Our Bureau
Mumbai
Akshaye Khanna’s fierce transformation as Shukracharya has emerged as the biggest highlight of the first glimpse of Mahakali, the upcoming mythological film from filmmaker Prasanth Varma’s Cinematic Universe. Titled Shukracharya’s War Cry, the nearly three-minute glimpse sets up a larger conflict between Dharma and Adharma and confirms the film’s theatrical release for January 8, 2027.
Khanna plays Shukracharya, the revered guru of the Asuras, and appears almost unrecognisable in the role. His look features a long silver-white beard, intense eyes, matted hair styled in a topknot and traditional tilak markings. The glimpse presents the character as a powerful figure at the centre of the conflict, suggesting that his actions could influence the larger battle between opposing forces.
The teaser draws from Indian mythology and explores the conflict between the Devas and Asuras, with references to the Samudra Manthan and the events that followed. The visual treatment emphasises the scale of the story, combining elaborate settings, dramatic imagery and a larger-than-life presentation.
Sriya Reddy also features prominently in the glimpse, while Bhoomi Shetty and Rohit Saraf are part of the cast. The film is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and marks Khanna’s Telugu cinema debut. It is the latest chapter in Prasanth Varma’s Cinematic Universe, which began with Hanu-Man.
The makers had earlier revealed Khanna’s first look as Shukracharya, portraying him as a mystical and commanding figure associated with the Asuras. Production on the film reportedly completed a 125-day shooting schedule before entering its final phase.
Presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under RKD Studios, Mahakali is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 8, 2027.