Akshaye Khanna as Shukracharya: Mahakali glimpse drops August 24
Synopsis
Akshaye Khanna's transformation into Shukracharya — silver-bearded, ascetic-robed, luminous-eyed — was already one of Bollywood's most talked-about character reveals. On 24 August, the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe drops the next glimpse, and fan reactions suggest the mythology franchise that began with Hanu-Man is building toward something even bigger.
Key Takeaways
RKD Studios announced that Akshaye Khanna's glimpse as Shukracharya in Mahakali will drop on 24 August .
The studio's cryptic Instagram post — '24th August - The End Begins' — triggered a wave of fan excitement, with comments including 'Goosebumps'.
An earlier first look showed Khanna in a flowing silver beard, ascetic robes, and luminous eyes as the Asuraguru Shukracharya .
Mahakali is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and created by Prasanth Varma , the filmmaker behind blockbuster Hanu-Man .
The film also stars Bhoomi Shetty and Rohit Saraf in key roles.
Akshaye Khanna's first glimpse as the mythological antagonist Shukracharya in the upcoming film Mahakali is set to be unveiled on 24 August, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation. The reveal was teased by RKD Studios on their official Instagram handle, with the cryptic caption: '24th August - The End Begins.'
The Teaser That Sparked a Frenzy
The Instagram post from RKD Studios offered no visuals but carried unmistakable intent — a countdown to what is expected to be a full character reveal of Khanna's transformation into Asuraguru Shukracharya, the revered guru of the Asuras in Hindu mythology. Fans flooded the comments section almost immediately.
'Doomsday can wait.. I am excited for this project more.. Akshay Khanna,' one user wrote. Another added, 'This frame and look... Goosebumps... can't wait to see AK in the avtaar.' A third commented, 'Oh yayy, so glad to see Akshay Khanna in our movie... Will be so interesting to watch.'
Akshaye Khanna's Striking First Look
An earlier first look, released by the makers last year, had already generated considerable buzz. In that image, Khanna appeared virtually unrecognisable — draped in ascetic robes, sporting a flowing silver beard, and gazing through luminous eyes that underscored the otherworldly gravitas of the character. The caption at the time read: 'In the shadows of gods, rose the brightest flame of rebellion. Presenting The Enigmatic Akshaye Khanna as the eternal Asuraguru SHUKRACHARYA from Mahakali.'
The 24 August glimpse is expected to build further on that visual language, offering a more detailed or cinematic window into the character.
About Mahakali and the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe
Mahakali is the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), which launched to blockbuster success with Hanu-Man. The mythological drama is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, with Prasanth Varma serving as creator. It is presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the banner of RKD Studios.
Alongside Khanna, the film features Bhoomi Shetty and Rohit Saraf in key roles. The project was first announced by Varma on the occasion of Navratri, when he said: 'I'm thrilled to share something very special. Together with RKD Studios, we proudly present the tale of an invincible warrior, the protector of the righteous, and the ultimate destroyer of evil. From the universe of Hanu-Man, prepare for the rise of Mahakali.'
What to Watch For
The 24 August reveal is shaping up to be a major marketing moment for the PVCU, which is banking on the mythology-driven franchise model to replicate — and potentially surpass — the commercial momentum of Hanu-Man. With audience appetite for Indian mythological epics at a high, the Shukracharya glimpse could set the tone for one of the more anticipated releases on the horizon.
Point of View
Not just its hero. Akshaye Khanna as Shukracharya is a casting choice that lends instant credibility to a character who, in Hindu tradition, is as morally complex as any MCU villain. The real question is whether Puja Kolluru's direction can match the world-building Prasanth Varma set up with Hanu-Man, or whether Mahakali becomes the franchise's first stumble. The 24 August glimpse will be the first real signal.
NationPress
19 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Akshaye Khanna's Shukracharya look from Mahakali be revealed?
The glimpse of Akshaye Khanna as Shukracharya is set to be unveiled on 24 August, as announced by RKD Studios via their official Instagram handle with the caption '24th August - The End Begins'.
Who is Shukracharya in Mahakali?
Shukracharya is a pivotal mythological figure — the guru of the Asuras — being portrayed by Akshaye Khanna in Mahakali. His earlier first look showed Khanna in ascetic robes, a silver beard, and luminous eyes, described by the makers as 'the eternal Asuraguru'.
What is the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe?
The Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) is a mythology-driven Indian film franchise created by filmmaker Prasanth Varma. It launched with the blockbuster Hanu-Man, and Mahakali is its next instalment.
Who is directing Mahakali and who else stars in it?
Mahakali is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, with Prasanth Varma as creator. The film stars Akshaye Khanna, Bhoomi Shetty, and Rohit Saraf in key roles, and is produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under RKD Studios.
How did fans react to the Mahakali Shukracharya teaser?
Fan response was enthusiastic, with social media comments describing the reveal as giving them 'Goosebumps' and expressing eagerness to see Akshaye Khanna in the role. The earlier first look had already generated significant online buzz.
