Akshaye Khanna transforms into Shukracharya in Telugu debut Mahakali: ‘Unmatched class stands out,’ says Prasanth Varma

Akshaye Khanna will portray Shukracharya in the film Mahakali, directed by Puja Kolluru which is set to release on May 15.

Akshaye Khanna is riding high on the acclaim for his gritty performance as Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar, and he’s already generating buzz for what comes next. On the occasion of the actor’s birthday on March 28, filmmaker Prasanth Varma offered fans a glimpse of Akshaye’s upcoming project, Mahakali, by sharing a behind-the-scenes image showcasing the actor’s striking new look as Shukracharya.

Akshaye Khanna is set to play Shukracharya in his Telugu debut, Mahakali.

Prasanth shares Akshaye Khanna's look as Shukracharya in Mahakali

Taking to X, Prasanth also penned a warm birthday note, praising Akshaye’s understated yet powerful presence on screen. He described the actor as someone who proves that true talent doesn’t rely on noise, applauding his consistent ability to deliver impactful performances with effortless class. The director further expressed his excitement about their collaboration, teasing that audiences can expect something special from the film and promising more updates soon.

In the caption of his post, Prasanth wrote, “Happy Birthday #AkshayeKhanna sir, a true actor who proves that real talent doesn't need noise. Effortless screen presence, powerful performances, and unmatched class always stand out. It's an absolute honour working with you. Can’t wait to show the world what we’ve created together! Updates coming soon! #Mahakali #Adhira #JaiHanuman.”

More about Mahakali

In Mahakali, Akshaye will step into the role of Shukracharya, the revered Asura guru from Hindu mythology, a character that is expected to add depth and gravitas to the narrative. The film is being directed by Puja Kolluru and forms part of the expanding Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). This shared universe already includes the successful superhero film Hanu-Man (2024), with future titles like Jai Hanuman and Adhira also in development.

What makes Mahakali particularly notable is that it marks Akshaye’s debut in Telugu cinema. The film centres on a female superhero, played by Bhoomi Shetty, and is set to hit the screens on May 15. The female superhero theme has recently gained traction among audiences seeking fresh narratives in Indian cinema, as seen in Kalyani Priyadarshan's Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. With its mythological undertones and modern superhero treatment, the project has already sparked significant anticipation.

Akshaye's other upcoming projects

Beyond Mahakali, Akshaye has another major project lined up. He will be seen in director Siddharth P. Malhotra’s upcoming film Ikka, where he stars alongside Sunny Deol. Akshaye is expected to take on the role of the film's primary antagonist, adding another intense character to his repertoire. The cast also features Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome, and Sanjeeda Shaikh. Ikka is slated for a direct-to-digital release on Netflix.