Actor Akshaye Khanna is set to return after Dhurandhar in an unrecognisable Shukracharya avatar for Mahakali, with the film’s first glimpse scheduled to be released on August 24. A photo from the sets is now going viral, featuring Khanna posing for the camera in his character.
Mahakali is the next film in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) after Hanu-Man. Khanna’s appearance as the antagonist, Shukracharya, in the upcoming project is being used to establish its setting and introduce its first major reveal.
While sharing Khanna's look from the Mahakali sets, a post on X by the production house read, "24th August – The End Begins (sic)."
Khanna undergoes a distinct physical transformation for Mahakali. His initial appearance as Shukracharya previously generated audience interest ahead of the upcoming footage release.
In the film, Shukracharya is described as the guru of the Asuras, a figure associated with power and complexity. The role is expected to combine Khanna’s screen presence with Prasanth Varma’s visual approach within the larger cinematic universe.
Since Hanu-Man, audiences have been waiting to see the next chapter in Varma’s universe. The earlier film also shaped expectations around the kind of visual detailing and world-building associated with the PVCU, and the August 24 reveal is set to offer a first clear look at Mahakali.
Mahakali is presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner. The film has Prasanth Varma as creator and Puja Aparna Kolluru as director, and also features actors Bhoomi Shetty, Rohit Saraf and other actors alongside Khanna.
Khanna's last theatrical release was Dhurandhar (2025), featuring actors Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Danish Pandor, Rakesh Bedi, Arjun Rampal, Manav Gohil and Gaurav Gera in key roles.
