Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Why Akshaye Khanna Chose Mahakali After Dhurandhar Success
Mahakali is a new superhero movie based on Indian mythology.
Akshaye Khanna plays Shukracharya, the teacher of the Asuras.
Shukracharya helps the Asuras and is said to have the power to bring their warriors back to life.
He is not shown as simply evil, which made the role interesting to Khanna.
Bhoomi Shetty plays Maha, also known as Mahakali.
The teaser shows the Devas and Asuras working together to churn the cosmic ocean.
It also hints at why the Asuras lost their claim to power and were sent to the underworld.
Mahakali is part of the universe that began with Hanu-Man.
The film is expected in theatres on January 8, 2027.
Akshaye Khanna plays Asura guru Shukracharya in Mahakali, his first mythological superhero action film and Telugu debut.
Khanna reportedly accepted the role because he was drawn to Shukracharya’s complexity as a knowledgeable, misunderstood figure.
The film’s teaser depicts Samudra Manthan and the conflict between the Devas and Asuras.
Mahakali stars Bhoomi Shetty as the titular female superhero and is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe.
The film was shot from February to April, with additional scenes filmed in Kolkata, and is scheduled for January 8, 2027.
- Who
- Akshaye Khanna plays Shukracharya, while Bhoomi Shetty plays the titular character Maha or Mahakali.
- What
- Mahakali is a mythological superhero action film and Khanna’s Telugu debut.
- When
- The first video was released on Monday, and the film is scheduled to release on January 8, 2027. The unit shot from February to April.
- Where
- The film was shot partly in Kolkata; its theatrical release is planned for theatres.
- Why
- Khanna reportedly chose the role because he was intrigued by Shukracharya’s complexity as a knowledgeable and misunderstood mythological character.
- Akshaye Khanna’s role
- Shukracharya, the Asura guru
- Lead actor
- Bhoomi Shetty as Maha or Mahakali
- Film type
- Mythological superhero action film
- Cinematic universe
- The Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, following Hanu-Man
- Teaser inspiration
- The mythological story of Samudra Manthan
- Filming schedule
- An extensive schedule ran from February to April, with some scenes filmed in Kolkata
- Release date
- January 8, 2027