For many who grew up in the 1990s, Shaktimaan was more than a TV show; it was a defining superhero experience. However, the planned big-screen trilogy has hit obstacles. Mukesh Khanna, the original Shaktimaan, says the project is paused due to “technical grounds” and casting disputes.
In an interview with Galatta India, Khanna said Sony International has the film rights for seven years, but he ensured the character’s core values remain unchanged. “The IPR is still mine. But, we have given them rights for seven years to make a film. Maine likhva dia hai ki film mein Shaktiman ki aatma change nahi hogi. They have written that we won’t change Shaktiman’s values.”
However, he has no final say in casting. “I couldn’t get it in written that the actor would be cast with my permission. They have a point now ki hum aapse poochenge zaroor, lekin final call humaari hogi. Yahin mein atak gaya.”
Khanna insists he won’t allow changes that distort the character. “If Shaktimaan is dancing in a disco and I say that I don’t like it, you would still do what you want. Then what’s the point of asking me?” The project is stalled in pre-production, mainly over casting issues. “Either you change the clause or ask. Without asking me, you can’t deflect from Shaktimaan. Abhi toh casting mein atak gaya hai maamla, poori film banaani bachi hai. Everything is stuck on technical grounds. Public is still waiting eagerly for the announcement.”
The trilogy is planned with a budget of Rs 150–200 crore per film. Khanna remains firm: “Aap ram ke role mein raavana dikhne wale ko nahi daal sakte. Shaktimaan ki zarurat hai aaj ke bachon ko. Even I don’t know when he will come.”
Rumors suggest Ranveer Singh for the role, but Khanna disagrees. “Ranveer came to my office, sat with me for three hours. Very nice meeting, very nice actor and human being. Itna interested tha ki teen ghante tak convince karne ki koshish ki. Ultimately, I always felt that he can’t be cast in Shaktimaan’s role. I am still rigid on that point.”
“Ranveer Singh sat in my office for two and a half hours and literally begged me to make him Shaktimaan.”
– Gangadhar Shastri pic.twitter.com/wGTtwxI4Ew
— R (@KattarKapoor) November 13, 2024
Khanna is prepared for a legal battle if necessary. “It’s a war now. If you won’t listen to me, then go and make Shaktimaan without me. I will fight till I can fight. I will take them to court if required. Main Shaktimaan ke gaane aur music release nahi kar sakta, because I sold them to someone by mistake.”
Shaktimaan, India’s first major superhero TV show, aired on Doordarshan from 1997 to 2005. Created and portrayed by Mukesh Khanna, it followed Pandit Gangadhar, a kind photographer who gained powers through meditation and connection to the five natural elements. As Shaktimaan, he battled the evil Tamraj Kilvish while hiding his true identity. With nearly 450 episodes, the show won over kids with its action and moral lessons.
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