahavatar* has been postponed, Amar Kaushik replied, “Yes. The preparation has been going on for 6-7 months. Mujhe toh soch ke hi darr lag raha hai (I am scared just thinking about it). We have worked on set design, weapon design, character looks, and more. The scripting is done, but we still need more time.”
He added, “Vicky will finish his other commitments and then start preparing for this film. Hence, we hope to go on floors by mid-next year.”
Amar Kaushik continued, “For me, it is a huge passion project. When I was in school in Arunachal Pradesh, there was a Parshuram Kund nearby. I used to ask my mother who Parshuram was, but I was told not to talk too much about it. I was only told he was quite hot-tempered. That fascinated me.”
“When I read about Parshuram later in life, I was wowed and wondered, ‘Will I ever be able to make a film on this subject?’ Now, I have the understanding and experience of using VFX, which gives me the confidence to pull it off.”
The timing is apt as Amar has just delivered *Stree 2* (2024), the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time. Did that success give producer Dinesh Vijan the confidence to entrust such a big responsibility to Amar Kaushik?
Amar answered, “Yes, that always happens. If you haven’t proved yourself, why would anyone give you such responsibility? Agar aapke bade sapne hain, toh chhote sapne toh poore karo pehle (If you have big dreams, first fulfill the smaller ones) (smiles). In fact, I wouldn’t have taken up this film earlier in my career. Mujhe toh abhi bhi darr lag raha hai!”
—
**Also Read:**
[BREAKING! Vicky Kaushal to play Chiranjeevi Parashurama in Amar Kaushik’s *Mahavatar*, first look posters out; film to hit cinemas on Christmas 2026]
—
**More Pages:**
– *Mahavatar* Box Office Collection
– Bollywood News Live Updates
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-vicky-kaushal-starrer-mahavatar-go-floors-mid-2026-amar-kaushik-shares-exciting-details-prep-going-6-7-months-mujhe-toh-soch-ke-hi-darr-lag-raha-hai/