After the massive buzz around Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna is all smiles as he begins work on his Telugu debut Mahakali. Director Puja Kolluru shared a selfie with the actor from the film’s sets, giving fans a glimpse of Khanna’s new project. The actor, who won praise for his portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, is now stepping into the Telugu film industry with Mahakali. The behind-the-scenes picture has already sparked curiosity among fans eager to see what Khanna brings to his next role.

Akshaye Khanna marks Telugu debut with 'Mahakali' 

The first glimpse of Prashant Neel’s next – Mahakali- has piqued the curiosity of most film buffs. While fans can’t stop raving about Akshaye Khanna’s look as Shukracharya, actress Sriya Reddy’s brief yet powerful appearance in the teaser too has got the internet buzzing. Reddy looks unrecognisable as she appears at the end of the teaser as a presence of Goddess Kali. . Her piercing eyes, fierce expression and commanding pose come together to create a visual that feels both powerful and intriguing.&nbsp;<h2>Sriya Reddy as Goddess Durga in Mahakali</h2>Sriya Reddy appears at the end of the teaser of Mahakali as Goddess Durga, but in the form of Goddess Kali, caressing an infant on her lap as she exudes power.&nbsp;&nbsp;What stands out is how much Sriya manages to convey within such a short glimpse. Her gaze carries an unmistakable intensity, while her posture adds a sense of authority and mystery to the character. The elaborate styling and larger-than-life visual treatment further enhance the impact, giving audiences a glimpse of her portrayal of the powerful Goddess Kali and leaving them curious to discover more about the character and her place in the world of Mahakali.&nbsp;The brief glimpse offers only a taste of her transformation, but the unrecognisable avatar and sheer intensity are enough to spark curiosity. Taking on the role of Goddess Durga, she brings a powerful new dimension to her screen persona, making this one of the most intriguing additions to her filmography.<h2>Where have you seen Sriya Reddy before?</h2>Indian actress and television presenter Sriya Reddy has worked prominently in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Born to former Indian test cricketer Bharath Reddy, Sriya has worked as a video jockey at SS Music before pursuing an acting career in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films.&nbsp;She made her debut in 2002 in the film Samurai and has appeared in e a dozen Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films including hits like Black, Thimiru, Kanchivaram, Suzhal and OG, and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, among others.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mahakali-teaser-out-akshaye-khanna-s-fierce-transformation-as-shukracharya-leaves-fans-stunned-watch-1787562103215">Mahakali teaser out: Akshaye Khanna’s fierce transformation as Shukracharya leaves fans stunned | Watch</a>&nbsp;Her impactful performances in Salaar, OG and Suzhal have showcased different facets of her screen presence, with the actor consistently making her characters stand out. From powerful dramatic roles to more layered portrayals, she has built an impressive repertoire.&nbsp;&nbsp;The actress is married to&nbsp;Sriya married actor-producer Vikram Krishna. The couple married in 2008, and Sriya took a break from acting soon after, only to make a comeback eight years later. Sriya and Vikram are parents to a girl named Amalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sriya Reddy, known for films like Salaar and OG, makes a striking appearance as Goddess Durga in the recently released trailer of Mahakali. The trailer also features Akshaye Khanna. 

