Bollywood has never succeeded in producing a quality superhero, with failed attempts like Ra.one, flying Jatt, etc. Bollywood almost gave up on producing new superheroes, but with the philosophy of Old is Gold, the most popular Indian superhero Shaktimaan, is all set to return with a new trilogy. #TWN
This news was out almost a year ago. Mukesh Khanna announced Shaktimaan as a trilogy. But on February 10, 2022, it was confirmed when Sony pictures released the first look of our childhood superhero. Everyone is hyped and wants the release of this movie as soon as possible. Few of us who watched Shaktimaan as a child are now parents ourselves and hence are much more excited to show this Avengers Generation what superheroes looked like when we were little. India has always tried to establish superheroes of its own but all in vain. Krrish and Shaktimaan are the only two Indian Superheros to see success in this category. So, let’s break down this announcement teaser trailer and see what we are going to get out of this movie.
The teaser trailer begins within the view of the Earth from space, where we see a meteorite entering the atmosphere of the Earth. In the next scene, we see darkness forming over Mumbai city, and a text flashes on the screen, “ As darkness and evil prevail over humanity.”
A flash of orangish electricity is seen in the sky, which is followed by a text, “ It’s time for him to return!” We all know who is going to return, and finally, some glimpses of our beloved character are shown on the screen, the classic Camera of “Gangadhar” who is an alter-ego of our hero Shaktimaan, and in the lens of that camera, we can see a reflection of our hero’s symbol, the classic chakra symbol that Shaktimaan carries on his chest, and in the next transition, we get introduced to the costume of our hero. The chakra is shown, and also, we get a glimpse of the classic round spectacles of Gangadhar. The costume seems to be altered a lot. Instead of that relaxed-fitting costume, we get to see a tightly fitted costume. To provide depth to the costume, we also get to see a hexagonal pattern has been used. Now, it was time for the most obvious text, "India’s most popular superhero!" Yes, Shaktimaan was India’s most popular superhero. Children used to bunk their classes to watch the Shaktimaan Serial. Well, this was it, the teaser trailer shows us just a glimpse of what we can expect, but being a 90s kid, I can provide all the necessary information about this superhero. The superpowers and abilities may differ in the movies, but these qualities will somewhat be the same as the original.
Shaktimaan aired between 1997-2005, and it was an absolute fan favorite. Bheeshma Internationals, the production house that owns Shaktimaan, has decided to come up with a movie trivia based on the original Shakitmaan Television Series and partnered with Sony Pictures. Shaktimaan was a character that was said to have yogic powers. Even in its title song, it was explained that Shaktimaan is no God! He is just a human. Shaktimaan attained supernatural powers through the power of meditation and yoga. Shaktimaan has attained all the chakras and hence is considered to have achieved the final stage of meditation and all the powers that came along.
Shaktimaan has attained powers like; Supersrength, heat generation, shape-shifting, stamina, super speed, super strength, will-power based constructs, flight, light projection, healing, invisibility. Shaktimaan also has knowledge about the universe and is also said to have divine powers. The power to destroy and recreate matter is among his divine powers.
Nothing has been disclosed about the main cast. We do not know who will be the actor to take up the role of Shaktimaan in the trilogy. The release date is also not known, but it is speculated that it may release in the mid of 2023. Talking about the cast, rumors are there that Ranbir Singh might play the role of Shaktimaan. One this is for sure, Mukesh Khanna will not reprise the role due to the age factor.
In the classic Shaktimaan Television Series, “Tamraj Kilvish” was the main villain. He was considered to be someone who worships darkness and wants dark powers to take over the world. Shaktimaan also had some other villains like; Dr. Jackal, but they served Tamraj Kilvish.
Conclusion
Shaktimaan may not be the greatest hero of all time, but he is emotionally connected to the Indian youth as they have watched him while growing up. This movie may bring a revolution in the Indian superhero industry as we haven’t produced any hero of international quality since the birth of Bollywood. Let’s see how this movie will do in the market, but one thing is sure, the first movie of this trilogy will do well in the market as the excitement of the millennials is on the next level.