Meet Bhoomi Shetty, The Kannada Star Who Set The Internet Ablaze With Her ‘Mahakali’ Look

Kannada actor Bhoomi Shetty, who has made inroads into the Telugu film industry, is set to star as the lead in Mahakali, part of the Prasanth Varma Cinema Universe (PVCU). Following the two parts, Hanuman and Jai Hanuman, Bhoomi Shetty is now introduced as ‘Maha’ in Mahakali. Director Puja Aparna Kolluru will direct the film created by Prasanth Varma. The director, Prasanth Varma, took to social media on Thursday, October 30, 2025, to reveal the first-look poster of Bhoomi from Mahakali. The actor is seen in a fiery goddess avatar in the poster.

All about the film Mahakali 

The film Mahakali is part of the expanding Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), by filmmaker Prasanth Varma, who previously made waves with his 2024 blockbuster Hanu-man. On October 30, 2025, the makers unveiled the first look of Bhoomi as ‘MAHA’, the cosmic, ferocious version of Goddess Kali. Dressed in vivid red and gold, with traditional jewellery and fierce eyes, the poster immediately created buzz for its stark, powerful imagery. The film, directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, is written and produced by Prasanth Varma’s team. 

Reportedly, 50 per cent of the film is completed. The film is shot against the backdrop of Bengal, a region deeply connected to the mythical figure of Kali, and it aims to cast a ‘dark-skinned’ actress to authentically embody the goddess’s traditional image, indicating a conscious choice to break stereotypical beauty norms in Indian cinema. Prasanth Varma, who made waves with his ambitious superhero universe through Hanu-Man and the upcoming Mahakali, is now gearing up for his next grand project, Jai Hanuman. The much-anticipated film will star acclaimed Kannada actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty in the lead role.

Who is Bhoomi Shetty?

Born in Kundapura, Karnataka’s Udupi district, on February 19, 1998, Bhoomi Shetty hails from a coastal region steeped in tradition and folklore. While she went on to pursue mechanical engineering in Bengaluru, demonstrating that her initial path was more academic than theatrical, her deeper roots told another story. Bhoomi’s entry into acting took shape on regional television.

Bhoomi first came to focus with the Kannada serial, Kinnari, in which she played the character ‘Mani.’ She then ventured into Telugu television, featuring in the show, Ninne Pelladatha, and gained broader exposure by contesting in season 7 of Bigg Boss Kannada in 2019, emerging as a notable contestant. Her film debut came in 2021 with the Kannada comedy Ikkat, followed by ventures into Telugu cinema, including Sharathulu Varthisthai and Kingdom alongside Vijay Deverakonda.

Fans’ reaction to Mahakali

As soon as the film’s poster went viral, fans praised it and flooded social media with comments. Users began anticipating who the person in the poster was and wrote, “Who is the actress?” While another thought this film would reach 300 crore and wrote, “Another #300cr loading,” “Can’t wait to witness the creation of this Maha,” wrote another. The shoot is halfway complete, and the release date should be announced soon.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming film Mahakali?

Also Read: ‘Baahubali: The Epic’ First Reviews, Netizens Call 4-Hour Film A ‘Masterpiece’ After IMAX Screening