Akshaye Khanna's Career Pivot: From Drishyam 3 Controversy to Mahakali's Mythological Landscape

Akshaye Khanna's recent career trajectory has been a mix of commendable successes and controversies, with his latest developments in the film industry drawing attention. Following his controversial exit from the much-anticipated Drishyam 3, Khanna has turned his focus toward his upcoming Telugu debut, Mahakali. This project, directed by Puja Kolluru and featuring Bhoomi Shetty in the lead role, is positioned as Tollywood's first female superhero film, emphasizing its significance within the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

The announcement of Mahakali marks a pivotal moment for Khanna, who has experienced a resurgence in popularity following the success of his spy action film Dhurandhar. His role as Shukracharya in Mahakali, which falls within the Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe, suggests a deliberate strategy to diversify his portfolio and reach new audiences, particularly in the South Indian film market.

Director Puja Kolluru's recent social media post affirming Khanna's involvement on set adds credibility to the film's progress, indicating that production is underway. In an industry that increasingly values strong female narratives, Mahakali's positioning as a large-scale, genre-defining project reflects a broader shift toward inclusive storytelling in Indian cinema.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Khanna's exit from Drishyam 3 has sparked significant debate within the film community. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak's public criticisms raise questions about the dynamics of actor-producer relationships and the pressures actors face in managing their careers. Pathak's assertion that Khanna's success has altered his professional conduct reflects a concern among industry professionals about how success can influence an actor's decisions and commitments.

The fallout from this controversy emphasizes the delicate balance actors must maintain between personal ambition and collaborative responsibilities. While Khanna's departure from Drishyam 3 may have tarnished his reputation with some industry insiders, his commitment to Mahakali suggests a calculated move to re-establish himself within a different genre and audience demographic.

As Mahakali prepares for an early 2026 release, its success could further solidify Khanna's standing in the industry and reshape the narratives surrounding his recent controversies. The film has the potential to become a significant cultural touchstone, not only for Khanna but also for the Telugu film industry, which is increasingly recognized for its innovative storytelling and production values.

In summary, Akshaye Khanna's transition from the contentious Drishyam 3 exit to embracing a mythological epic in Mahakali underscores the complexities of navigating fame and career choices in the film industry. As the landscape of Indian cinema evolves, the implications of such career moves will be closely observed by industry stakeholders and audiences alike.

Editor's note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.