Mahakali enters final shoot phase after 125 days, IMAX release planned
Synopsis
After 125 days of filming, 'Mahakali' — the PVCU's most ambitious entry yet — is in its final shoot phase. With Akshaye Khanna and Rohit Saraf having wrapped their portions, and an IMAX release on the horizon, director Puja Kolluru's mythological epic is inching toward post-production on what could be Indian cinema's grandest divine spectacle.
Key Takeaways
'Mahakali' , directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru , has reportedly entered its final phase of filming after 125 days of shoot.
Akshaye Khanna (as Shukracharya) and Rohit Saraf have both completed their portions, according to sources.
Bhoomi Shetty plays the titular role of Mahakali; her first-look poster received a strong audience response.
The film is being shot in IMAX format and is produced by RKD Studios under RK Duggal and Riwaz Ramesh Duggal .
Music is by Smaran Sai , cinematography by Suresh Ragutu , and production design by Sri Nagendra Tangala .
No official release date has been announced; the team is moving toward post-production.
Director Puja Aparna Kolluru's mythological epic 'Mahakali' — the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) — has reportedly entered its final phase of filming after completing 125 days of shoot, according to sources close to the production. The film, being shot for IMAX, is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious mythological spectacles in Indian cinema.
Key Production Milestones
Sources close to the unit confirm that two key cast members have wrapped their portions. Akshaye Khanna, who portrays the powerful role of Shukracharya, has already completed filming, while Rohit Saraf has also finished shooting for his character. The completion of these pivotal roles marks a significant step toward wrapping the production.
The Cast and Characters
Bhoomi Shetty plays the titular role of Mahakali, and her first-look poster — depicting the goddess in a fierce divine avatar — drew a strong response from audiences. Akshaye Khanna's first look as Shukracharya similarly generated considerable buzz, raising expectations for his role within the PVCU. The film features an ensemble of acclaimed actors drawn from multiple Indian film industries.
Production and Technical Team
The film is produced by RK Duggal and Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner, with Prasanth Varma serving as creator and Puja Kolluru as director. On the technical front, music is composed by Smaran Sai, cinematography is handled by Suresh Ragutu, and production design is by Sri Nagendra Tangala. The IMAX format promises immersive visuals at a scale rarely attempted in Indian mythological cinema.
What Happens Next
With the final leg of shooting now reportedly underway, the makers are said to be working at full pace to complete production and transition into post-production. Given the IMAX scale and the ambition of the PVCU universe, post-production for 'Mahakali' is expected to be an extensive process. No official release date has been announced yet.
Point of View
Which has been building toward a mythology-driven cinematic universe in the mould of global franchises. The real test will be post-production — IMAX-scale VFX for Indian mythological content remains a high-risk, high-reward proposition, and the gap between a striking first-look poster and a coherent big-screen spectacle is where such projects have historically stumbled. Akshaye Khanna's casting as Shukracharya is the shrewdest creative bet here; if the film delivers on that promise, it could redefine audience expectations for the genre.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Mahakali' and which universe does it belong to?
'Mahakali' is a mythological epic directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and is the next chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). It is produced by RKD Studios under RK Duggal and Riwaz Ramesh Duggal, and is being filmed in IMAX format.
How many days of shooting has 'Mahakali' completed?
According to sources close to the production, 'Mahakali' has completed 125 days of shooting and has now entered its final phase of filming.
Who plays the lead role in 'Mahakali'?
Bhoomi Shetty plays the titular role of Mahakali. Her first-look poster depicting the goddess in a fierce divine avatar received a warm response from audiences.
Which actors have finished filming for 'Mahakali'?
Akshaye Khanna, who plays the pivotal role of Shukracharya, has already wrapped his portions. Rohit Saraf has also completed shooting for his character, according to sources close to the unit.
When is 'Mahakali' expected to release?
No official release date has been announced as of now. With the final shoot phase reportedly underway, the makers are working to complete production and move into post-production, which is expected to be extensive given the film's IMAX scale.
