Hyderabad: Mukesh Khanna's Shaktimaan, a sensation of 90s Indian television, has made a much-anticipated comeback. After a 19-year hiatus, Mukesh Khanna is reviving the iconic role, but this time, Shaktimaan's message has found a new home on YouTube. On Monday, Khanna released his first video, where he speaks to children about the revolutionary heroes of India. The video aims to instil national pride and awareness in young viewers, setting Shaktimaan apart as a superhero who champions knowledge and values.
This digital rebirth of Shaktimaan invites audiences to revisit India's unique superhero journey. In a landscape dominated by Western superhero franchises, Indian cinema and television have crafted their own powerful figures. Let's take a look back at some of the most memorable Indian superheroes from TV and film, characters who delighted audiences with action-packed stories and unique abilities.
1. Mr. India (1987)
Released in 1987, Mr. India introduced one of Bollywood's first cinematic superheroes. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, the film stars Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in an unforgettable science-fiction adventure. The film is about a magical watch that grants its wearer the power of invisibility. Anil Kapoor's Arun Verma uses this gift to fight crime and corruption, delivering a powerful message about justice while adding a touch of whimsy and romance to Sridevi's character.
2. Koi... Mil Gaya (2003)
Hrithik Roshan's Koi... Mil Gaya brought an entertaining mix of science fiction and heartwarming drama to Indian screens in 2003. The film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, follows Rohit Mehra, a young man who befriends an alien, Jaadu. Jaadu's powers give Rohit incredible abilities, and the two form an endearing bond that strikes a chord with audiences. Koi... Mil Gaya was a commercial success and laid the groundwork for India's first superhero franchise.
3. Krrish (2006)
Building on the success of Koi... Mil Gaya, Rakesh Roshan introduced Krrish in 2006, a sequel where Hrithik Roshan's character, Krishna, inherits supernatural powers from Jaadu. As Krrish, he becomes a true superhero, using his abilities to protect society. Krrish captured hearts nationwide, and the character's iconic mask became a cultural symbol. The franchise continued with Krrish 3, cementing the character's place as one of India's most beloved superheroes.
4. Ra.One (2011)
In 2011, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan explored the superhero genre with Ra.One, where he played both a scientist and a superhero-like robot. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Ra.One featured cutting-edge visual effects and a stellar cast, including Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. With action-packed sequences and a sci-fi plot, Ra.One delivered a high-energy cinematic experience and brought Indian superhero films into the spotlight.