'Mahakali' first-look out: Akshaye Khanna's Shukracharya launches war against humankind
What's the story
Akshaye Khanna, who has been impressing audiences with his performances in Dhurandhar and Ikka, will next be seen in the Telugu film Mahakali. The film is directed by Puja Kolluru and is set to release on January 8, 2027. On Monday, the makers unveiled a new glimpse of Khanna in his unrecognizable avatar as Shukracharya from the film. We also get a small look at the titular Goddess Mahakali.
Film details
What the clip shows
The Shukracharya's War Cry clip has been shared on social media by Prasanth Varma, the creator of this project.
The nearly-three-minute video shows Shukracharya in an arduous meditation, as he questions the gods' winning over demons and banishing the latter to hell.
At the end, he orders Raktabeej to destroy humankind. Then we get a glimpse of Maa Kali.
The film also stars Rohit Saraf, Bhoomi Shetty, Sriya Reddy, Murli Sharma, and Jitin Gulati, among others.
Cinematic universe
Part of Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe
Media reports suggest that Mahakali is a part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, which began with the success of Hanu-Man. This universe will further expand with projects like Jai Hanuman and Adhira.
The film has been produced by Rizwan Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner and presented by RK Duggal.
The clip carried a PVCU tag, but the full form reads Purana Veera Chitra Udyam.
Director's note
When Varma wished Khanna earlier this year
On March 28, Varma wished Khanna a happy birthday with a behind-the-scenes photo from the Mahakali set.
He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Happy Birthday #AkshayeKhanna sir, a true actor who proves that real talent doesn't need noise."
The filmmaker further praised Khanna's effortless screen presence and powerful performances, calling it an "absolute honor" for him to work with the actor.