Mumbai: Audio entertainment platform Pocket FM has brought India’s most beloved superhero roaring back to life. Reviving the legend in an all-new 40-episode audio series, Shaktimaan Returns is a nostalgic yet contemporary environmental thriller, backed by none other than the original creator and face of Shaktimaan — Mukesh Khanna.
Now streaming exclusively and free for all users on Pocket FM, the series redefines India’s most iconic superhero for a new generation, blending nostalgia, purpose, and cinematic sound design for an immersive storytelling experience unlike anything before.
A New Era. A New Battle. A New Storyline.
In this chapter, Shaktimaan’s mission goes beyond battling evil — he faces an enemy born from humanity’s own greed. His nemesis, Mahatatva, once a guardian of balance, is now determined to restore Earth’s harmony by any means necessary. To save the world, Shaktimaan must collect five mystical jewels, the Manis of Elements, and rediscover that true power lies in compassion, not destruction.
Packed with nearly 10 hours of cinematic soundscapes, Shaktimaan Returns delivers adrenaline, emotion, and moral awakening — featuring familiar characters like Gangadhar Shastri, Gita Vishwas, Mahatma, and TRP Baba — making it one of India’s largest superhero productions in the audio space.
“For many of us, Shaktimaan was the first hero we truly believed in. Bringing him back wasn’t about rebooting the 90s; it was about showing how timeless Indian heroes can be when told through a modern style of storytelling and with a new storyline,” said Rohan Nayak, CEO and Co-founder of Pocket FM. “For decades, the world has looked to the U.S for its superheroes, from caped crusaders to cinematic universes. But India has its own legends, its own heroes shaped by our values and imagination. Shaktimaan brings a refreshing shift with an Indian superhero who stands for purpose, balance, and moral strength. We’re thrilled to bring him to Pocket FM, and this is just the beginning as we continue to create and reimagine more superheroes for our audiences. Audio is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums, and this project demonstrates how classic Indian IPs can evolve with technology and reach new audiences globally.”
For Mukesh Khanna, the revival is deeply emotional.
“Shaktimaan was created to inspire truth, selflessness, and courage in young minds. These values are timeless. When Pocket FM approached me, I was curious to see how those ideals would come alive through audio. But the way they’ve reimagined it, with a fresh storyline while preserving the soul of Shaktimaan, truly moved me. I doubt if any other production house could have done such justice to the character. I’m glad to see that the essence of Shaktimaan is alive and speaking to a new generation in a new voice,” said Mukesh Khanna.
Bollywood’s Baddies React — Villains in Panic Mode!
To celebrate the launch, Pocket FM released a hilarious brand film titled “Distressed Villains”, featuring iconic 90s villains Gulshan Grover, Ranjeet, Shehzad Khan, Shahbaz Khan, and Surendra Pal* — the original Shaktimaan villain — in full panic mode after discovering that Shaktimaan is back.
From “Andheraa…” to “By God” to “Bad Man,” the film is a nostalgia-packed tribute, capturing the chaos and humor that defined an era — ending with a cheeky salute to the man who made them all say, “Sorry Shaktimaan!” once again.
Conceptualized and executed by Pocket FM’s in-house creative team, the film celebrates Indian pop culture with wit and warmth.
“We wanted to celebrate Shaktimaan’s return in a way that felt fun, familiar, and full of nostalgia,” said Vineet Singh, SVP & Head – Brand Marketing, Pocket FM. “Who better to react than the very villains who made our childhoods so entertaining? Bringing them together in one frame was pure joy — a reunion of Indian pop culture itself.”
With Shaktimaan Returns, Pocket FM not only honors the nostalgia surrounding India’s first superhero but also reimagines the future of storytelling through the power of audio. It stands as a cultural milestone — reviving a legend who continues to inspire generations and reaffirming that the spirit of Indian heroes is alive, evolving, and ready to shine in new forms.
