Actor Akshaye Khanna is currently experiencing one of the most rewarding phases of his professional life, seamlessly blending commercial success with exciting new creative ventures. His latest film, the action drama Dhurandhar, continues its phenomenal run at the box office, while the actor has simultaneously commenced work on his much-talked-about debut in Telugu cinema with the film Mahakali.
From Dhurandhar's Triumph to Mahakali's Sets
Fresh from the roaring success of Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna has now been spotted on the shooting sets of Mahakali. The film marks his first foray into the Telugu film industry, generating significant buzz among his pan-India fanbase. Director Puja Kolluru recently amplified this excitement by sharing a cheerful selfie with the actor from the set on Instagram.
In the now-viral picture, Akshaye Khanna can be seen flashing his characteristic, understated smile, while director Puja Kolluru beams beside him. Accompanying the photo dump, the filmmaker penned a reflective caption that read, “Grateful 2025! You pushed me beyond my limits and introduced me to me!” This note has been interpreted by fans as a hint at the profound personal and professional journey the project has enabled for its crew.
Dhurandhar: An Unstoppable Box Office Juggernaut
Meanwhile, the actor's recent release, Dhurandhar, shows no signs of slowing down. As per official figures shared by Jio Studios, the film earned an impressive ₹12.40 crore on its 27th day in theatres. This has propelled its total India net collection to a staggering ₹766.90 crore, cementing its status as a blockbuster.
The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, opened with a thunderous ₹218 crore in its first week. It maintained massive momentum in week two, adding ₹261.5 crore, before experiencing a natural dip in the third week. Notably, the film has hit another century in its fourth week, proving its enduring appeal. Released on December 5, the film, inspired by true events, also features a strong ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal.
Entering the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe
Mahakali is the next highly anticipated instalment in the expanding Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), which has carved a unique niche for itself by blending mythology with superhero elements in Telugu cinema. The film stars Bhoomi Shetty in the lead role of Maha. While the makers have kept specific details about Akshaye Khanna's character tightly under wraps, it has been confirmed that he will be playing a pivotal role. His casting has already sparked immense curiosity and positive speculation among audiences across linguistic boundaries.
The actor has been consistently in the news since Dhurandhar's release, not only for his praised performance but also for the viral popularity of the track 'FA9LA' from the film. With the sequel to Dhurandhar already locked for a multi-language release on March 19, 2026, and Mahakali set to expand his footprint in the vibrant South Indian film industry, Akshaye Khanna's career trajectory is confidently straddling multiple cinematic landscapes. Audiences and industry watchers are undoubtedly keeping a close eye on his next moves.