Akshaye Khanna Makes Telugu Debut in Prasanth Varma’s ‘MAHAKALI’

After delivering the pan-India blockbuster HanuMan, director Prasanth Varma expands his Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) with the much-awaited second installment, MAHAKALI. The film is produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal of RKD Studios and presented by RK Duggal, with Puja Aparna Kolluru at the helm as director. Varma continues as creator and showrunner of the cinematic universe.

In a major casting highlight, Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna joins the project, marking his Telugu cinema debut. Fresh off his powerful performance as Aurangzeb in the blockbuster Chhava, Akshaye has chosen MAHAKALI for his first outing in Tollywood, impressed by both the film’s vision and the depth of his role.

The makers unveiled the first look of Akshaye Khanna as Shukracharya, the legendary guru of the Asuras from Hindu mythology. The striking poster showcases him standing before a colossal mountain fortress, with firelit altars glowing under a storm-laden sky. His flowing silver beard, ascetic robes, and piercing eyes capture the aura of a mystic whose wisdom shaped the fate of gods and demons alike. Presented with grandeur and mysticism, Shukracharya emerges as a symbol of cosmic authority and timeless defiance.

Revered as the master of Sanatana Vidya and keeper of the Mrita-Sanjivani mantra—the power to restore life—Shukracharya is portrayed as both a spiritual guide and the ultimate strategist of the Asuras. Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal promises to bring a powerful dimension to this iconic character.

On the technical front, the film has an accomplished crew: Smaran Sai composes the music, Suresh Ragutu handles cinematography, Sri Nagendra Tangala takes charge as production designer, and Venkat Kumar Jetty serves as executive producer.

With over 50% of filming already completed, the production is progressing swiftly and is expected to wrap by December. Post-production work is underway in parallel, and the official release date will be announced soon.