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Shaktimaan: Is Allu Arjun’s project with Basil Joseph the much-awaited superhero film? Here’s what the director’s team says
Malayalam filmmaker Basil Joseph changed the superhero landscape in Indian cinema with Minnal Murali, proving that homegrown caped stories could strike a chord with audiences across the country. Following the film’s massive popularity, rumours quickly began swirling that the filmmaker could next take on one of Indian television’s most iconic superheroes — Shaktimaan, originally played by Mukesh Khanna.
Over time, multiple actors found themselves linked to the ambitious adaptation. While Ranveer Singh was previously rumoured to headline the project, recent chatter shifted focus to Allu Arjun after reports suggested Basil had pitched a story to the Pushpa star. As speculation exploded online, members from the director’s team have now addressed the growing curiosity.
Director Arun Anirudhan Reveals Earlier Plans
Filmmaker Arun Anirudhan recently opened up about an ambitious script he and writer Paulson Skaria had once been developing alongside Basil Joseph. Speaking on Club FM 94.3, Arun revealed that the project was envisioned on a massive scale but eventually stalled before production could begin.
“Paulson (Skaria) and I were writing the screenplay for Basil’s next directorial. Unfortunately, it did not go on floors. It was supposed to be a massive film, Shaktimaan. I do not know whether it will happen or not; it is quite complicated,” he shared.
The revelation immediately reignited speculation surrounding Basil’s current projects and whether one of them had evolved into the much-discussed collaboration with Allu Arjun.
What About Allu Arjun’s Film With Basil?
Arun also addressed chatter around Basil’s growing rapport with the Pushpa actor. According to him, Allu Arjun had personally invited Basil to a family wedding after being impressed with Minnal Murali.
“Allu Arjun invited him. He has seen Minnal Murali, he liked it, and they are in touch,” Arun said.
However, when the filmmaker was asked whether the duo’s untitled venture had anything to do with Shaktimaan, he avoided feeding the rumours further and hinted that the two projects were separate conversations altogether.
He added that official announcements regarding the collaboration would arrive at the right time.
Basil Joseph Chooses Silence Over Spoilers
While excitement continues building online, Basil himself has remained extremely cautious whenever questioned about the film. During a recent chat with Cineulagam, the actor-director neither confirmed nor denied major details surrounding the collaboration.
When asked whether the project was intended to be Allu Arjun’s milestone 25th film, Basil simply responded, “Let it just happen.”
He also refused to elaborate on the superhero rumours, insisting that the project is currently in a complicated stage involving multiple uncertainties and ongoing discussions.
According to him, he would rather wait for the right moment before speaking publicly about it.
When Mukesh Khanna Backed Allu Arjun for Shaktimaan
The ongoing rumours gained even more traction because veteran actor Mukesh Khanna had previously spoken positively about Allu Arjun potentially stepping into the role of Shaktimaan. In a video shared in December 2024, Mukesh praised the actor’s screen presence and physique while discussing possible casting choices for the superhero adaptation. Though he made it clear that the final decision rested with the makers.
Anurag Kashyap Had Earlier Spilled Details
About the Struggle Months before the latest speculation, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had already hinted at the challenges Basil faced while attempting to bring Shaktimaan to life. Speaking to Chalchitra Talks, Anurag recalled Basil telling him how exhausting the process had become.
“I asked him (Basil), how do you do it? You acted in Ponman, directed Minnal Murali. He told me, I wasted two years of my life trying to do Shaktimaan.”
Related Story: Allu Arjun as Shaktimaan! Mukesh Khanna drops major hint on considering Pushpa 2 actor for superhero?
Anurag further claimed that Basil often narrated frustrating stories about dealing with industry politics and egos during his time in Bollywood.
“God, how do you survive in that industry (Bollywood)? He just exactly said what I feel here. I said I can’t, that’s why I moved away. That man wasted two years here. He was telling stories of people’s egos while laughing. He said, what kind of industry is that?” he recalled.
The Curiosity Around Shaktimaan Continues
For now, the collaboration between Allu Arjun and Basil Joseph remains wrapped in secrecy. Whether or not the project has any connection to Shaktimaan, the growing buzz has already captured fans’ imagination. Until an official announcement arrives, speculation surrounding the iconic superhero and Basil’s mysterious film is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
