In a heartfelt birthday tribute that has set social media abuzz, acclaimed filmmaker Prashanth Varma — the visionary behind the blockbuster Hanu-Man — has unveiled a fresh on-set photograph of Bollywood stalwart Akshaye Khanna from the sets of his ambitious mythological superhero film Mahakali. The image, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on March 28, 2026, coincides with Khanna’s 51st birthday and offers fans a tantalising glimpse into the actor’s transformative portrayal of the formidable Asuraguru Shukracharya.
Varma, who is also producing the film under his Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), captioned the post with warm praise: “Happy Birthday #AkshayeKhanna sir, a true actor who proves that real talent doesn’t need noise. Effortless screen presence, powerful performances, and unmatched class always stand out. It’s an absolute honour working with you. Can’t wait to show the world what we’ve created together! Updates coming soon! #Mahakali #Adhira #JaiHanuman.”
The still captures Khanna deep in character, embodying the mythical guru of the asuras with an intensity that builds on the actor’s first-look poster released in September 2025. In that earlier teaser, Khanna appeared almost unrecognisable — sporting flowing white hair, a voluminous beard, a traditional topknot, and a haunting white eye that conveyed both wisdom and menace. The new image from the sets reinforces this enigmatic avatar, hinting at the layered complexity Varma envisions for the role.
Mahakali, directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and written by Prasanth Varma himself, marks a significant milestone: it is the first female-led superhero film in the PVCU. Bhoomi Shetty (also referred to as Bhoomika Shetty in some reports) headlines the project as the fierce protagonist “Maha,” bringing a fresh dynamic to the expanding universe that began with the 2024 hit Hanu-Man. Akshaye Khanna’s entry into Telugu cinema as the primary antagonist adds star power and cross-industry appeal, coming hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed performance in Dhurandhar.
Produced by RKD Studios, the film is slated for a grand theatrical release on May 15, 2026. Early buzz, amplified by teaser visuals and behind-the-scenes glimpses shared by director Kolluru last year, has already positioned Mahakali as one of the most anticipated pan-Indian releases of the year. Fans of the PVCU are particularly excited about how this chapter will intertwine mythology, superpower lore, and high-stakes drama.