When you think of Indian superheroes, the first names that usually come to mind are Hrithik Roshan's Krrish, Shah Rukh Khan's Ra.One, or more recently, the Malayalam sensation Minnal Murali. We associate these characters with high-budget CGI, Hollywood-style origin stories, and massive marketing campaigns.
But the truth is, India's fascination with superheroes dates back much further than the early 2000s. Long before computer-generated imagery took over, visionary Indian filmmakers were creating their own costumed vigilantes using practical effects, camera tricks, and pure imagination. Let's take a deep dive into the forgotten, untapped history of Indian superheroes.
1. Superman (1987) - The Unofficial Bollywood Remake
Yes, you read that right. In 1987, Bollywood released an unofficial adaptation of Richard Donner's Superman, creatively titled... Superman. Starring Puneet Issar (best known for playing Duryodhana in Mahabharat) as the Man of Steel, the film was a bizarre but fascinating attempt to adapt the DC hero for an Indian audience.
In this version, Clark Kent is named Shekhar, and instead of Krypton, he gets his powers from a dying alien who visits Earth. He still wears the iconic red and blue suit (complete with the 'S' logo), but instead of Lex Luthor, he fights a villain named Verma (played by the legendary Dharmendra). The special effects involved a lot of visible wires and green screen overlay, but for 1987 India, it was a massive swing at the superhero genre.
2. Mr. India (1987) - The Blueprint
Released the same year, Shekhar Kapur’s Mr. India is arguably the greatest Indian superhero film ever made, even though it never explicitly uses the word "superhero." Starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, the movie follows a poor violinist who discovers a device that grants him invisibility-but only when red light isn't shining on him.
What makes Mr. India so remarkable is how grounded it is. Arun (Anil Kapoor) doesn't use his powers to fight aliens; he uses them to feed orphans and take down a greedy megalomaniac named Mogambo (played to perfection by Amrish Puri). The film relied entirely on practical effects, clever editing, and masterful storytelling, proving you don't need a cape to be a cinematic hero.
3. Shiva ka Insaaf (1985) - India's First 3D Superhero
Before Marvel made 3D the standard for superhero films, Bollywood had Shiva ka Insaaf. Starring Jackie Shroff, this was the first Hindi film shot entirely in 3D. The plot is a classic revenge story: a young boy watches his parents get murdered, is trained in martial arts by three different masters, and returns as a costumed vigilante.
Jackie Shroff wore an all-black suit with a mask, wielding a specialized bow and arrow (giving him heavy Batman/Arrow vibes). The movie was packed with throwing stars coming right at the camera to utilize the 3D technology. It was a massive technical achievement for its time.
4. Ajooba (1991) - The Fantasy Vigilante
Co-directed by Shashi Kapoor and a Soviet filmmaker, Ajooba was an Indo-Russian co-production starring Amitabh Bachchan. While it leans heavily into Arabian Nights-style fantasy, Ajooba is fundamentally a superhero. He wears a mask, rides a magical horse, fights tyranny, and uses specialized gadgets (including a magical sword).
The film was incredibly expensive and featured massive set pieces and early practical animatronics (including a giant sea monster). While it flopped at the box office due to its chaotic plot, Ajooba remains a cult classic and a vital part of Amitabh Bachchan's vigilante era.
5. Shaktimaan (1997) - The TV Revolution
We cannot discuss the history of Indian superheroes without mentioning the one who raised a generation. While technically a television show, Shaktimaan, created by and starring Mukesh Khanna, had a cinematic impact on Indian pop culture. Drawing inspiration from Superman and ancient Hindu mythology, Shaktimaan was the perfect synthesis of Western superhero tropes and Eastern spirituality.
He didn't just fight evil mutants (like the iconic Kilvish); he taught children about yoga, morality, and science. The show proved that the Indian audience was hungry for indigenous superheroes, directly paving the way for movies like Krrish a decade later.
Conclusion
The modern era of superhero films is spectacular, but we must respect the pioneers who built the foundation with limited budgets and massive ambition. The next time you watch a slick, CGI-heavy superhero film dubbed in Hindi on MoviesFun, remember the masked vigilantes of the 80s and 90s who flew on visible wires so that today's heroes could soar.