Akshaye Khanna has wrapped filming for his pivotal role in Mahakali, the Pan-India superhero film from the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU).
The confirmation came on Akshaye’s birthday, when director Prasanth Varma shared a still from the sets. The production has completed 100 shooting days in total, and a final 40-day schedule is now underway in Hyderabad — meaning principal photography continues even as Akshaye’s portions are done.
Akshaye Khanna as Asuraguru Shukracharya
In Mahakali, Akshaye plays Asuraguru Shukracharya — the preceptor of the Asuras in Hindu mythology and the film’s central antagonist within the PVCU. It’s a role that demands both gravitas and screen presence, qualities he demonstrated convincingly in Dhurandhar. His casting as Shukracharya gives Mahakali a formidable villain to anchor the story.
About Mahakali
Mahakali is directed by Puja Kolluru and written by Prasanth Varma. Bhoomi Shetty leads the film in the titular role, making it one of the few large-scale Pan-India productions built around a female superhero. The story centers on themes of inner strength, empowerment, and social discrimination.
The PVCU is expanding on multiple fronts. Prasanth Varma‘s Jai Hanuman recently launched with its muhurat puja, adding another major production to the universe’s growing slate.
With extensive multi-studio VFX work in full swing, a release date announcement for Mahakali is expected soon.