Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 5: Veteran actor-producer Mukesh Khanna has provided a fresh update on the long-awaited 'Shaktimaan' movie, revealing that while the film adaptation of the iconic superhero series is ready to engage audiences, it has run into an unspecified roadblock.

Speaking exclusively, Khanna remained vague about the exact nature of the delay but assured fans that the feature-length reboot of 'Shaktimaan' will eventually hit theatres.

"It’s an important film. I can’t share much, but I believe it will definitely be released one day," he said.

The update comes amid rising fan anticipation for the return of India's first TV superhero, which originally aired in the 1990s and became a cultural phenomenon.

In a separate conversation, Khanna was also asked to comment on Malayalam actress Urvashi's recent criticism of the National Awards jury for honouring Shah Rukh Khan with Best Actor for his role in ‘Jawan’. Urvashi, who won Best Supporting Actress for Ullozhukku, had raised questions about the fairness and criteria behind SRK’s win.

Responding to the controversy, Khanna defended Shah Rukh Khan’s recognition, calling it well-deserved after decades of contribution to Indian cinema.

"Some are saying he should’ve won for 'Swades' instead of 'Jawan', but awards often don’t reflect an actor’s entire body of work at the moment.

Remember, A.R. Rahman got an Oscar for 'Jai Ho', not for all the timeless classics before that," Khanna pointed out.

“Shah Rukh has been working for 40 years. If he’s finally getting a National Award now, what’s wrong with that?”

Shah Rukh Khan, meanwhile, shared a heartfelt message on social media following his win.

“A National Award is not just about achievement—it’s a reminder that what I do matters,” he said in a video, thanking his family for their support and reaffirming his love for cinema.

The debate over awards and recognition continues, but voices like Khanna’s highlight the importance of celebrating careers as much as individual performances.