Mahakali: Kannada actress Bhoomi Shetty is HanuMan maker Prashanth Varma’s next ferocious superhero

Mahakali is the third instalment in HanuMan maker Prashanth Varma’s cinematic universe, the lead cast of which has now been revealed. Kannada actress Bhoomi Shetty, who transitioned from TV to the big screen with the direct-to-OTT release Ikkat in 2021, has been announced as the leading lady of Mahakali, which is currently in production. Based on a script by Prashanth, the film is being directed by Pooja Kolluru of Martin Luther King fame and has Akshaye Khanna in a pivotal role as Asuraguru Shukracharya, the first look of which had created waves.

Bhoomi is Maha, the female superhero in this mythological cinematic universe. "From the cosmic womb of creation awakens the most FEROCIOUS SUPERHERO of the universe! Introducing Bhoomi Shetty as MAHA,” read the caption accompanying her first look from the film.

Mahakali is a film set in Bengal

In a statement about the film, the makers had said that Mahakali is set in Bengal, a region deeply connected to Goddess Kali. “The movie captures the essence of the land and its deep-rooted traditions. This powerful and socially relevant film will feature a bold and refreshing portrayal of the revered Goddess Kali by a dark-skinned actress in the lead role, breaking stereotypes and redefining beauty standards in Indian cinema,” it read.

Also read: Mahakali: Akshaye Khanna's look as Shukracharya goes viral, fans call him a true chameleon 

Bhoomi’s casting, therefore, comes as a fresh breath of air in an industry in which fair-skinned top-bill actresses are routinely darkened with makeup for roles requiring a duskier complexion. Not only is Bhoomi naturally duskier, she is also a relative newbie in film circles.

FAQs

Q. Is Akshaye Khanna doing a Telugu film?

A. Yes, he is making his debut with Prasanth Varma's Mahakali

Q. Who is playing the lead in Mahakali?

A. Kannada actress Bhoomi Shetty has been announced as the lead of the female superhero film.

Q. What role is Akshaye Khanna doing in Mahakali?

A. He plays Sukracharya, the revered guru of the Asuras in Hindu mythology.

Q. Who is the director of Mahakali?

A. The mythological drama has been directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru