Shukracharya, the Asura Guru, is a complex figure in Hindu mythology, revered as the preceptor of the Asuras and a keeper of secret knowledge. Akshaye Khanna’s transformation as Shukracharya in Tollywood’s first female superhero film Mahakali, has been the talk of T-town.

Director Puja Kolluru, spills the beans on the thought behind the character in the film. “He is not fully a villain or entirely a good person. He moves between both. To represent this duality, we chose a monochromatic grey palette, with a silvery feel to give him an ancient aura,” she explains.

Showrunner Prasanth Varma adds, “Shukracharya is one of the most complex figures in the itihasas. We will explore his backstory. He plays a major role in Mahakali and will continue in the larger cinematic universe.”