Akshaye’s first look as Shukracharya out

After Dhurandhar, the Bollywood actor returns in an unrecognisable avatar for Mahakali 

After the huge success of the Telugu film Hanu-Man (2024), filmmaker Prasanth Varma is all set to take audiences into the next chapter of his much-awaited universe with Mahakali. With the makers, RKD Studios, dropping a cryptic post: “24th August - The End Begins” it seems as though they have decided to bring Akshaye Khanna’s unrecognisable avatar as Shukracharya as the first glimpse from Mahakali, giving audiences their first taste of the highly anticipated Indian itihasa spectacle.

Known for constantly breaking the mould and surprising audiences with the characters he chooses, Akshaye is taking his transformative streak a notch higher this time. Fresh from the massive impact of Dhurandhar (2025), the acclaimed actor is said to be almost unrecognisable in this role. His first look as Shukracharya had already created a huge furore, leaving audiences intrigued by his striking transformation. The glimpse is now expected to take the anticipation several notches higher.

Shukracharya, revered as the guru of the Asuras, is a figure defined by power and complexity. Akshaye’s interpretation promises to bring a distinctive intensity and gravitas to the character, while Prasanth’s visual treatment is expected to give the role a scale befitting the cinematic universe.

Mahakali is the next film in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe after Hanu-Man. Presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner, the film has Prasanth as its creator and Puja Aparna Kolluru as director. The film also stars Bhoomi Shetty, Rohit Saraf, and several other prominent actors.