Superhero films have been dominating the global cinema for a very long time now, with Marvel and DC comics leading the way. In this race, India is one of the most unseen, unnoticed members, but we are now starting to catch up, putting our own unique spin on the genre. From mythological references to futuristic technology, Indian superhero films have evolved over the years, garnering both critical attention and a loyal fanbase. The blend of Indian mythology, high-octane action sequences, and the growing demand for relatable heroes has led to an exciting and rapidly expanding space in Indian cinema. Today we look at India’s 5 most famous superheroes movies that have changed the world of Indian Cinema!
Krrish (2006): India’s first attempt at the concept of superheroes - Krrish was released in 2006, as a sequel to the 2003 film - Koi Mil Gaya. The story is about Krishna - the son of the scientist in the first movie, Rohit. Starring Hrithik Roshan, this movie has everything you can ever dream of. From action, to romance and drama - this is a perfect blend of bollywood meeting the supernatural.
The film was met with widespread praise for Hrithik Roshan's performance, particularly in his portrayal of a vulnerable yet powerful superhero. Fans appreciated the mix of Indian family values and superhero fantasy. The film's success led to another sequel in the franchise - Krrish 3, further solidifying the character as a staple in Indian superhero cinema.
Ra.One (2011): The golden days of Indian cinema when bollywood experimented with new genres and themes - Ra.One was India’s first commercially successful sci-fi superhero film! Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the movie depicted a battle between a video game character, Ra.One, and a superhero, G.One, brought to life through cutting-edge special effects. Set against a futuristic backdrop, the film had its highs and lows in terms of fan reception.
Though some fans praised the technological feats of this film, and Shah Rukh Khan's efforts to try to play a superhero, others felt it lacked coherence and cohesion. Critics noted that the film's dependence on CGI lead to an absence of a core emotional anchor. Despite these reservations, this film is an important stepping stone for the Indian cinema.
Makkhi (2012): One of the most original Indian superhero films, S.S. Rajamouli-directed Makkhi, did something bold and unconventional in this genre: it retold a man's story who was reincarnated as a housefly. The story of the housefly's revenge mission against the villain is told with fantastic visual effects and a plot that mixes fantasy and black comedy.
Fans were mesmerized by the offbeat narrative and unorthodox concept that Makkhi presented. The blend of drama, humor and the notion of revenge was a unique experience. Rajamouli’s film making and the visual effects had received similar praise, to the point that Makkhi was one of the boldest superhero stories of the time.
A Flying Jatt (2016): There are certain films that blow your mind, the rest make you wonder about your life choices! The movie was directed by Remo D'Souza with Tiger Shroff enacting the leading role of Aman, who is a young man who develops superpowers and becomes the hero "Flying Jatt." Action, comedy, and drama make up the contents of the film with the key theme being about the struggle of Aman in coming to terms with his powers and his responsibility to rescue the city from an evil force. The plot revolves around his fight against the villain who possesses destructive powers. Despite the light-hearted tone of the movie and its comedy, A Flying Jatt also touches upon aspects of environmentalism, with the superhero trying to rescue nature and fight industrialization.
Though the film received mixed reviews, with some appreciating its fresh take on a desi superhero and others critiquing its execution, A Flying Jatt holds a place in Indian superhero cinema for its unique approach to blending the genre with Bollywood’s usual flair for music, dance, and humor.
Bhavesh Joshi Superhero (2018): Bhavesh Joshi Superhero presented a gritty, realistic approach to the superhero genre. Harshvardhan Kapoor portrayed a vigilante taking on corruption in the Mumbai streets. The movie presented a realistic superhero, struggling with internal demons as well as external ones.
The film was a cult hit among fans who were sick of the usual larger-than-life Bollywood superhero films. Its gritty, raw, and realistic take on a vigilante struck a chord with viewers who craved something more serious and grounded. While it did not do spectacularly at the box office, it is still a favorite among fans who love anti-heroes
Indian superhero genre is at a nascent stage but is constantly expanding, with audiences seeking narratives that weave action, myth, social cause, and personal growth in culturally grounded form. While budget-fanfare visuals generate thrill, it's the emotionally resonant, relatable heroes who imprint on audiences forever. While Indian films probe further in this direction, the prognosis is bright for superhero movies balancing world-scale spectacle and national specificity, with audiences having fresh tales infused in Indian imagination and values.
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