The first glimpse of Prashant Neel’s next – Mahakali- has piqued the curiosity of most film buffs. While fans can’t stop raving about Akshaye Khanna’s look as Shukracharya, actress Sriya Reddy’s brief yet powerful appearance in the teaser too has got the internet buzzing. Reddy looks unrecognisable as she appears at the end of the teaser as a presence of Goddess Kali. . Her piercing eyes, fierce expression and commanding pose come together to create a visual that feels both powerful and intriguing. Sriya Reddy as Goddess Durga in Mahakali Sriya Reddy appears at the end of the teaser of Mahakali as Goddess Durga, but in the form of Goddess Kali, caressing an infant on her lap as she exudes power. What stands out is how much Sriya manages to convey within such a short glimpse. Her gaze carries an unmistakable intensity, while her posture adds a sense of authority and mystery to the character. The elaborate styling and larger-than-life visual treatment further enhance the impact, giving audiences a glimpse of her portrayal of the powerful Goddess Kali and leaving them curious to discover more about the character and her place in the world of Mahakali. The brief glimpse offers only a taste of her transformation, but the unrecognisable avatar and sheer intensity are enough to spark curiosity. Taking on the role of Goddess Durga, she brings a powerful new dimension to her screen persona, making this one of the most intriguing additions to her filmography. Where have you seen Sriya Reddy before? Indian actress and television presenter Sriya Reddy has worked prominently in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Born to former Indian test cricketer Bharath Reddy, Sriya has worked as a video jockey at SS Music before pursuing an acting career in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. She made her debut in 2002 in the film Samurai and has appeared in e a dozen Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films including hits like Black, Thimiru, Kanchivaram, Suzhal and OG, and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, among others. Also read: Mahakali teaser out: Akshaye Khanna’s fierce transformation as Shukracharya leaves fans stunned | Watch Her impactful performances in Salaar, OG and Suzhal have showcased different facets of her screen presence, with the actor consistently making her characters stand out. From powerful dramatic roles to more layered portrayals, she has built an impressive repertoire. The actress is married to Sriya married actor-producer Vikram Krishna. The couple married in 2008, and Sriya took a break from acting soon after, only to make a comeback eight years later. Sriya and Vikram are parents to a girl named Amalia.

Sriya Reddy, known for films like Salaar and OG, makes a striking appearance as Goddess Durga in the recently released trailer of Mahakali. The trailer also features Akshaye Khanna.&nbsp;

Did you spot Sriya Reddy in Mahakali? The Salaar star looks unrecognisable in new teaser as Goddess Durga

After a long wait, the makers have unveiled the first glimpse of the Mahakali, featuring Akshaye Khanna and Sriya Reddy. Titled Shukracharya’s War Cry, the teaser gives a closer look at Khanna's fierce character, the revered guru of the Asuras, sending fans into a frenzy.<h2>Mahakali first look</h2>The nearly three-minute video from the mythological spectacle showcases Shukracharya at the centre of an impending war. The narration delves into the long-standing struggle between the Devas and the Asuras, presenting the conflict through the latter’s perspective.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mahakali-first-look-date-makers-drop-striking-poster-of-akshaye-khanna-s-shukracharya-look-1787131356884"> Mahakali first look date: Makers drop striking poster of Akshaye Khanna’s Shukracharya look</a>&nbsp;The voiceover recounts stories from mythology, such as the churning of the ocean and the division of the nectar of immortality.&nbsp;The teaser concludes with an ominous confrontation, the Asuras ready to take what they felt was taken from them.<h2>Akshaye Khanna's transformation</h2>The major highlight of the first glimpse is Khanna's shocking transformation. He looks almost unrecognisable with a long silver-white beard, matted hair gathered into a topknot and traditional tilak markings. His intense gaze and commanding presence as Shukracharya have taken over the internet.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/akshaye-khanna-is-aura-king-now-but-why-did-bollywood-shun-him-before-durandhar-chhaava-success-1765360002154">Akshaye Khanna is Aura King now, but why did Bollywood shun him before Durandhar, Chhaava success?</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/akshaye-khanna-s-nostalgic-roles-you-might-forgot-jeetu-from-videocon-to-lieutenant-dharamvir-singh-1774671393340">Akshaye Khanna's nostalgic roles you might forgot</a><h2>Internet reactions</h2>As soon as the teaser surfaced, social media was flooded with reactions. One user wrote, "Mahakaali scene was pure goosebumps." Another added, "Who came here for Akshay Khanna performance and transformation." "Last moment omg pure goosebumps jai ma kali," read another comment. "Mahakali Teaser Goosebumps," wrote another. "Akshaye Khanna after Dhurandhar is on another level," said one fan. "Akshay Khanna Sir nailed it," commented another.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/farah-khan-recalls-akshaye-khanna-was-not-nice-on-set-in-90s-throw-things-irritated-over-hair-loss-1773467955390"> Farah Khan recalls Akshaye Khanna was not nice on set in 90s, throw things: ‘Irritated over hair loss'</a><h2>About Mahakali</h2>The project marks Khanna's Telugu film debut, and the teaser also gives a glimpse of Sriya Reddy. The mythological film also features Bhoomi Shetty, Rohit Saraf and several other actors.&nbsp;Mahakali is the next instalment in Prasanth Varma's Cinematic Universe, which began 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.&nbsp;Mahakali will arrive in theatres on January 8, 2027.

