Mukesh Khanna Wants Allu Arjun to Play Shaktimaan After Watching Pushpa 2: The Rule

Indian actor and TV legend Mukesh Khanna, best known for his iconic role as Shaktimaan, recently sparked excitement among fans by suggesting Allu Arjun as a potential successor to the superhero role. Following the massive success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Mukesh praised the film’s craftsmanship while also critiquing certain aspects of its storyline and Bollywood filmmaking practices.

Mukesh Khanna’s Take on Allu Arjun as the Next Shaktimaan

In a recent video shared on his YouTube channel, Mukesh Khanna discussed his thoughts on Allu Arjun portraying Shaktimaan in a reboot of the iconic Indian superhero series. While not committing to anything, Mukesh remarked:

“I am not committing to anything, but I think he (Arjun) can be Shaktimaan. He has good looks and height, but they (Pushpa makers) have turned him into a villain. But he would suit the role of Shaktimaan.”

The comment comes as a response to Arjun’s powerful performance in Pushpa 2, which has garnered immense praise across India and globally. Mukesh believes that Allu Arjun’s charisma, screen presence, and versatility could make him a strong contender for the iconic superhero role.

Mukesh Khanna’s Review of Pushpa 2: The Rule

Mukesh Khanna praised the technical brilliance and hard work evident in Pushpa 2, saying:

“I will only praise Pushpa 2 from the first frame; every frame speaks of how they did well. When you have conviction in yourself, you convince the audience itself. Forget the logic, it’s mindblowing.”

He credited the film’s success to the dedication of the cast and crew, emphasizing that achieving such results goes beyond simply “throwing money” at a project.

However, Mukesh expressed concern over the film’s portrayal of red sanders smuggling, stating:

“They have glamorised smuggling sandalwood. What is the message you want to give? Do you want to show people they can smuggle and even beat the police? I want to tell filmmakers from the south not to make such films just to score a hit.”

Mukesh Khanna Criticizes Bollywood’s Approach

Mukesh Khanna used the opportunity to highlight the stark differences between Bollywood and South Indian cinema. He criticized Bollywood for its budget allocation practices and inflated actor salaries.

“In the south, the hero doesn’t pocket all the budget for the film, they plan it well. But here, ₹60 crore of a ₹150 crore film is handed to the hero. And bigger heroes take more than that. When your film doesn’t run, you need to reduce remuneration. Even after three flops, heroes here take ₹90 crore. But if you give ₹60 crore to the hero, give ₹30 crore to the writer.”

Mukesh believes that Bollywood could learn valuable lessons from South Indian cinema in terms of budget planning and prioritizing storytelling and production quality over inflated star fees.

Pushpa 2’s Box Office Success

Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa 2: The Rule was released in theaters on December 5, with paid premieres on December 4. The film has been a massive commercial success, crossing the ₹1000 crore gross mark worldwide within a week of its release. This monumental achievement cements Allu Arjun’s position as one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema.

The film’s blend of action, drama, and Arjun’s iconic performance has resonated with audiences across the country, earning accolades for its larger-than-life execution and gripping narrative.

Is Allu Arjun the Right Choice for Shaktimaan?

While Mukesh Khanna’s suggestion is purely speculative, the thought of Allu Arjun taking on the role of Shaktimaan has stirred excitement among fans. Arjun’s exceptional acting skills, combined with his strong on-screen persona, make him a compelling choice to carry forward the legacy of India’s first superhero.

However, the final decision will rest with the producers of the Shaktimaan reboot, and as Mukesh clarified, no official commitments have been made.

Mukesh Khanna’s praise for Allu Arjun and his critique of Bollywood offer valuable insights into India’s evolving cinema landscape. While Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to dominate the box office, the idea of Allu Arjun donning the iconic Shaktimaan suit adds another layer of intrigue to his rising stardom.

As fans eagerly await the Shaktimaan reboot, only time will tell if Allu Arjun emerges as the next superhero to win hearts across the nation.