Superheroes in cinema have long captured our imagination, serving as embodiments of our aspirations and delivering justice with unmatched flair. While the Western world has donned capes and tights for decades, India, over the years, has crafted its own unique brand of extraordinary heroes. The saga of Indian superheroes continues, promising a future filled with wonder, laughter, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice.
THEN & NOW
No discussion of Indian superheroes would be complete without a tribute to the iconic Mr India. Released in 1987, this sci-fi extravaganza gave us an unforgettable hero who harnessed the power of invisibility. Played by Anil Kapoor, Mr India became a symbol of hope and resilience for an entire generation. Imagine the possibilities of invisibility in a country like India where traffic congestion is a constant struggle. Mr India would effortlessly slip through crowded streets, leaving confused motorists in his wake. He could sneak into sold-out movie theatres, munching on popcorn undisturbed while those around him scrambled for tickets.
However, even with these powers, Mr India remained an embodiment of humility, reminding us that true heroism lies not in flashy tricks but in the strength of character. The red sliver of glass stood out for every dream-bearing child knowing that they too see Mr India through their mothers’ shining bangles to be like him, one day.
A few years later, Indian audiences witnessed the advent of a groundbreaking superhero who shattered the norms of traditional television. Shaktimaan burst onto the scene, blending elements of mysticism, action and comedy to create a mesmerising cocktail of entertainment. Played by Mukesh Khanna, Shaktimaan became a national obsession, captivating young and old alike. The success of Shaktimaan propelled the nation into a frenzy. Children re-enacted his signature poses, believing they could harness the mystical powers he possessed. Villains trembled in their hideouts, fearing the legendary slap that could send them crashing. In fact, rumours even spread that Shaktimaan’s powerful punch was so potent that it caused hair to sprout on the heads of bald men within a 100-mile radius! This superhero was our rendition of Spiderman with kids literally wanting to be like him when they grew up.
BOLLY’S TRYST
Then came one of our most famous superheroes, Krrish. With Krrish, Hindi cinema sought to push the boundaries of superhero storytelling. Combining elements of fantasy, science fiction and a healthy dose of Bollywood glamour, Hrithik Roshan brought the character to life on the big screen, catapulting Indian superheroes onto the global stage. Krrish showcased the potential of Indian superheroes to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their Western counterparts.
The PVC-caped Krrish swung from skyscrapers and even flaunted his impressive dance moves — all the while saving the world from impending doom.
Our very own ‘Dark Knight’ was put on the screen through Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, a gritty and introspective take on the genre. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, this film, starring Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor, delved into the concept of vigilante justice, exploring the struggles of an ordinary individual who rises to extraordinary heights to combat corruption.
Bhavesh Joshi Superhero blurred the lines between good and evil, challenging traditional notions of heroism. It compelled audiences to question the price of vigilantism, the consequences of personal sacrifice, and the weight of societal expectations. The film marked a departure from the conventional tropes, illustrating that Indian superheroes could navigate complex moral landscapes with finesse, resonating with a generation seeking narratives beyond the realm of black and white. With a neo-noir sort of storytelling, relevant and important issues were portrayed alongside the masala of action. It’s a pity that the film, when released, had few takers.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
An honourable mention must be made of Ra.One, an important superhero film in India as it, continuing from its predecessors, provided a very realistic portrayal of superhero things in normal life. Be it the train sequence or the chase among half-constructed buildings, Ra.One — named after its villain, played by Arjun Rampal, with Shah Rukh Khan donning the superhero suit of G.One — has clearly stood out from the crowd.
In recent times, the superhero genre has transcended geographical boundaries, reaching out to international audiences with captivating stories. Enter Minnal Murali, a Malayalam-language superhero film that showcases the extraordinary powers of a young man who gains superhuman strength after a freak accident. Minnal Murali, played by Tovino Thomas, represents a milestone in the pantheon of Indian superheroes, blending local culture and mythology with modern storytelling techniques. With its release on streaming, the film offers international audiences a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indian superhero narratives. This further cements the notion that our heroes possess the ability to captivate and inspire beyond boundaries.
From the captivating Mr India to the iconic Shaktimaan, the dazzling Krrish to the introspective Bhavesh Joshi Superhero and the boundary-breaking Minnal Murali, Indian superheroes have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of audiences. These superheroes have not only entertained but have also inspired a generation of dreamers, fostering a belief that extraordinary feats can be achieved by ordinary individuals. While the influence of Western superheroes remains undeniable, Indian cinema has succeeded in carving its own path, redefining notions of heroism and storytelling. Perhaps the superhero the world needs is already among us, just waiting for the right moment to emerge, cape fluttering in the wind!
