Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe or PVCU has officially released a big announcement that lays the groundwork for its upcoming mythological saga, ‘Mahakali’. The newly launched first-look poster features veteran actor Akshaye Khanna in an electrifying, brooding avatar of Shukracharya, the iconic and powerful teacher of the demons.
Akshaye Khanna Joins PVCU as Shukracharya
Khanna’s joining the PVCU is a major coup for the franchise, announcing its intention to recruit established actors for key, complex parts. Shukracharya is no one-dimensional bad guy; he is a man imbued with deep knowledge and moral complexity. He is the keeper of the extremely coveted Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya, the hidden knowledge of bringing the dead back to life, and thus nearly invaluable and commonly misconceived. He is extremely loyal to his students, the Asuras, but his wisdom occasionally compels him to face the intricate ethics behind their actions.
Khanna is entering the PVCU as Shukracharya in the second instalment of the franchise, Mahakali. The news was revealed by Prasanth Varma through his official social media accounts. Along with his post, the renowned director of the 2024 blockbuster Hanu-Man, mentioned, “In gods’ shadows, a blaze of revolt ascended. Introducing The Enigmatic #AkshayeKhanna as the perpetual ‘Asuraguru SHUKRACHARYA’ from #Mahakali.”
Check The Post:
In the shadows of gods,
rose the brightest flame of rebellion 🔥Presenting The Enigmatic #AkshayeKhanna as the eternal ‘Asuraguru SHUKRACHARYA’ from #Mahakali 🔱❤️🔥@PujaKolluru @RKDStudios #RKDuggal #RiwazRameshDuggal @ThePVCU pic.twitter.com/mclj39Q8z9
— Prasanth Varma (@PrasanthVarma) September 30, 2025
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Netizens React to Akshaye Khanna as Shukracharya
After this reveal, Netizens opined about the casting and how they felt regarding the veteran’s introduction into the PVCU. Reactions to Khanna’s casting among fans vary from shocked to thrilled, as many reminisce about his recent performances. Apart from his most recent project, his casting as the demon master also generated debates regarding his showstopping performances throughout his career.
Akshaye Khanna is getting an insane run this decade pic.twitter.com/e2UzEABAOF
— ®|$#! (@SkyStar04510789) September 30, 2025
A user on X wrote, “we really need to recognize akshaye khanna‘s range“
we really need to recognize akshaye khanna’s range – working with all kinds of directors ranging across priyadarshan, farhan akhtar, farah khan, subhash ghai, and abbas-mustan, and committing to all genres equally
a very underrated film of his is gandhi my father, a must-watch pic.twitter.com/vYqBxfxrr7
— Hindol Hazra (@hindolheroic) July 6, 2025
Another user listed the impressive performances delivered by the actor in the past year.
Aurangzeb
Agent
Shukracharya1 year, 3 different looks, 1 man#AkshayeKhanna Chameleon 🙏 pic.twitter.com/rZ8O495MKt
— $@M (@SAMTHEBESTEST_) September 30, 2025
What is the Story of Mahakali?
As per the official website of Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, Mahakali is the tale of Maha, a dark colored girl, a victim of racism, who finds that she has the powers of goddess Kali. Once she learns that fact, she needs to utilise her power by facing the evils.
About Prasanth Varma’s Mahakali
‘Mahakali’, dreamed up and crafted by Prasanth Varma, with Puja Kolluru at the helm of direction, is set as the next big instalment after the creation of the universe. The movie is poised to explore deeply the mythological history of the goddess Mahakali and her battle with the Asuras. The refined casting of Khanna as the guru of the Asura marks a story that will be full of conflict, philosophy, and spectacle. Directed by RKD Studios’ RKDuggal and Riwaz Duggal, the film is quite obviously gunning for a big-budget, high-end movie experience.
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