iWorld
Holy Soundwaves, Shaktimaan’s Back on Air with Pocket FM
MUMBAI: The power of truth, the sound of justice and a voice that can still stop villains in their tracks. India’s original superhero, Shaktimaan, has returned not on TV, but through the airwaves with Pocket FM’s 40-episode audio series Shaktimaan Returns, streaming free for all listeners.
It’s not just a reboot; it’s a revival wrapped in sound, heart, and nostalgia. Backed by Mukesh Khanna, the original creator and face of Shaktimaan, the series reimagines the iconic hero for the streaming age complete with cinematic sound design, a 10-hour-long immersive experience, and a storyline that’s as timely as it is timeless.
This time, Shaktimaan isn’t just fighting the usual rogues’ gallery. His newest nemesis is mankind’s oldest foe greed. In this environmental thriller, the superhero takes on Mahatatva, a corrupted guardian of balance who wants to restore harmony to Earth by extreme means. To save humanity, Shaktimaan must find five mystical Manis of Elements each holding the power of nature itself and rediscover that real strength comes from compassion, not chaos.
Pocket FM’s production is a masterclass in nostalgia with a purpose. Familiar names Gangadhar Shastri, Gita Vishwas, Mahatma, and TRP Baba return to the soundscape, breathing life into one of India’s largest audio superhero productions to date. With its blend of adrenaline, moral lessons, and a cinematic soundscape, Shaktimaan Returns is both a tribute and an evolution.
“For many of us, Shaktimaan was the first hero we truly believed in,” said Pocket FM CEO and co-founder Rohan Nayak. “This isn’t just a 90s reboot, it’s a reawakening of Indian heroism told through modern storytelling. The world has long looked to the West for superheroes, but India’s legends are rooted in values and imagination. Shaktimaan’s comeback is proof that Indian icons can evolve and still inspire.”
For Mukesh Khanna, the man who first wore the maroon cape, the project feels like coming home only this time, to a new medium. “Shaktimaan was created to inspire truth, selflessness, and courage in young minds,” Khanna said. “Pocket FM has reimagined it beautifully. They’ve preserved the essence while giving it a new voice. It’s heartening to know Shaktimaan still lives in a form today’s generation can connect with.”
But Pocket FM didn’t stop at nostalgia, they added a cheeky wink. To celebrate the launch, the platform dropped a viral brand film titled “Distressed Villains”, starring Bollywood’s most iconic 90s baddies Gulshan Grover, Ranjeet, Shehzad Khan, Shahbaz Khan, and Surendra Pal (yes, Tamraj Kilvish himself). The clip shows the villains in panic mode as they learn of Shaktimaan’s return, reviving the classic one-liners from “Andheraa…” to “By God!” in a laugh-out-loud reunion of Indian pop culture.
“We wanted to celebrate Shaktimaan’s return in a way that’s fun and full of nostalgia,” said Pocket FM SVP and head of brand marketing Vineet Singh. “Who better to react than the very villains who made our childhoods so entertaining? It’s not just a campaign; it’s a time machine for every 90s kid.”
As Shaktimaan Returns takes flight on Pocket FM, it marks a new milestone for Indian storytelling where superheroes no longer just leap across screens but echo through speakers, powered by imagination and audio innovation.
Because whether it’s 1998 or 2025, when darkness rises, the light and the legend of Shaktimaan always returns.
iWorld
Prime Video unveils biggest India originals slate yet
Nearly 55 titles across languages signal deeper push into films, series
MUMBAI: Prime Video is turning up the volume on Indian storytelling, unveiling its largest-ever Originals slate at the ‘Prime Video Presents’ showcase, with close to 55 series and films spanning languages, genres and formats.
The new lineup, which stretches across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, signals a clear intent: go bigger, go wider, and meet audiences wherever they are watching, whether on streaming screens or in cinemas. Alongside Originals, the platform also announced a fresh theatrical slate under Amazon MGM Studios, marking a deeper step into the big-screen business.
Among the headline acts is The Revolutionaries, a large-scale drama from Nikkhil Advani starring Bhuvan Bam and Rohit Saraf. The slate also features Matka King with Vijay Varma, Raakh starring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, and Lukkhe, which marks rapper King’s acting debut. Adding a genre twist is Vansh – The Kalyug Warriors, positioned as India’s first homegrown Hindi superhero series for streaming.
Familiar favourites are also making a return, with new seasons of Farzi, Panchayat, Call Me Bae, Dupahiya, Dahaad and The Traitors in the pipeline, reinforcing the platform’s bet on established franchises.
Regional storytelling gets a notable push. Highlights include a Telugu adaptation of The Traitors hosted by Teja Sajja, the drama Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat, and Tamil titles such as Exam and returning seasons of Vadhandhi and Inspector Rishi.
The slate also opens new creative partnerships. Hrithik Roshan’s HRX Films steps into streaming with Storm and Mess, while Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions backs Don’t Be Shy. Production houses including Excel Entertainment, Tiger Baby Films and The Viral Fever further deepen the creative bench.
On the theatrical front, the platform is lining up five films, including Raftaar starring Rajkummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh, VIBE directed by Kunal Kemmu, Dilkashi with music by A. R. Rahman, Nayyi Navelli featuring Yami Gautam, and Kuku Ki Kundli starring Wamiqa Gabbi.
According to Prime Video India director and head of Svod business Shilangi Mukherji, India remains central to the platform’s global growth, ranking among its top markets for new subscribers. She noted that nearly two-thirds of users watch content in more than four languages, underlining a growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the new slate reflects a continued push towards bold, culturally rooted narratives with global appeal.
In short, Prime Video is not just adding titles, it is widening the lens. From small-town dramas to superhero sagas and cinema-ready spectacles, the message is simple: more stories, more voices, and far more ways to watch them.
