- Akshaye Khanna debuts in Telugu with mythological superhero film Mahakali
- Khanna plays Asura guru Shukracharya, a complex mythological character
- Teaser depicts Samudra Manthan and conflict between Devas and Asuras
The first video from Akshaye Khanna's Telugu debut, Mahakali, was unveiled yesterday, setting the internet abuzz. The film marks Akshaye Khanna's first mythological superhero action movie.
Khanna, who plays Asura guru Shukracharya, is at odds with the protagonist essayed by Bhoomi Shetty. He exited from Drishyam 3, allegedly over disagreements concerning his remuneration and look in that film. He reportedly demanded Rs 21 crore following the twin successes of Dhurandhar and Chhaava.
But why Akshaye Khanna went ahead with a mythological character in an uncharted domain keeps intriguing the Internet.
"Choosy as ever, Akshaye agreed to play Asura guru Shukracharya as he was intrigued by the role. In Hindu mythology, he was the revered teacher of the Asuras and advised them in their battles against the gods. His primary role was to revive the dead demons, while Maa Kali's role was to destroy the demon army. That put them on opposite sides of the conflict.
"Shukracharya is considered a knowledgeable sage rather than inherently evil. He is a misunderstood character in Indian scriptures, and Akshaye loved that complexity," a source close to the film told Mid-Day back in May.
The unit shot an extensive schedule from February to April this year. They also shot a few scenes in Kolkata.
The first video response
Released on Monday, the teaser draws from the mythological tale of Samudra Manthan. It shows how both the Devas and Asuras came together to churn the cosmic ocean, but the nectar ultimately went to the Devas. The glimpse also hints at the larger conflict surrounding the Asuras, why they were denied their claim to Indra's throne, and why they were eventually banished to the underworld.
Mahakali serves as the latest instalment in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe after Hanu-Man. The film is positioned as India's first female-led superhero movie, led by Bhoomi Shetty as the titular character Maha.
The supporting cast also features an impressive lineup, including Rohit Saraf, Sriya Reddy, Rakesh Bedi, Samuthirakani, Rajat Kapoor, Murali Sharma, and Nassar.
Mahakali releases in theatres on January 8, 2027.
Dhurandhar frenzy
Akshaye Khanna played Rehman Dakait, based on the real-life character of Sardar Abdul Rehman Baloch, a Pakistani gangster from Karachi's Lyari neighbourhood in the franchise. In the first instalment of Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna dominated the screen more than Ranveer Singh. Though he was not much in the second instalment, his presence was very much missed.