The makers of Mahakali have unveiled the first glimpse of the much-awaited film from the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe. Titled Shukracharya’s War Cry, the nearly three-minute glimpse takes viewers into a dark and intense mythological world, with Akshaye Khanna grabbing attention as Shukracharya, the powerful guru of the Asuras. Filled with striking visuals, mythology and an ominous sense of a war on the horizon, the glimpse sets the tone for a larger battle between Dharma and Adharma.
It will be released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam, with the makers aiming for a large-scale theatrical experience. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, with Rohit Saraf, Khushbu Sundar, Samuthirakani, Rakesh Bedi, Rajat Kapoor, Nassar and Murali Sharma.
The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 8, 2027. Akshaye Khanna is barely recognisable in his latest avatar. After winning praise for his portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, the actor has undergone a striking transformation for his Telugu debut. Sporting a long silver-white beard, matted hair tied into a topknot, intense eyes and traditional tilak markings, Akshaye completely slips into the look of Shukracharya, the powerful guru of the Asuras. There is a quiet intensity to his appearance, with the actor’s commanding presence making the character instantly stand out. Mahakali is the latest film to expand Prasanth Varma ’s Cinematic Universe, which kicked off with Hanu-Man. Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, the film is presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner. Mahakali will also be screened in premium formats such as IMAX 3D, Dolby Cinema and 4DX. Netflix has already picked up the film’s OTT rights, adding to the buzz around the upcoming mythological epic.
