Mukesh Khanna on creative clash over Shaktimaan film: 'Never said Ranveer Singh was going to be...'

Summary:

• Mukesh Khanna retains Shaktimaan’s IPR and insists the character’s core values remain unchanged in the film.

• Disagrees with not having contractual control over casting, seeking clause amendments.

• Denies approving Ranveer Singh for the role despite meeting him and praising his talent.

Among Indian superheroes, Shaktimaan is unparalleled in terms of cultural significance. The show's meteoric rise to fame in the '90s was spearheaded by veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, who portrayed the eponymous role. Some time ago, fans were ecstatic when they heard rumours about a movie based on the popular TV show. Disputes between Khanna and the company that owns the adaptation rights have delayed the finalisation of the project's casting, despite the announcement.

Mukesh Khanna on retaining Shaktimaan’s core values

In an interview with Galatta India, Khanna explained where the IP stands right now. He said, "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 Shaktimaan ki aatma change nahi hogi (I have made it clear that the soul of Shaktimaan in the film will not change). They have written that we won’t change Shaktimaan’s values."

Khanna was disappointed that he hadn't obtained contractual control over the lead casting, even though he had made sure the character's values would stay intact. He went on to say, "I couldn’t get it in writing that the actor would be cast with my permission. They are like, We will ask you for sure, but the final call will be ours."

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Preserving Shaktimaan's reputation was Khanna's top priority. The actor stressed, "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?" He went on to say, "You can't show Raavan in the role of Ram," and then demanded that the casting clause be amended.

Ranveer Singh's meeting with Mukesh Khanna

Rumours have circulated for quite some time tying Ranveer Singh to the part. Khanna said of his meeting with the actor, "Ranveer came to my office and sat with me for three hours. Very nice meeting, very nice actor and human being. He was very interested in the role, and he tried to convince me so much. Ultimately, I always knew that he couldn’t be cast in Shaktimaan’s role."

Following their meeting, reports claimed Khanna had approved Singh as the new Shaktimaan. However, he stated in a video he posted to clear up the rumour, "I said he is a great actor; I never said he was going to be Shaktimaan."

The dispute persists even after all these years. Declaring, "It's a war," Khanna made it clear that he is not backing down and that he is willing to use legal means if needed.

FAQs:

Q: Who will play Shaktimaan in the upcoming film?

A: As of now, the casting for the Shaktimaan film has not been finalised. Rumours have linked Ranveer Singh to the role, but Mukesh Khanna has not confirmed any actor.

Q: Did Mukesh Khanna approve Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan?

A: No. While Mukesh Khanna praised Ranveer Singh as a talented actor and good human being, he clarified that he never approved him for the role of Shaktimaan.

Q: When will the Shaktimaan movie release?

A: No official release date has been announced due to ongoing delays and disputes over casting.