As 2025 wrapped up, Mahakali director Puja Kolluru took a moment to look back — and one collaboration clearly stood out. The filmmaker recently shared that working with Akshaye Khanna, fresh off the massive success of Dhurandhar, was among the most fulfilling experiences of her year.
Mahakali is the next big chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), and it also marks Akshaye Khanna’s Telugu cinema debut, making the project even more special.
A candid moment from the sets
Puja shared a cheerful selfie with Akshaye from the sets of Mahakali, part of a larger photo dump reflecting on her journey through 2025. In her note, she described the year as transformative — one that pushed her creatively and personally.
The images offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the film: outdoor shoots, script sessions, time spent at the iconic Mehboob Studios, and moments from post-production. Fans were quick to react, flooding the comments with excitement for Mahakali and curiosity about Akshaye’s role.
Akshaye Khanna’s powerful transformation
Back in September 2025, Puja had unveiled Akshaye Khanna’s first look as Shukracharya, the legendary Asuraguru. The reveal instantly grabbed attention. Sporting long grey hair and a flowing beard, Akshaye appeared almost unrecognisable — a stark contrast to his grounded, intense avatar in Dhurandhar.
Introducing the character, Puja described Shukracharya as a force operating in the shadows of gods — a symbol of rebellion and intellect rather than brute strength. She also expressed gratitude for getting the opportunity to work with an actor of Akshaye’s calibre, calling it an honour.
Mahakali and the growing PVCU
Mahakali stars Bhoomi Shetty in the lead role as Maha and forms a crucial part of the expanding PVCU, which already includes HanuMan and the upcoming Jai Hanuman and Adhira. While the film’s release date is yet to be announced, anticipation continues to build, especially with the universe steadily gaining scale and ambition.
Final words
For Puja Kolluru, Mahakali isn’t just another film — it’s a milestone. Collaborating with Akshaye Khanna at this stage of her career appears to have left a lasting impression, and the early glimpses suggest the film is aiming for something bold and mythologically rich.
With PVCU continuing to expand and Akshaye stepping into Telugu cinema with a striking role, Mahakali is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing projects to watch.
