Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 24: Akshaye Khanna is set to take on one of the most intriguing characters in Indian mythology in filmmaker Prasanth Varma’s upcoming mythological-superhero film Mahakali. The actor plays Shukracharya, the legendary guru of the Asuras, in what is being described as a striking transformation following his acclaimed performance in Dhurandhar.
The makers unveiled the first major glimpse of the film on Monday, August 24. Titled “Shukracharya’s War Cry”, the nearly three-minute glimpse places Khanna’s character at the centre of an epic conflict between the Devas and Asuras. The makers have also announced the film’s release date.
Mahakali is the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), which began with the 2024 Telugu superhero film Hanu-Man. The upcoming movie features Bhoomi Shetty in the lead role as Goddess Kali, with Rohit Saraf and several other actors in important roles. It is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, based on a story and concept by Prasanth Varma, and presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner.
Khanna's first look as Shukracharya had already attracted considerable attention. The actor appears almost unrecognisable, sporting a long beard, matted hair and traditional layered attire. Shukracharya is traditionally regarded as the guru and spiritual guide of the Asuras and is associated with extraordinary knowledge, strategy and the mystical Sanjeevni Vidya, believed to possess the power to revive the dead.
According to Hindu mythology, Shukracharya was born as Ushna to sage Bhrigu and Kavya. He studied at the ashram of Angiras Rishi alongside Brihaspati, who later became the guru of the Devas. Ushna was considered exceptionally intelligent but developed a rivalry with Brihaspati, particularly because he believed Brihaspati received preferential treatment as the son of the guru.
His education later expanded beyond traditional Vedic learning to include strategy, politics, debate and statecraft. When the Devas were looking for a guru, Brihaspati was selected instead of Ushna. This rejection is traditionally seen as an important turning point in Shukracharya's life and his eventual association with the Asuras.
Shukracharya subsequently became the guru of the Asuras. Rather than viewing them simply as enemies of the Devas, he is portrayed in mythology as a powerful teacher and strategist who sought to protect them from repeated defeat. He advised prominent Asura rulers and became one of their most important sources of knowledge and guidance.
One of the greatest disadvantages faced by the Asuras was mortality. The Devas possessed Amrit, while the Asuras could be killed in battle. Shukracharya therefore sought a way to overcome this imbalance.
He undertook severe penance to obtain the Sanjeevni Vidya. According to mythology, his intense tapasya eventually pleased Lord Shiva, who granted him the knowledge capable of bringing the dead back to life.
The possession of Sanjeevni Vidya transformed the balance between the Devas and Asuras. Warriors who died in battle could potentially be revived, making Shukracharya an extremely powerful figure in the cosmic conflict.
His extraordinary knowledge was later tested through Kacha, the son of Brihaspati. Kacha became Shukracharya's disciple with the intention of learning the secret of Sanjeevni Vidya. Shukracharya's daughter Devayani eventually fell in love with Kacha.
The Asuras repeatedly killed Kacha to prevent him from acquiring the secret, but Shukracharya revived him each time. In one of the most dramatic episodes, Kacha was killed, his body was burned and his ashes were mixed into Shukracharya's food.
Shukracharya then faced an impossible choice. To revive Kacha, he would have to reveal the Sanjeevni Vidya, but doing so could result in his own death. He nevertheless chose to save his disciple.
Kacha subsequently used the knowledge to revive Shukracharya. However, his relationship with Devayani eventually ended in tragedy, with both characters placing curses on each other.
The mythology surrounding Shukracharya therefore presents him as far more than simply the “Guru of the Asuras”. He is portrayed as a scholar, teacher, strategist, outsider and father who challenges the existing cosmic order while also confronting the consequences of possessing extraordinary power.
This complexity appears to be central to Khanna's portrayal in Mahakali. The actor, who recently played Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, is taking on a vastly different character in the new film. His Shukracharya look and the newly released glimpse suggest a darker and more imposing role.
The film has completed an extensive production schedule, with the makers previously announcing that shooting had entered its final phase after 125 days. Khanna and Rohit Saraf had also completed their major shooting schedules.
Mahakali is expected to be released as a pan-Indian film in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. The project is being positioned as a major expansion of the PVCU, blending Indian mythology with a modern superhero-film format.
With Khanna's Shukracharya now emerging as one of the central figures of the film, Mahakali is set to explore a mythological world of divine powers, supernatural abilities and the eternal conflict between opposing cosmic forces.