Akshaye Khanna Poses with Director Puja Kolluru from the Set of Mahakali, Preps Up for Telugu Debut Amid Controversies

After winding up 2025 with Dhurandhar’s record-breaking success, lead actor Akshaye Khanna is reportedly preparing for his next blockbuster, Mahakali. The movie, directed by Puja Kolluru, marks his debut in Telugu cinema. Amidst all the breach of contract controversies concerning Drishyam 3 and Section 375, the actor is prepping up for Prasanth Varma’s Mahakali. The 50-year-old star will step into a never-seen-before avatar as he essays the role of Shukracharya, the formidable guru of the asuras.

Bankrolled by RKD Studios, RK Duggal, and Riwaz Duggal, the film follows a tale of an invincible warrior, protector of the righteous, and destroyer of evil. The mythological epic will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, in 2026.

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Mahakali: Akshaye Khanna’s Telugu Debut

The Telugu superhero film, Mahakali, hailing from the universe of hanu-man, will be a part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). Written, conceptualised, and created by Varma himself, the mythological drama is the most anticipated film of 2026, marking Akshaye Khanna’s Telugu debut. 

Last year in September, the filmmaker unveiled Khanna’s first look. Cut to 2026, amidst all the ‘breach of contract’ controversies, director Kolluru shared a carousel of photos on Instagram, which included a selfie of her and Khanna. The post immediately sparked conversations around the actor’s next film in the pipeline. It also confirmed that shooting is underway with the actor on board.

It is no news that Akshaye’s professional slate is expanding at lightning speed. However, his sudden exit from Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam 3 has sparked debate around the actor’s unethical behaviour and professionalism. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak of Panorama Studios opened up about his experience working with Akshaye Khanna for the film Section 375. He accused the actor of walking out just days before the shoot, leaving the crew idle for six months.