On Monday, makers of Mahakali shared the first glimpse of Akshaye Khanna's character, Shukracharya. The actor has shocked viewers with his fierce transformation. Mahakali will arrive in theatres next year.

After a long wait, the makers have unveiled the first glimpse of the Mahakali, featuring Akshaye Khanna and Sriya Reddy. Titled Shukracharya’s War Cry, the teaser gives a closer look at Khanna's fierce character, the revered guru of the Asuras, sending fans into a frenzy. Mahakali first look The nearly three-minute video from the mythological spectacle showcases Shukracharya at the centre of an impending war. The narration delves into the long-standing struggle between the Devas and the Asuras, presenting the conflict through the latter’s perspective. Also Read: Mahakali first look date: Makers drop striking poster of Akshaye Khanna’s Shukracharya look The voiceover recounts stories from mythology, such as the churning of the ocean and the division of the nectar of immortality. The teaser concludes with an ominous confrontation, the Asuras ready to take what they felt was taken from them. Akshaye Khanna's transformation The major highlight of the first glimpse is Khanna's shocking transformation. He looks almost unrecognisable with a long silver-white beard, matted hair gathered into a topknot and traditional tilak markings. His intense gaze and commanding presence as Shukracharya have taken over the internet. Also Read: Akshaye Khanna is Aura King now, but why did Bollywood shun him before Durandhar, Chhaava success?

On Monday, makers of Mahakali shared the first glimpse of Akshaye Khanna's character, Shukracharya. The actor has shocked viewers with his fierce transformation. Mahakali will arrive in theatres next year.

Mahakali teaser out: Akshaye Khanna’s fierce transformation as Shukracharya leaves fans stunned | Watch

Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna is stepping into Tollywood with a powerful new avatar. Filmmaker Prasanth Varma has unveiled the first-look poster of Khanna as the enigmatic Asuraguru Shukracharya in his upcoming film Mahakali, the third installment in the expanding Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU).&nbsp;The poster reveals a striking transformation, Khanna sports long grey locks, a flowing beard, and piercing silver eyes, draped in dark robes that highlight his intense persona. Sharing the image, Varma wrote, “In the shadows of gods, rose the brightest flame of rebellion. Presenting The Enigmatic #AkshayeKhanna as the eternal ‘Asuraguru SHUKRACHARYA’ from #Mahakali.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/veteran-kannada-theatre-artist-yashwant-sardeshpande-dies-at-60-condolences-pour-in-1759138230430">Veteran theatre artist Yashwant Sardeshpande dies at 60, condolences pour in</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In the shadows of gods, rose the brightest flame of rebellion 🔥 Presenting The Enigmatic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AkshayeKhanna?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AkshayeKhanna</a> as the eternal &#39;Asuraguru SHUKRACHARYA&#39; from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahakali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahakali</a> 🔱❤️‍🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/PujaKolluru?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PujaKolluru</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RKDStudios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RKDStudios</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RKDuggal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RKDuggal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RiwazRameshDuggal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RiwazRameshDuggal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ThePVCU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThePVCU</a> <a href="https://t.co/mclj39Q8z9">pic.twitter.com/mclj39Q8z9</a>&mdash; Prasanth Varma (@PrasanthVarma) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrasanthVarma/status/1972883731729007070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Social media reactions</h2>Fans quickly compared Khanna’s dramatic look to Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Dronacharya in Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD. Some even joked that the poster appeared "AI-generated," while others said it looked like “Amitabh Bachchan 40% downloaded.” Another comment read, "We don’t talk enough about it… but we are in the Akshaye Khanna era." Despite the playful banter, most agreed that Khanna’s makeover is one of his boldest screen transformations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-emraan-hashmi-starrer-goes-on-floors-filming-begins-in-bangkok-1759140083793">Awarapan 2: Emraan Hashmi starrer goes on floors, filming begins in Bangkok</a><h2>About Mahakali and PVCU</h2>Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and conceptualized by Prasanth Varma, Mahakali introduces the franchise’s first female superhero inspired by Goddess Kali. The film is produced by RKD Studios and presented by RK Duggal.&nbsp;Mahakali follows the success of HanuMan, starring Teja Sajja, which marked the launch of PVCU. The cinematic universe also includes, HanuMan and its sequel Jai Hanuman (starring Rishab Shetty), Adhira with Dasari Kalyan and an untitled project featuring Mokshagna Teja.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-s-iconic-langda-tyagi-from-omkara-to-get-a-spin-off-here-s-what-we-know-1759152140205">Saif Ali Khan’s Langda Tyagi from Omkara to get a spin-off? Here’s what we know</a>&nbsp;As per reports, Akshaye Khanna’s Shukracharya will be a recurring character across multiple PVCU films, adding “intrigue and depth” to the epic universe. However, it remains under wraps whether he will appear as an outright antagonist or a morally complex figure.<h2>Akshaye Khanna’s career and upcoming films</h2>Khanna, last seen as Aurangzeb in Chaava opposite Vicky Kaushal, has been on a career high with impactful roles in films like Drishyam 2, Race, and Dil Chahta Hai. With Mahakali, he not only makes his Telugu debut but also embraces one of Indian mythology’s most layered characters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/ramayana-producer-namit-malhotra-of-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-debunks-rumours-of-rs-4000-crore-budget-1759203360148">Ramayana: Producer Namit Malhotra of Ranbir Kapoor starrer debunks rumours of Rs 4000 crore budget</a>&nbsp;Apart from Mahakali, the actor is set to appear in Aditya Dhar’s upcoming action-drama Dhurandhar, featuring an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal. The film is slated for release on December 5, 2025.<h2>Team behind the camera</h2>Mahakali boasts a strong technical lineup with Smaran Sai composing the music, Suresh Ragutu handling cinematography, and Sri Nagendra Tangala designing grand, intricate sets. Production is currently underway, with filming expected to wrap by December.&nbsp;

Filmmaker Prasanth Varma has revealed the first-look poster of his upcoming film Mahakali which presents Akshaye Khanna as Asuraguru Shukracharya. Read on to know more. 


Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna is stepping into Tollywood with a powerful new avatar. Filmmaker Prasanth Varma has unveiled the first-look poster of Khanna as the enigmatic Asuraguru Shukracharya in his upcoming film Mahakali, the third installment in the expanding Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). The poster reveals a striking transformation, Khanna sports long grey locks, a flowing beard, and piercing silver eyes, draped in dark robes that highlight his intense persona. Sharing the image, Varma wrote, “In the shadows of gods, rose the brightest flame of rebellion. Presenting The Enigmatic #AkshayeKhanna as the eternal ‘Asuraguru SHUKRACHARYA’ from #Mahakali.” Also Read: Veteran theatre artist Yashwant Sardeshpande dies at 60, condolences pour in

Filmmaker Prasanth Varma has revealed the first-look poster of his upcoming film Mahakali which presents Akshaye Khanna as Asuraguru Shukracharya. Read on to know more.

Akshaye Khanna’s powerful first look as Shukracharya in Mahakali leaves fans stunned

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Akshaye Khanna marks Telugu debut with 'Mahakali'

Meet Sriya Reddy: The Salaar star looks unrecignisable in Mahakali

Mahakali: Akshaye Khanna’s transformation as Shukracharya leaves fans stunned

Akshaye Khanna’s first look as Shukracharya in Mahakali leaves fans stunned