Mukesh Khanna got trolled as he announced his comeback in TV show Shaktimaan and Mukesh Khanna's fans said it's time to move on.

 Mukesh Khanna got trolled as he announced his comeback in TV show Shaktimaan and Mukesh Khanna's fans said it's time to move on.

 

Mukesh Khanna, the veteran actor known for his portrayal of Shaktimaan, India’s first mainstream television superhero, recently announced his intention to return as the iconic character. Shaktimaan, which aired from 1997 to 2005, became a cultural phenomenon, and Khanna’s portrayal of both Shaktimaan and his alter-ego, the humble Gangadhar, made him a household name. The show combined elements of mythology, spirituality, and superhero action, connecting with Indian audiences in a unique way.

However, the announcement received mixed reactions, especially on social media. Many fans expressed excitement and nostalgia, happy to see Khanna revisit a character they grew up watching. For them, Shaktimaan represents childhood memories, a simpler era in television, and a unique Indian take on the superhero genre. Comments like "Can’t wait to see the original Shaktimaan back" and "This brings back so many memories" reflected the sentimental attachment that many have with the character.

On the other hand, a significant number of fans expressed concerns that Khanna, now in his mid-60s, might struggle to capture the superhero’s physical demands and youthful vigor. Comments like "It’s time to move on" and "The role needs fresh energy" trended on social media, with critics suggesting that a younger actor might be more fitting for today’s audiences, especially given the evolution of superhero movies and series in India and abroad.

Many also pointed out that the superhero genre has transformed significantly since Shaktimaan’s debut. Today’s viewers are used to high-budget superhero franchises like the Marvel and DC cinematic universes, which bring advanced special effects, detailed storytelling, and global standards of action sequences. Fans worry that if Shaktimaan returns with the same look and feel as the original series, it might seem outdated or struggle to keep up with modern superhero productions.

This is not the first time Mukesh Khanna has hinted at bringing back Shaktimaan. In recent years, he has repeatedly talked about reviving the character, even mentioning a possible collaboration with filmmakers to create a big-budget Shaktimaan movie. Khanna has been vocal about wanting to produce a new version of the show that appeals to contemporary audiences while retaining its original values. However, the project has seen multiple delays, and no concrete details about the format, release date, or production team have been disclosed.

Additionally, Khanna’s announcement sparked conversations around India’s superhero landscape. Many fans feel that an updated Shaktimaan with modern storytelling, CGI, and fresh talent could capture the essence of the original series while making it more relatable for today’s viewers. Some even suggested that the role of Shaktimaan be passed down, perhaps with Khanna taking on a mentor-like role, guiding a younger hero who inherits the powers of Shaktimaan.

Despite the mixed response, Khanna’s commitment to Shaktimaan speaks to the character’s enduring legacy. For Mukesh Khanna, the revival of Shaktimaan is not just about the character but also about the values it represents—truth, justice, and inner strength—which he believes are still relevant. Whether this attempt to revive the character will succeed in capturing the imagination of today’s audiences remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Shaktimaan still holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians.