Following a high-profile departure from the upcoming film Drishyam 3, actor Akshaye Khanna has begun shooting for his first Telugu project, the mythological epic Mahakali. The development comes as Khanna enjoys acclaim for his role in the recently successful spy thriller Dhurandhar.
In Mahakali, directed by Puja Kolluru, Khanna portrays the key character Shukracharya. The film features Bhoomi Shetty as the titular Maha and forms part of the Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). Billed as Tollywood’s inaugural female superhero movie, it is slated for release in early 2026. Director Puja Kolluru recently shared an Instagram selfie with Khanna from the sets, signaling that production has commenced with the actor’s participation. Prashanth Varma had earlier released Khanna’s first-look poster in September.
Meanwhile, Khanna’s abrupt withdrawal from Drishyam 3 has stirred significant discussion in Bollywood circles. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak of Panorama Studios told Bollywood Hungama that Khanna left the project mere days before filming was due to start, prompting a legal notice. Pathak attributed the decision to the actor’s changed demeanor after recent successes, stating, “Success has gone to Akshaye Khanna’s head.” He credited films like Section 375 and Drishyam 2 with revitalizing Khanna’s career and described his on-set presence as “toxic,” while questioning his potential to lead a solo commercial hit.
Pathak also minimized Khanna’s role in Dhurandhar’s success, emphasizing it as a team effort led by star Ranveer Singh, and compared it to franchises driven by names like Ajay Devgn.
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Drishyam 3 director Abhishek Pathak, clarified that Jaideep Ahlawat is joining in a new role rather than replacing Khanna. He noted Ajay Devgn left casting decisions to him and detailed issues including Khanna’s insistence on wearing a wig, which conflicted with continuity from Drishyam 2’s bald appearance. Pathak confirmed the contract was signed in November after renegotiating fees, but problems arose shortly before the shoot—coinciding with Dhurandhar’s release eve. He suggested external advice may have influenced Khanna, with people telling him to pursue starring vehicles.
As the debate lingers, Khanna is focusing on new horizons with Mahakali, expanding his reach to Telugu cinema audiences.
