Fresh off the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna is already gearing up for his next massive transformation. The Bollywood star is set to make his Telugu debut in Mahakali, the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe — and a brand-new look image from the sets has just sent the internet into a frenzy.
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The New Look That Has Everyone Talkingt
The makers shared a new poster featuring Akshaye Khanna with the intriguing caption, “The End Begins,” and announced August 24, 2026, as the date for the film’s first glimpse.
The August 24 reveal is expected to offer more information about the film’s characters, visual style and overall setting, and will also give audiences a closer look at Khanna’s transformation into Shukracharya.
The actor, who recently received attention for his performance in Dhurandhar, is reportedly almost unrecognisable as Shukracharya. His first look had already created interest among audiences because of the significant change in his appearance.
Fan reactions online have been electric. Another fan commented, “Akshaye Khanna looks like he’s about to deliver a masterpiece again.” Several fans also called Khanna a “versatile” actor, with another writing: “This frame and look… Goosebumps… can’t wait to see AK in the avatar.”
Film at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film | Mahakali |
| Universe | Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) |
| Created By | Prasanth Varma |
| Director | Puja Kolluru |
| Producer | Riwaz Ramesh Duggal |
| Production House | RKD Studios |
| Presenter | RK Duggal |
| Music | Smaran Sai |
| Cinematography | Suresh Raghu |
| Production Designer | Nagendra |
| Language | Telugu (Pan-India) |
| Setting | West Bengal |
| Expected Release | Sankranthi 2027 |
| First Glimpse Date | August 24, 2026 |
What Is Mahakali?
Mahakali is a Telugu superhero film written by Prasanth Varma and directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru. It is the first female superhero film from Prasanth Varma’s cinematic universe.
After the global success of Hanu-Man, Prashanth Varma has been building the PVCU with ambitious stories rooted in Indian mythology and superhero elements.
Set against the backdrop of West Bengal, Mahakali is written by Prasanth Varma and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner.
The makers promise a grand cinematic experience that blends mythology, fantasy, and high-end visual storytelling.
Who Is Shukracharya?
Shukracharya is traditionally known as the guru of the Asuras and is an important figure in Indian mythology.
He is a complex figure known for his knowledge, influence and association with the Asuras. In Mahakali, the character is expected to be presented through Prasanth Varma’s larger-scale visual approach.
After the Dhurandhar storm, Akshaye is gearing up for his Telugu debut in Mahakali, portraying Shukracharya in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe.
Full Cast
Mahakali features an impressive ensemble cast led by Akshaye Khanna, alongside Shriya Reddy, Bhoomi Shetty, Rohit Saraf, Khushbu Sundar, Rakesh Bedi, Kani Thandan, Rajat Kapoor, Murali Sharma, Nassar, and Prudhviraj in key roles.
| Character/Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Lead (Mahakali) | Bhoomi Shetty |
| Shukracharya | Akshaye Khanna |
| — | Shriya Reddy |
| — | Rohit Saraf |
| — | Khushbu Sundar |
| — | Rakesh Bedi |
| — | Rajat Kapoor |
| — | Nassar |
| — | Murali Sharma |
| — | Prudhviraj |
| — | Kani Thandan (Samuthirakani) |
Production Scale
The team has reportedly spent more than 125 days shooting the film, with extensive sets created to bring its larger-than-life world to the screen.
The technical team features Suresh Raghu handling cinematography and Nagendra serving as the production designer, with their contribution expected to enhance the visual scale and immersive world-building that have become a signature of the PVCU.
Smaran Sai is composing the music, while the film is reportedly being planned for a Sankranthi 2027 release.
What Prasanth Varma Said About Akshaye Khanna
Praising Khanna on his birthday in March 2026, director Prasanth Varma took to social media to express his admiration, calling him “a true actor who proves that real talent doesn’t need noise,” and adding: “Effortless screen presence, powerful performances, and unmatched class always stand out. It is an absolute honour working with you.”
Akshaye Khanna — The Current Moment
The actor has enjoyed a remarkable year at the box office, with back-to-back successes in Chhaava and Dhurandhar, both among the highest-grossing Indian films of 2025.
In the historical drama Chhaava, Khanna was seen as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, with Vicky Kaushal, Diana Penty, Rashmika Mandanna, Divya Dutta and Ashutosh Rana rounding out the ensemble cast.
In Dhurandhar, he portrayed Rehman Dakait, inspired by the real-life Lyari gangster. His performance earned widespread acclaim, with particular attention on his dance moves in the song “FA9LA”, which continues to trend online.
He is also set to play the main antagonist in the Netflix-bound film Ikka, starring alongside Sunny Deol, Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome, and Sanjeeda Shaikh, further expanding his range with powerful, diverse roles.
Akshaye Khanna — Upcoming Projects
| Film | Role | Studio/Platform | Expected Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahakali | Shukracharya | RKD Studios | Sankranthi 2027 |
| Ikka | Main Antagonist | Netflix | TBA |
Read More: Outer Banks Final Season: Release Date and Time in India — When Can You Watch Season 5?
FAQs
Who is Akshaye Khanna playing in Mahakali?
Akshaye Khanna plays Shukracharya — the guru of the Asuras in Indian mythology — in Mahakali. It marks his Telugu film debut, and his look for the role has already gone viral, with fans calling the transformation remarkable.
When will the first glimpse of Mahakali be released?
The first official glimpse of Mahakali is set to be revealed on August 24, 2026. The announcement was made by RKD Studios with the cryptic caption “The End Begins.”
Who is directing Mahakali?
Mahakali is directed by Puja Kolluru (Puja Aparna Kolluru). The story and screenplay are written by Prasanth Varma, the creator of the PVCU.
Who is the lead actress in Mahakali?
Bhoomi Shetty plays the lead role of Mahakali in the film. It is the first female superhero film from Prasanth Varma’s Cinematic Universe.
When is Mahakali expected to release?
Mahakali is reportedly planned for a Sankranthi 2027 theatrical release, making it one of the most anticipated Pan-India films of early 2027.
