Hyderabad: Director Puja Kolluru recently shared a candid selfie with actor Akshaye Khanna from the sets of Mahakali, marking a key moment as the seasoned Bollywood star makes his much-anticipated debut in the Telugu film industry. The picture, which quickly drew attention on social media, offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of Khanna during the filming of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) project.
Puja Kolluru’s post draws attention online
Puja Kolluru took to Instagram to share a series of photographs, including the now-viral selfie with Akshaye Khanna. In the image, the actor is seen flashing his trademark understated smile while standing alongside the director, reflecting a relaxed and positive mood on set. Accompanying the pictures, Puja wrote, “Grateful 2025! You pushed me beyond my limits and introduced me to me!”, a caption that hinted at a creatively fulfilling year and the challenges faced during the making of Mahakali.
The post was widely liked and shared, with fans and industry colleagues welcoming Akshaye Khanna to Telugu cinema and praising Puja Kolluru for bringing together talent from different film industries.
Akshaye Khanna’s strong run with Dhurandhar
The selfie comes at a time when Akshaye Khanna is enjoying the success of his recent Hindi release Dhurandhar. In the film, Khanna played the role of Rehman, a character that added further weight to the spy action thriller led by Ranveer Singh. His performance was noted for its restraint and intensity, continuing his reputation for choosing layered and challenging roles.
According to figures shared by Jio Studios, Dhurandhar earned Rs 12.40 crore on its 27th day in theatres, marginally lower than the Rs 12.60 crore it collected the previous day. The film’s total domestic collection currently stands at Rs 766.90 crore, placing it among the biggest Hindi releases in recent years.
The film opened strongly, earning Rs 218 crore in its first week, followed by an even stronger second week with Rs 261.5 crore. Collections dipped in the third week to Rs 189.3 crore, but the overall box office performance has remained impressive.
About Dhurandhar and its impact
Released on December 5, Dhurandhar is inspired by true events and features Ranveer Singh portraying a high-risk operative taking on some of Pakistan’s most dangerous terrorists. While speculation about the real-life inspirations behind the characters has been rife on social media, the makers have maintained that the identities are fictional.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) also clarified that Ranveer Singh’s character, believed by many to be inspired by Major Mohit Sharma, is fictional. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has resonated strongly with audiences due to its blend of action, patriotism and emotional depth.
Following the massive success of the first instalment, the makers have already announced a sequel, scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. The sequel will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, underlining the franchise’s growing pan-India appeal.
Mahakali and the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe
Mahakali is the next instalment in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, which has been steadily expanding its mythological and superhero-inspired storytelling. The film stars Bhoomi Shetty in the lead role as Maha, with Akshaye Khanna playing a pivotal character whose details are currently being kept under wraps.
Akshaye Khanna’s inclusion in the cast has generated considerable excitement, as it marks his first foray into Telugu cinema. Known for his selective approach to scripts and his preference for strong narratives, Khanna’s debut is being seen as a significant addition to the PVCU.
Akshaye Khanna’s evolving career choices
Over the years, Akshaye Khanna has built a reputation for versatility, moving seamlessly between mainstream cinema and content-driven films. From critically acclaimed performances to impactful supporting roles in big-budget projects, his career trajectory reflects a conscious effort to prioritise substance over volume.
His decision to enter Telugu cinema with Mahakali is being viewed as part of a broader trend of cross-industry collaborations, where actors increasingly work across languages to reach wider audiences. Industry observers believe Khanna’s presence could help bridge audiences between Hindi and Telugu cinema.
Growing buzz around Mahakali
While the makers have not yet announced a release date for Mahakali, behind-the-scenes updates such as Puja Kolluru’s Instagram post have helped maintain buzz around the project. Fans are keen to see how Akshaye Khanna adapts to Telugu cinema and what kind of role he essays in the mythological-action narrative.
The film’s association with the PVCU further adds to expectations, as previous projects from the universe have found favour with both critics and audiences.
Conclusion
The selfie shared by Puja Kolluru may be a small moment, but it symbolises a significant milestone for Mahakali and for Akshaye Khanna’s career. As he balances the ongoing success of Dhurandhar with his Telugu debut, Khanna continues to reinforce his image as an actor unafraid to explore new territories. With anticipation steadily building around Mahakali, all eyes are now on how this collaboration unfolds on the big screen.