Dhurandhar's success doesn't change Mukesh Khanna's stance on Ranveer as Shaktimaan
Mukesh Khanna said he still does not see Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan despite praising his work in Dhurandhar. He said the role needs a face that reflects the superhero's image, even as the film remains in the works.
Following the success of Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge, Mukesh Khanna was asked about his views on Ranveer Singh potentially playing Shaktimaan. While Ranveer’s name has been linked to the upcoming project, Khanna made it clear that he does not see the actor in the role.
In a conversation with HT City, Khanna addressed whether his opinion had changed after watching Dhurandhar, which he had praised. He clarified that he is not looking for a “big star” for the role, but rather someone whose persona aligns with the character’s image.
Against Ranveer Singh as Shaktiman
“Mujhe manane mein lage hue hain sab, ki Dhurandhar chal gayi, ab toh Ranveer Singh bohot bada actor ban gaya (Everyone is trying to convince me that Dhurandhar worked, and now Ranveer Singh has become a big actor). I don't want a very big actor or star for Shaktimaan. I want an image for Shaktimaan that was not with Ranveer," he said. Khanna clarified that he is not against Ranveer's performance at all.
The 67-year-old actor further shared his reasons for objecting and said that while Ranveer has proved his versatility with roles like Alauddin Khilji, Gully Boy, and even Dhurandhar, portraying Shaktimaan requires more than just acting ability, it demands a face and presence that aligns with the character’s inherent goodness.
"Mera objection sirf yahi hai ki uski aankhon mein Shaktimaan dikhna chahiye, woh khada ho toh woh scheming nahi dikhna chahiye (My only objection is that his eyes should look powerful, when he is standing, he should not look scheming). I can sign Ranveer for Kilvish (the villain), not for Shaktimaan. Negativity hai face par, positivity nahi hai uske face par (There is negativity on his face, and no positivity)," he added.
Keeping in mind all the hurdles, Khanna assured that the film would be announced soon.
Against Ranbir Kapoor in Ramayana Part 1
Beyond his stance on Ranveer's casting in Shaktimaan, Khanna has also voiced his disapproval of Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Part 1.
“Teaser se baat nahi banti. Teaser kabhi kabhi misleading hota hai. Humesha hum best foot forward karte hain (Teasers don't work. Teasers are sometimes misleading. We always put our best foot forward)," he said.
When a boy and a girl are dating, they put their best foot forward. Par asliyat shaadi ke baad maalum padhti hai. Poori film bolegi. Adipurush film boli thi. (But the truth is revealed after marriage. The entire film will speak). I can’t form my opinion on a teaser.”
Also starring Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Ramayana Part 1 is slated to release in theatres this Diwali. Its sequel, Ramayana: Part 2, is expected to arrive the following year, on Diwali 2027.