Mahakali: Akshaye Khanna is unrecognisable in first theatrical release after Dhurandhar

The official trailer for Akshaye Khanna's upcoming film, Mahakali, was unveiled recently, showcasing the actor's transformation into the character of Shukracharya, the Guru of the Asuras. The visual unveiling last week sparked considerable buzz on social media platforms, generating curiosity about Khanna's portrayal of the mythological character.

In the trailer, titled "#Shukracharya’sWarCry", Akshaye Khanna is depicted with a long white beard, matted hair, and dressed in traditional attire, leaving viewers near-unrecognizable from his previous role in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar. The video begins with a powerful battle between Dharma and Adharma, setting the tone for the epic conflict that Shukracharya aims to initiate within the next 14 days.

The trailer also highlights the divine energy of Maa Kali as a formidable adversary for the demon guru. Fans of Akshaye Khanna have been quick to express their admiration for his transformation, with many praising his performance in the trailer comments. Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and written by Prashanth Varma, Mahakali is set in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, which already includes the blockbuster Hanuman film.

The film, centered around Goddess Kali, will explore themes of women empowerment, faith, and courage, and is slated for a theatrical release on January 8, 2027, also in IMAX 3D.