Mumbai: The first glimpse of the upcoming mythological spectacle Mahakali has generated a strong response within the film industry, with actors Prabhas and Rishab Shetty sharing their appreciation for the ambitious project. Both stars praised the scale and presentation of the film, while Akshaye Khanna’s fierce portrayal of Shukracharya emerged as one of the major highlights.

The glimpse introduces audiences to the expansive mythological world of Mahakali, featuring larger-than-life visuals, elaborate production design and an ominous atmosphere. The project is part of filmmaker Prasanth Varma’s expanding Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU).

Prabhas, who shared the glimpse on social media, congratulated the team and extended his best wishes to director Prasanth Varma and the entire cast and crew.

Prabhas calls Akshaye Khanna and Sriya Reddy ‘terrific’

Prabhas was particularly impressed by the performances featured in the glimpse. Sharing his reaction, the actor praised Akshaye Khanna and Sriya Reddy for their screen presence.

“Congratulations to dear @prasanthvarmaofficial, and best wishes to the entire team of #Mahakali. Akshaye Khanna Ji and @sriya_reddy were absolutely terrific in the glimpse,” Prabhas wrote.

His response has added to the excitement surrounding the film, especially as audiences continue to discuss Akshaye Khanna’s striking transformation as Shukracharya.

The veteran actor is seen in a fierce and commanding avatar in the glimpse, portraying the powerful guru of the Asuras. His intense appearance and screen presence have become key talking points following the release of the promotional video.

Sriya Reddy also makes a strong impression in the glimpse, with Prabhas specifically acknowledging her performance alongside Akshaye Khanna.

Rishab Shetty hails Shukracharya’s powerful war cry

Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty also reacted positively to the Mahakali glimpse and shared it on social media.

Appreciating the project’s mythological scale, Rishab wrote, “Mahakali: Shukracharya’s War Cry echoes loud and powerful.”

He also extended his best wishes to Prasanth Varma and the entire team behind the film.

The reactions from Prabhas and Rishab Shetty have further boosted anticipation around the project, with the glimpse receiving attention for its visual ambition and the introduction of its key characters.

Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Shukracharya appears to be central to the film’s early promotional campaign, with the glimpse presenting the character in an intense and imposing manner.

Glimpse introduces an expansive mythological world

The visuals of Mahakali offer a first look at the ambitious world being created for the film.

The glimpse features elaborate settings and large-scale imagery, establishing a dark and powerful atmosphere around the mythological narrative. The film also appears to explore a larger conflict between Dharma and Adharma, which forms an important part of its mythological universe.

The imagery surrounding Shukracharya hints at the scale of the conflict and the role the powerful Asura guru will play in the story.

With its grand visual treatment, the project aims to take the mythological storytelling universe established by Prasanth Varma into a new direction.

The release of the first glimpse has now provided audiences with an early indication of the film’s visual design, tone and larger narrative world.

Part of the expanding PVCU

Mahakali is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, or PVCU, which was launched with the superhero film Hanu-Man.

The upcoming film is expected to further expand the mythology and interconnected cinematic world envisioned by Prasanth Varma.

While Hanu-Man introduced audiences to the filmmaker’s superhero and mythological universe, Mahakali is set to explore another major chapter within the larger cinematic franchise.

The involvement of a different director also marks an interesting development for the universe. Mahakali is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, while Prasanth Varma continues to play a key role in the broader creative universe associated with the project.

The film is presented by RK Duggal and produced by Riwaz Ramesh Duggal under the RKD Studios banner.

Akshaye Khanna leads a strong ensemble

Along with Akshaye Khanna and Sriya Reddy, Mahakali features Bhoomi Shetty, Rohit Saraf and several other actors.

The first glimpse has primarily focused on establishing the atmosphere and introducing key elements of the mythological world rather than revealing extensive details about the storyline.

Akshaye Khanna’s transformation as Shukracharya has nevertheless emerged as one of the strongest points of discussion among viewers.

His commanding appearance, combined with the dramatic presentation of the character, has helped create curiosity about his role in the larger battle between the forces represented in the film.

With Sriya Reddy also receiving appreciation for her appearance, the makers appear to be building early interest around the film’s principal characters.

Mahakali set for January 2027 release

Mahakali is scheduled to release in theatres on January 8, 2027.

With several months remaining before its release, the first glimpse has already succeeded in generating attention within the film industry and among audiences.

The reactions from Prabhas and Rishab Shetty have added further momentum to the promotional campaign, while Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Shukracharya continues to be one of the film’s biggest talking points.

As the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe prepares to expand further, Mahakali is positioning itself as a visually ambitious mythological spectacle. The early appreciation from prominent stars has only increased curiosity about what the makers will reveal next ahead of its theatrical release.