RKD Studios and filmmaker Prasanth Varma, who earlier introduced audiences to the superhero saga Hanu-Man, have now released the first look of Akshaye Khanna from their upcoming Telugu film Mahakali. The reveal, timed with Durga Puja, introduces Khanna in the role of Shukracharya, the legendary Guru of the Asuras, marking his entry into the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU).
Akshaye Khanna, known for his varied performances in Hindi cinema, is stepping into Telugu films for the first time with this project. His character, Shukracharya, is depicted with a silver beard, ascetic robes, and glowing eyes, presenting a mix of spiritual aura and commanding authority. The role draws from mythology, where Shukracharya is revered as the master of Sanatana Vidya and the keeper of the Mrita-Sanjivani Mantra, a power said to restore life.
The visual presentation places the character in a dramatic setting—standing before a mountain fortress under storm-filled skies, with ritualistic flames rising in the backdrop. The imagery highlights both the calm, meditative side of the figure and the strategist capable of shifting the balance between gods and demons.
In the shadows of gods,
rose the brightest flame of rebellion ????Presenting The Enigmatic #AkshayeKhanna as the eternal 'Asuraguru SHUKRACHARYA' from #Mahakali ????❤️????@PrasanthVarma @RKDStudios #RKDuggal @PujaKolluru #RiwazRameshDuggal @ThePVCU pic.twitter.com/IWjP5JOh5r
— RKD Studios (@RKDStudios) September 30, 2025
Directed by Puja Kolluru, Mahakali is positioned as the next major chapter in the PVCU, expanding on the world introduced by Prasanth Varma through Hanu-Man. The film also represents a significant milestone for Khanna, who has until now worked exclusively in Hindi cinema.
Producers RK Duggal and Riwaz Ramesh Duggal are backing the project under RKD Studios. With Varma’s vision guiding the universe and Kolluru taking charge of the direction, the makers describe Mahakali as a large-scale production aimed at combining mythology with contemporary cinematic storytelling.
The unveiling of Akshaye Khanna’s look sets the tone for what the team intends as a franchise-building moment within Indian cinema. With the PVCU expanding further, Mahakali is expected to attract attention both for its mythological themes and Khanna’s new on-screen transformation.
Also Read: Akshaye Khanna joins Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe; to play a key character in Mahakali
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