Director Prasanth Varma, who stunned Indian cinema with the huge box office success of HanuMan, is gearing up to take his vision to the next level. Having started the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) on a blockbuster note, the director is now set to release the next big installment in the series — Mahakali, a high-concept fantasy action movie that promises something new and never before attempted in Indian cinema.
In a big news, award-winning Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna has been signed to feature in an important role in Mahakali, marking his official debut in Telugu cinema. The news came as a confirmation after trade expert Taran Adarsh posted the update on social media, which was reposted later by the director himself, Prasanth Varma — causing much excitement among fans and cinema circles.
Fresh from his intense performance of Aurangzeb in the period drama Chhaava, Akshaye is now entering a completely new world. Though the makers are not revealing much about his role, preliminary reports indicate that he will be playing a Bengali gangster, a role said to be multi-faceted and pivotal to the story.
What sets Mahakali apart is that it is touted to be India’s first female superhero film, set against the vibrant and mystical backdrop of Bengal’s culture and traditions. The movie is being directed by Pooja Aparna Kolluru, with the story and screenplay penned by Prasanth Varma himself — adding yet another layer of authenticity and creative depth.
Backed by Riwaj Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner and presented by R K Duggal, Mahakali is being designed as a visual spectacle that blends mythology, fantasy, and high-octane drama. The film’s intriguing title poster, which was released recently, has already captured the audience’s imagination.
After setting the tone with HanuMan, Prasanth Varma’s PVCU is steadily expanding. The director has plans for a total of 12 superhero films under the banner, all connected through a shared universe, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe — but deeply rooted in Indian mythology and folklore.
Mahakali is currently in pre-production and is slated for a grand release in 2025, possibly during the summer, allowing the makers enough time to perfect the film’s visual and emotional appeal.
