In Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna proved once again why he remains one of Bollywood’s most powerful performers. His portrayal of Rehman Dakait has become a fan favourite, especially his electrifying entry-song moment that sent audiences into a frenzy. Since the film’s release, viewers have been replaying his scenes repeatedly, praising the actor’s effortless command over every frame.
Riding high on the wave of appreciation from India and abroad, Akshaye Khanna is now gearing up for another unforgettable role. He will next be seen as Shukracharya, the revered Guru of the Asuras, in the upcoming mythological epic Mahakali—a pivotal addition to the expanding Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). The film also marks Akshaye’s much-awaited Telugu debut, further adding to the excitement surrounding the project.
Director Prasanth Varma had earlier unveiled Khanna’s intense first-look poster, which also marked the actor’s return to social media. The striking image shows Akshaye fully immersed in his dark, commanding avatar—his transformation so powerful that it instantly grabbed attention across platforms. Fans flooded the comments, calling his look “superb casting,” “terrifyingly good,” and even declaring that he “deserves an Oscar already.”
The caption on the poster read, “In the shadows of gods, rose the brightest flame of rebellion.” Varma added, “Presenting the enigmatic Akshaye Khanna as the eternal Asuraguru Shukracharya from Mahakali.” The announcement has only heightened anticipation for what promises to be one of Khanna’s most intense performances.
Film critic Taran Adarsh also confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Akshaye’s entry into Mahakali marks his official debut in Telugu cinema. He wrote that the actor will appear in a “never-seen-before avatar” in the film conceptualised and created by Prasanth Varma and directed by Puja Kolluru. Produced by RKD Studios, Mahakali is expected to release in multiple languages, including Hindi, likely in 2026, though an exact date is yet to be revealed.
Following the widespread acclaim for Dhurandhar, Akshaye has an exciting lineup ahead. He will star in Ikka alongside Sunny Deol, with Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome, and Sanjeeda Shaikh playing key roles. He is also set to appear in Drishyam 3, slated for a Gandhi Jayanti 2026 release.
