Prasanth Varma has dropped the first-look poster of veteran actor Akshaye Khanna as the enigmatic Asuraguru Shukracharya in his highly anticipated upcoming film Mahakali. The poster, shared on X (formerly Twitter), introduces Khanna in a mystical and powerful avatar, with the caption: “In the shadows of gods, rose the brightest flame of rebellion. Presenting the eternal Asuraguru Shukracharya.” This announcement has stirred excitement as fans welcome Khanna into the evolving Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU).
The role marks a striking shift for Akshaye Khanna, who was recently seen portraying Aurangzeb in the film Chhaava. Taking on the mythical and complex role of Shukracharya – the Asura guru from Hindu texts like the Mahabharata – highlights Khanna’s versatility and hints at a layered, intense performance that blends history, mythology, and rebellion in a cinematic spectacle.
Mahakali is set to be the third installment of the PVCU, following the success of Hanu-Man (2024), which not only captivated audiences but also won the National Film Award for Best Film in the AVGC category. Varma has become a trailblazer in Indian cinema by blending mythology with cutting-edge storytelling, and Mahakali appears poised to expand that universe even further with more mythological depth and visual grandeur.
Prasanth Varma, a Telugu filmmaker known for his ambitious storytelling, has been crafting the PVCU as India’s first interconnected cinematic universe rooted in mythology and superheroes. With Mahakali, he is continuing that vision, and Akshaye Khanna’s casting as Shukracharya sets the stage for a grand narrative that bridges ancient legends with a cinematic universe designed for modern audiences.