Mahakali glimpse: Akshaye Khanna’s Shukracharya questions the gods, declares war on humanity in stunning first look

Mahakali is the latest film to expand Prasanth Varma’s Cinematic Universe, which kicked off with Hanu-Man, scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 8, 2027.

The makers of Mahakali have unveiled the first glimpse of the much-awaited film from the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe. Titled Shukracharya's War Cry, the nearly three-minute glimpse takes viewers into a dark and intense mythological world, with Akshaye Khanna grabbing attention as Shukracharya, the powerful guru of the Asuras. Filled with striking visuals, mythology and an ominous sense of a war on the horizon, the glimpse sets the tone for a larger battle between Dharma and Adharma.

Akshaye Khanna stuns as Shukracharya in Mahakali, Sriya Reddy makes a powerful appearance.

A glimpse into a larger battle

The teaser builds its story around the age-old conflict between the forces of good and evil, but presents it as something more complicated than a straightforward battle. At the centre of the story is Shukracharya, whose perspective gives the conflict a different edge.

The voiceover recalls the great churning of the cosmic ocean, pointing out that the Devas and Asuras worked together, yet Lord Vishnu gave the nectar of immortality only to the Devas. It questions whether that decision was truly righteous or unrighteous. It then speaks of how the Asuras were denied their claim to Indra’s throne and ultimately banished to the netherworlds, with all fourteen realms sealed off from them.

Once again, the voice asks whether such treatment was righteous or unrighteous. The narration then takes a more threatening turn, declaring that within fourteen days, the victorious roar of the Asuras will echo across the realms and that the Asura race will finally be liberated. The voiceover ends with a chilling command: “Raktabeej…. Annihilate the human race!”

Akshaye Khanna's striking transformation

Akshaye Khanna is barely recognisable in his latest avatar. After winning praise for his portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, the actor has undergone a striking transformation for his Telugu debut.

Sporting a long silver-white beard, matted hair tied into a topknot, intense eyes and traditional tilak markings, Akshaye completely slips into the look of Shukracharya, the powerful guru of the Asuras. There is a quiet intensity to his appearance, with the actor's commanding presence making the character instantly stand out.

Sriya Reddy makes a powerful appearance

Sriya Reddy makes a striking appearance towards the end of the glimpse as Goddess Durga. She brings a fierce and commanding presence to the role, instantly adding a different energy to the teaser. One of the most unexpected moments shows her breastfeeding a baby, a powerful image that stands out amid the larger-than-life visuals and looming battle.

Mahakali expands the cinematic universe

Mahakali is the latest film to expand Prasanth Varma’s Cinematic Universe, which kicked off with Hanu-Man. Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, the film is presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner.

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, with Rohit Saraf, Khushbu Sundar, Samuthirakani, Rakesh Bedi, Rajat Kapoor, Nassar and Murali Sharma. It will be released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam, with the makers aiming for a large-scale theatrical experience.

Mahakali will also be screened in premium formats such as IMAX 3D, Dolby Cinema and 4DX. Netflix has already picked up the film’s OTT rights, adding to the buzz around the upcoming mythological epic. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 8, 2027.