Akshaye Khanna Celebrates 51st Birthday with Exciting Updates on Mahakali

On his 51st birthday, Akshaye Khanna received heartfelt wishes from director Prasanth Varma, who shared exciting updates about their upcoming film, Mahakali. Khanna's transformation into Shukracharya has garnered attention, and the film promises to blend mythology with a powerful narrative. With a successful recent performance in Dhurandhar, Khanna continues to captivate audiences. Mahakali, featuring Bhoomi Shetty, aims to redefine beauty standards in Indian cinema while celebrating the rich traditions of Bengal. Read on for more details about this highly anticipated project.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 15:36 IST

Celebrating Akshaye Khanna's Birthday

On his 51st birthday, Indian actor Akshaye Khanna received warm wishes from director Prasanth Varma. The filmmaker shared an exclusive behind-the-scenes image from the upcoming mythological film Mahakali, where Khanna plays Shukracharya, the priest of demons.

Khanna's Transformation in Mahakali

Mahakali: Khanna’s mythological transformation

Director Varma praised Khanna's remarkable talent and commanding presence, hinting at exciting updates about their collaboration. In September, the first look of Khanna as Shukracharya was revealed, coinciding with Durga Puja celebrations. His portrayal, featuring a bearded look with glowing eyes, was noted for its dramatic transformation.

The official poster depicts Shukracharya against a mountainous backdrop, showcasing his enigmatic and rebellious spirit. This film is part of Varma's cinematic universe, which includes successful projects like Hanu-Man and upcoming titles Jai Hanuman and Adhira. Notably, Mahakali marks Khanna’s debut in Telugu cinema.

Akshaye Khanna's Recent Work

Recently, Khanna captivated audiences in Dhurandhar, where he played Rehman Baloch, earning critical acclaim for his compelling performance. Although he did not appear in Dhurandhar 2, fans expressed their longing for his character on social media. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh, has achieved remarkable box office success, grossing over Rs 1,000 crore globally, with Indian collections exceeding Rs 600 crore by its second weekend as of March 28, 2026.

Details About Mahakali

About Mahakali

In October 2025, Prasanth Varma introduced Bhoomi Shetty in the lead role of Maha through the first-look poster of Mahakali. The filmmaker described her character as a powerful cosmic superhero, showcasing immense strength. The poster features Shetty in a fiery avatar, adorned with traditional jewelry that symbolizes divine power and the duality of Mahakali.

A statement from the production team highlighted that the film is set in Bengal, a region closely associated with Goddess Kali, and aims to capture the essence of its rich traditions. This socially relevant film will present a bold portrayal of Goddess Kali by a dark-skinned actress, challenging stereotypes and redefining beauty standards in Indian cinema.

On the technical side, the film features cinematography by Suresh Ragutu, editing by Saibabu Talari, and music by Smaran Sai. Action sequences are choreographed by A Vijay, with costume design by Shilpa GNS and production design led by Sri Nagendra Tangala. Mahakali is produced by RKD Studios under the direction of Puja Kolluru and Prasanth Varma, and is expected to further expand the PVCU by blending mythology with mystic drama.