For fans who were captivated by Akshaye Khanna’s performance in ‘Dhurandhar’ and felt his absence in ‘Dhurandhar 2’, there is fresh news to look forward to. The actor, known for slipping effortlessly into intense and layered roles, is set to appear in a completely transformed avatar in the upcoming mythological film ‘Mahakali’.In ‘Mahakali’, Akshaye Khanna takes on the role of Shukracharya, the revered teacher of the asuras. The film marks his debut in Telugu cinema, though it is expected to reach a wider audience with a Hindi release as well. Following the strong reception of ‘Dhurandhar’ in southern markets, his presence in this ambitious project is likely to draw significant attention, according to a Bollywood Hungama report.
A distinct look following ‘Chhaava’
After showcasing a different dimension in ‘Chhaava’, the actor once again appears in a striking new look for ‘Mahakali’. His character design, featuring long white hair and a flowing beard, was initially revealed through a first-look poster. A clearer glimpse of his transformation was later shared through a behind-the-scenes still, offering a detailed look at his costume and screen presence.Filmmaker Prasanth Varma praised Akshaye Khanna while sharing the image on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “A true actor who proves that real talent doesn’t need noise,” and further describing him as someone who stands out through “effortless screen presence, powerful performances, and unmatched class.” The appreciation highlights the impact of Khanna’s performance even before the film’s release.In another social media post, Prasanth Varma expressed his admiration, writing, “It’s an absolute honour working with you. Can’t wait to show the world what we’ve created together!” The filmmaker’s remarks indicate the scale and ambition attached to ‘Mahakali’.
More about ‘Mahakali’
‘Mahakali’ stars Bhoomi Shetty in the titular role and is positioned as a female-led superhero film. The project is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), which began with ‘Hanu-Man’ (2024). Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, the film has been conceptualised and written by Prasanth Varma.The expanding universe also includes ‘Adhira’, featuring S. J. Suryah and Dasari Kalyan, as well as ‘Jai Hanuman’, starring Rishab Shetty. With multiple interconnected stories, the PVCU continues to build a larger mythological and superhero narrative space.
