Akshaye Khanna’s Mahakali look leaves internet stunned

Hyderabad: Akshaye Khanna has done it again. After winning praise for his menacing performances in Chhaava and Dhurandhar, the actor has now left viewers stunned with his transformation into Shukracharya for Mahakali.

The makers unveiled the much-awaited teaser on Monday, offering the first proper glimpse of Akshaye in action. Sporting a long silver-white beard, thick moustache and fierce eyes, the actor appears almost unrecognisable. However, it is his controlled intensity and commanding screen presence that have become the biggest talking points online.

The teaser revisits the story of Samudra Manthan from the Asuras’ perspective. Shukracharya questions why the Amrit was handed only to the Devas despite the Asuras also participating in the churning of the ocean. He also challenges their banishment to the underworld and denial of Indra’s throne.

The tension rises when Shukracharya orders Raktabeej to destroy humanity, setting the stage for a massive confrontation involving the Devas, Asuras and Goddess Mahakali.

Social media users could not stop praising Akshaye’s transformation. “That look. That intensity. That screen presence,” wrote one viewer, while another called him a “chameleon of an actor.” Several fans said his eyes alone were enough to command attention, while others described his avatar as pure menace.

Mahakali is the latest chapter in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe following Hanu-Man. Created by Prasanth Varma and directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, the film stars Bhoomi Shetty as Maha.

Rohit Saraf, Sriya Reddy, Samuthirakani, Rajat Kapoor, Murali Sharma, Rakesh Bedi and Nassar are also part of the cast. The mythological superhero film is scheduled to hit theatres on January 8, 2027.