Akshaye Khanna as Shukracharya in Mahakali First Look Out

New Delhi, September 30: The first look of Akshaye Khanna as Shukracharya in Mahakali is finally out, and it has already set fans talking. With his piercing gaze and a look that blends power with menace, Khanna steps into one of mythology’s most complicated figures the guru of the asuras.

The reveal was timed for 10:08 a.m. on September 30, a detail the makers proudly flagged on social media. The still may only be a glimpse, but it’s enough to suggest that the actor, known for his intensity, is ready to leave a mark on this ambitious cinematic universe.

The Bigger Picture: What Is Mahakali?

Mahakali is not just another mythological film. It’s the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), a franchise that began with HanuMan, found massive traction with audiences, and now plans to expand with interconnected stories inspired by Indian mythology.

This time, the spotlight shifts to a female superhero figure, rooted in the idea of goddess Kali. Unlike most mythic adaptations that stop at reverence, Prasanth Varma seems intent on reimagining deities and figures as cinematic superheroes for modern audiences.

Directing duties are with Puja Kolluru, while Varma himself continues as creator and showrunner. Production comes from RKD Studios, backed by RKD Duggal and Riwaz Duggal. It’s clearly being mounted as a big-ticket, pan-India spectacle a project aiming for scale as much as mythic depth.

Why Akshaye Khanna, And Why Shukracharya?

For Khanna, this is a bold turn. He’s fresh off a strong reception for his portrayal of Aurangzeb in Chhaava, and instead of chasing another period drama, he has walked straight into a fantasy-superhero universe. More strikingly, this will be his Telugu cinema debut a move that widens his reach in the growing landscape of pan-India films.

The choice of Shukracharya makes the casting even more intriguing. In mythology, Shukracharya is no simple villain. He is the guru of the asuras, wise yet shrewd, often standing against the devas but never without reason. He is also a character with shades of rebellion and moral ambiguity. To place him in a superhero setting suggests the filmmakers want a layered antagonist, not a cardboard cut-out.

Khanna has always excelled at characters who operate in the grey. Think of his unsettling lawyer in Section 375 or his sharp political operator in Accidental Prime Minister. Shukracharya could easily become one of those roles that stick to his name for years.

The Mood Of The Revea

The first look poster doesn’t just showcase costume and makeup. It sets a tone. Heavy shadows, sharp lines, and an aura of ritualistic power. This isn’t a flamboyant fantasy villain; it feels more grounded in lore, more ancient in energy.

Fans online have already started drawing parallels with global superhero antagonists, but the creative team has kept things closer to Indian mythology. The result is something that looks both authentic and cinematic. The gamble is clear: they want Shukracharya to feel intimidating, not cartoonish.

Building A Universe, Not Just A Film

One thing is becoming evident with every PVCU announcement: Prasanth Varma and his team are thinking long-term. Khanna’s role is reportedly not limited to just Mahakali. Like Marvel or DC villains who appear across multiple films, Shukracharya could serve as a thread connecting different entries in the franchise.

That strategy makes sense. The universe has already teased expansions with Jai Hanuman and other titles. Having a morally complex figure like Shukracharya return across stories could give the PVCU its version of a recurring nemesis, one who is not purely evil, but too dangerous to ignore.

What’s At Stake

Of course, building a cinematic universe is no easy task. The promise is big, but so are the risks.

If the writing slips into clichés, the myth-meets-superhero experiment could feel hollow. If the visual effects don’t match the ambition, audiences raised on Hollywood blockbusters won’t forgive it. And if characters like Shukracharya are reduced to spectacle without emotional grounding, the film may collapse under its own weight.

That said, Khanna’s presence adds credibility. He’s not a star who signs films casually. His track record shows he gravitates toward layered scripts. If he chose Mahakali, it’s safe to assume he saw depth in the material.

What To Watch Out For Next

The teaser was only step one. In the coming weeks, the real questions will be answered:

Who plays Mahakali, the title role that will anchor the film?
How big will the release scale be? Multi-lingual rollouts are almost certain, but what about international reach?
Will we get a teaser video or motion poster that shows Khanna in character, beyond the still?

These answers will shape whether Mahakali can stand tall alongside Hanuman, and whether the PVCU has the legs to compete with India’s biggest mythological and superhero franchises.

Closing Note

Akshaye Khanna as Shukracharya feels like a move that could define both the film and the cinematic universe it belongs to. It’s a calculated risk bringing a Bollywood actor with gravitas into a Telugu mythic-superhero space, but it could pay off richly if the story delivers.

For now, one thing is clear: the asura guru has entered the stage, and the PVCU just got a whole lot more interesting.

Stay ahead with Hindustan Herald — bringing you trusted news, sharp analysis, and stories that matter across Politics, Business, Technology, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, and more.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and join our Telegram community @hindustanherald for real-time updates.

Ayesha Khan

Entertainment Correspondent – Ayesha@hindustanherald.in – Web

Covers films, television, streaming, and celebrity culture with a focus on storytelling trends.

Breaking