‘Rahman Dakait in Dhurandhar is nothing’: Akshaye Khanna wows fans as Shukracharya in 'Mahakali'
The makers have unveiled a glimpse of Khanna's intense new avatar, showcasing him in a dramatically different look. His stern expression and commanding presence have already sparked considerable curiosity among moviegoers.
- Aug 24, 2026,
- Updated Aug 24, 2026 4:14 PM IST
Akshaye Khanna is all set to surprise audiences with yet another striking transformation. Fresh from his much-talked-about performance in Dhurandhar, the actor will now be seen as Shukracharya, the powerful guru of the Asuras, in Mahakali, the upcoming film from filmmaker Prasanth Varma's Cinematic Universe.
The makers have unveiled a glimpse of Khanna's intense new avatar, showcasing him in a dramatically different look. With a long beard, matted hair, traditional tilak and an imposing costume, the actor appears almost unrecognisable as the mythological character. His stern expression and commanding presence have already sparked considerable curiosity among moviegoers.
Mahakali announcement Twitter review:
One user wrote, " What did I just watch!! Got goosebumps all over my body. Akshaye Khanna as Rahman Dakait in Dhurandhar feels nothing in comparison to his portrayal as Sukracharya in this short glimpse. And that last frame of Maa Kali"
Another user wrote, "FROM THE UNIVERSE OF 'HANU-MAN': AKSHAYE KHANNA AS SHUKRACHARYA IN 'MAHAKALI' – FIRST GLIMPSE OUT NOW – 8 JAN 2027 RELEASE... #AkshayeKhanna transforms into #Shukracharya, the formidable guru of the asuras, in #Mahakali, the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe."
A third user wrote, " Bhai.. Akshaye Khanna and that last shot. Blockbuster far better than Ramayan that too at such a low budget."
A fourth user wrote, " Watched the War Cry just now and #AkshayeKhanna will nailed it again and ate again"
Cast of Mahakali
The cast of Mahakali features Bhoomi Shetty in the titular role of Mahakali, while Akshaye Khanna will portray the powerful Asura guru Shukracharya. Rohit Saraf is also part of the film in a pivotal role, marking his Telugu debut.
The ensemble cast includes veteran actors Rakesh Bedi, Samuthirakani, Rajat Kapoor, Nassar, Murali Sharma, Khushbu Sundar and Shriya Reddy. Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and backed by Prasanth Varma, Mahakali is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), which began with Hanu-Man.
Akshaye Khanna is all set to surprise audiences with yet another striking transformation. Fresh from his much-talked-about performance in Dhurandhar, the actor will now be seen as Shukracharya, the powerful guru of the Asuras, in Mahakali, the upcoming film from filmmaker Prasanth Varma's Cinematic Universe.
The makers have unveiled a glimpse of Khanna's intense new avatar, showcasing him in a dramatically different look. With a long beard, matted hair, traditional tilak and an imposing costume, the actor appears almost unrecognisable as the mythological character. His stern expression and commanding presence have already sparked considerable curiosity among moviegoers.
Mahakali announcement Twitter review:
One user wrote, " What did I just watch!! Got goosebumps all over my body. Akshaye Khanna as Rahman Dakait in Dhurandhar feels nothing in comparison to his portrayal as Sukracharya in this short glimpse. And that last frame of Maa Kali"
Another user wrote, "FROM THE UNIVERSE OF 'HANU-MAN': AKSHAYE KHANNA AS SHUKRACHARYA IN 'MAHAKALI' – FIRST GLIMPSE OUT NOW – 8 JAN 2027 RELEASE... #AkshayeKhanna transforms into #Shukracharya, the formidable guru of the asuras, in #Mahakali, the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe."
A third user wrote, " Bhai.. Akshaye Khanna and that last shot. Blockbuster far better than Ramayan that too at such a low budget."
A fourth user wrote, " Watched the War Cry just now and #AkshayeKhanna will nailed it again and ate again"
Cast of Mahakali
The cast of Mahakali features Bhoomi Shetty in the titular role of Mahakali, while Akshaye Khanna will portray the powerful Asura guru Shukracharya. Rohit Saraf is also part of the film in a pivotal role, marking his Telugu debut.
The ensemble cast includes veteran actors Rakesh Bedi, Samuthirakani, Rajat Kapoor, Nassar, Murali Sharma, Khushbu Sundar and Shriya Reddy. Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and backed by Prasanth Varma, Mahakali is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), which began with Hanu-Man.