Akshay Kumar and Rana Daggubati are set to headline 'Mahakaal', a large-scale mythological-historical film with a story by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who will also produce it.

The project marks the Bollywood directorial debut of Chandoo Mondeti, known for his Telugu hits. According to a Filmfare exclusive published on Tuesday, the film is a supernatural thriller set against the backdrop of Ujjaini in Madhya Pradesh, blending a contemporary story with historical elements and travelling across multiple locations.

The casting pairs two of Indian cinema's biggest action stars in what is being described as a mythological spectacle on a grand scale. Bhansali's production banner is backing the project, with the filmmaker credited for the story.

Notably, earlier reports in April had suggested Karan Johar would bankroll the film — the latest updates indicate Bhansali has taken over the production reins instead. An official announcement with the full cast and shooting schedule is expected soon.

For Mondeti, the film is a major career step into Hindi cinema, while for Akshay Kumar it adds another big-ticket period project to his slate.