The makers of the upcoming mythological film ‘Mahakali’ have released the first glimpse, introducing Akshaye Khanna in a never-seen-before avatar as the powerful Asura guru Shukracharya. The nearly three-minute video, titled ‘Shukracharya’s War Cry’, dropped on August 24, 2026, and immediately created a buzz across social media. The film is now scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on January 8, 2027.
The glimpse sets up a large-scale battle between Dharma and Adharma, with Shukracharya at the centre of the conflict. The video shows Akshaye Khanna in a fierce and almost unrecognisable look, sporting a long silver-white beard, matted hair tied in a topknot, intense eyes and traditional tilak markings on his forehead. His character questions the gods and declares war on humanity, driven by ancient injustices.
Shukracharya’s War Cry: The Story Behind The Conflict
The glimpse reveals the central conflict of ‘Mahakali’. Shukracharya, the guru of the Asuras (demons), is shown questioning why the Devas (gods) received all the Amrit, the elixir of immortality, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), while the Asuras were pushed into the underworld. This sense of injustice drives him to declare war on both humanity and the Devas.
In the video, Shukracharya orders the deadly demon Raktabeeja to destroy the human race. His aim is to free the Asuras from the netherworld within 14 days. The glimpse ends with the line ‘The End Begins’, hinting at the epic scale of the film.
Akshaye Khanna’s Transformation and Telugu Debut
Akshaye Khanna makes his Telugu cinema debut with ‘Mahakali’. The actor, known for powerful performances in films like ‘Dhurandhar’, ‘Chhaava’ and ‘Drishyam 2’, appears in a completely different avatar. His look as Shukracharya was first revealed in September 2025, and the new glimpse gives audiences a closer look at his character.
Fans have been quick to react to Khanna’s transformation. Social media is flooded with comments praising his screen presence and intense performance. One user wrote, “AKSHAY KHANNA DAY BY DAY,” while another commented, “Akshay Khanna Sir nailed it.” A third fan said, “Mahakali Teaser Goosebumps”.
Sriya Reddy As Maa Kaali And The Rise Of Divine Power
The glimpse also features Sriya Reddy in a powerful appearance as Maa Kaali. She appears towards the end of the video in a striking moment, feeding an infant, which suggests an important emotional and maternal connection to the story. Her transformation into the goddess form has also caught the attention of viewers.
The film follows the story of Maha, played by Bhoomi Shetty, an orphan and social outcast from Bengal who discovers that she has been chosen to channel the power of Goddess Kali. Sriya Reddy embodies the divine manifestation of Maa Kaali, setting up an epic conflict with Shukracharya.
The Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe Expands
‘Mahakali’ is the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), which began with the blockbuster hit ‘Hanu-Man’ in 2024. The universe, officially called ‘Pranaam Veera Charitha Udayam’, is expanding with projects like ‘Jai Hanuman’ and ‘Adhira’.
While Prasanth Varma has written the story and serves as the showrunner, the film is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru. The director has brought together a massive cast and crew for this mythological spectacle. The film is presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner.
Star-Studded Cast And Grand Production Scale
‘Mahakali’ features an ensemble cast including Bhoomi Shetty in the titular role, Rohit Saraf in a pivotal role, along with Samuthirakani, Rakesh Bedi, Rajat Kapoor, Nassar, Murali Sharma, Khushbu Sundar, Jitin Gulati, and Prudhviraj. Both Akshaye Khanna and Rohit Saraf have already completed shooting for their roles.
The film is being made on a massive scale using the latest technology. Reports say it is being shot in the IMAX format and will release in IMAX 3D in multiple Indian and foreign languages. The crew includes Smaran Sai for music, Suresh Ragutu as the cinematographer, and Sri Nagendra Thangala as the production designer.
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Production Update And Release Information
On July 14, 2026, the makers announced that production on ‘Mahakali’ had entered its final leg, completing a 125-day shooting schedule. The film is now in its final stages of production.
‘Mahakali’ is scheduled to release in theatres on January 8, 2027, targeting the Sankranthi 2027 release window. The film will be released worldwide in multiple languages. While the theatrical release date is confirmed, reports suggest the film may later arrive on digital platforms like Netflix.
The mythological drama blends spirituality and mythology with today’s issues, set against the backdrop of Bengal, a state with a deep cultural connection with Goddess Kali. The film promises to symbolize themes of women empowerment, faith, and courage.
Prasanth Varma, speaking about the film, described it as a bold new addition to his cinematic universe. The filmmaker had previously shared a BTS photo from the sets on Akshaye Khanna’s birthday, calling him “a true actor who proves that real talent doesn’t need noise”.
With the first glimpse now out, ‘Mahakali’ has offered audiences a first major look at the cinematic world, characters and conflict at the heart of the film. The response to Akshaye Khanna’s transformation and the grand visual scale has already set high expectations for this mythological spectacle.
Also Read: Akshaye Khanna’s Shukracharya Look in Mahakali Breaks the Internet
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