Back in the ‘90s, Mukesh Khanna created and starred in and as one of India’s first superheroes Shaktimaan in the popular TV series of the same name. 

The show became an instant success among the nationwide audience, especially kids and soon, attained a cult status and following. 

Over the years, there have been several rumours around Shaktimaan making a comeback but nothing materialised further. 

© Twitter/taran adarsh

Now, at a time when American superheroes have taken over the world thanks to the box office juggernaut that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, India only had a few successful superheroes in Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish, the recent Tovino Thomas’ Minnal Murali and even Shah Rukh Khan’s G.One in Ra.One, up to an extent.  

The other such attempts by Indian cinema to make a successful superhero film failed, be it A Flying Jatt or Drona, among others. 

Now, the baap of all superheroes in India is finally making a comeback on the big screen. 

Sony Pictures has announced a big screen return of the iconic Shaktimaan with a 59-second teaser. They have announced that trilogy in collaboration with Mukesh Khanna’s production house Bheeshm International. 

However, unlike the TV series, the face of Shaktimaan will be different this time around. Mukesh Khanna who is 63 will be taking a back seat and the character will be portrayed by a major superstar. 

Also, the TV series was directed by Dinker Jani but for the big screen trilogy, makers have decided to get on board a top filmmaker. 

© Twitter/Taran Adarsh

Sharing the exciting news, trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: SONY PICTURES TO BRING THE ICONIC 'SHAKTIMAAN' TO THE BIG SCREEN... This time, #Shaktimaan will be made for *cinemas*. Will be a trilogy. One of #India’s major superstars will enact the title role. A top name will direct.”

He further tweeted, “#SonyPictures Intl Prod acquires *film adaptation rights* of the hugely popular superhero show #Shaktimaan... #Sony will partner with Brewing Thoughts P Ltd [ex-film journalist #PrashantSingh and #Madhurya Vinay] in association with actor-producer #MukeshKhanna’s Bheeshm Intl.”

Take a look at the announcement below: 

#SonyPictures Intl Prod acquires *film adaptation rights* of the hugely popular superhero show #Shaktimaan... #Sony will partner with Brewing Thoughts P Ltd [ex-film journalist #PrashantSingh and #Madhurya Vinay] in association with actor-producer #MukeshKhanna’s Bheeshm Intl.

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) February 10, 2022

Reacting to the announcement, several fans of the TV series expressed excitement.  

One fan tweeted, “#Shaktimaan In Cinemas Soon 90s Kids After the super success of our many superhero films in India and all over the globe, it's time for our desi Superhero!” 

Another wrote, “Finally, it's happening. World's Greatest Superhero Shaktimaan is coming to Big Screen. #Shaktimaan”. 

One comment read, “India's most popular superhero is back. I hope @sonypicsfilmsin does something amazing with #Shaktimaan.”  

© Bheeshm International

Take a look at some of the reactions below:  

Humare baspan k supehero #Shaktimaan aarahe hai.. Wo v hollywood style mai https://t.co/7BTl5zaqYR pic.twitter.com/DqUTjXvCF6

— Pranjal 1.0 (@RealPranjal93) February 10, 2022

India's most popular superhero is back. I hope @sonypicsfilmsin does something amazing with #Shaktimaan. pic.twitter.com/vleNTbncsr

— Vineet Kumar (@MrUnXpert) February 10, 2022

#Shaktimaan In Cinemas Soon
.
90s Kids
.
After the super success of our many superhero films in India and all over the globe, it's time for our desi Superhero! pic.twitter.com/24WBO9Ixz1

— Cinema Psycho سينما نفسية (@_cinemapsycho) February 10, 2022

Finally, it's happening. World's Greatest Superhero Shaktimaan is coming to Big Screen.#Shaktimaan pic.twitter.com/gQlGhFvs6R

— Tekchand (@Tekchan26373993) February 10, 2022

Shaktimaan = Mukesh Khanna

Mukesh Khanna = Shaktimaan#Shaktimaan https://t.co/EXNX2Wa761 pic.twitter.com/z1BmsLNqzO

— 𝐇𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 - (@iHrithik_Mania) February 10, 2022

OMG .... Unexpected #ShaktiMaan https://t.co/g79xej8PBV pic.twitter.com/JOCdpkglP8

— Sanjay Stark (@SanjayStark11) February 10, 2022

Finally true super hero from our childhood is coming back.. #Shaktimaan #superhero https://t.co/0KNEhhRyJF

— Gaurav redkar (@GauravRK007) February 10, 2022 

It will be interesting to see which superstar will be roped in to play the lead role. Also, it would be great if somehow Mukesh Khanna also plays a role in the trilogy just for nostalgia sake.

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