India’s most iconic and beloved superhero, Shaktimaan, has officially made a spectacular return, reimagined exclusively for the digital age on the popular audio entertainment platform, Pocket FM. The revival comes in the form of a 40-episode audio series titled ‘Shaktimaan Returns’, which is now streaming free for all users on the platform.
This comeback is a significant cultural moment, reintroducing the superhero to a new generation while preserving the nostalgia for 90s fans. The series, which spans nearly 10 hours of runtime, is being celebrated for its cinematic listening experience, achieved through immersive sound design, emotional depth, and a modernized storyline.
According to Pocket FM, the audio series marks a new era in Indian storytelling, where Shaktimaan faces contemporary challenges. The new narrative pivots the hero’s focus towards environmental consciousness and tackling humanity’s greed and disregard for nature.
In ‘Shaktimaan Returns’, the superhero must confront his formidable new nemesis, Mahatatva, a fallen guardian whose extreme determination to restore Earth’s balance threatens both humanity and nature. Shaktimaan embarks on a quest to secure five mystical gems, the Manis of Elements, on a journey that teaches him that true strength lies in compassion, not destruction.
Beloved original characters, including Gangadhar Shastri, Gita Vishwas, Mahatma, and TRP Baba, also return, woven into this ambitious production that aims to revive the timeless values of truth, selflessness, and courage that made Shaktimaan a household name.
Rohan Nayak, CEO and Co-founder of Pocket FM, highlighted the vision behind the revival: “Bringing him back wasn’t about rebooting the 90s; it was about showing how timeless Indian heroes can be when told through a modern storytelling style and a new storyline… Shaktimaan represents purpose, balance, and moral strength—qualities that resonate deeply even today. We’re thrilled to bring him back on Pocket FM.”
Mukesh Khanna, the original creator and face of the character, shared his emotional connection to the project: “The way they’ve reimagined it, with a fresh narrative that stays true to Shaktimaan’s essence, truly moved me. No other platform could have done such justice to the character. It’s heartening to see that the spirit of Shaktimaan is alive, reaching a new generation in a new form.”
To amplify the launch and tap into generational nostalgia, Pocket FM released a special brand film titled “Distressed Villains.” The humorous video features a reunion of Bollywood’s most notorious 90s villains—Gulshan Grover, Ranjeet, Shehzad Khan, Shahbaz Khan, and Surendra Pal (the original Shaktimaan villain)—reacting in comical panic to the superhero’s comeback.
Vineet Singh, SVP and Head of Brand Marketing at Pocket FM, commented on the campaign: “The idea was to make people smile, reminisce, and realize how deeply Shaktimaan still lives in our hearts.”
With this strategic revival, Pocket FM not only reignites the magic of India’s most legendary hero but also marks a cultural milestone in the evolution of audio storytelling and the Indian superhero genre in the modern digital landscape.
Key Highlights:
- Shaktimaan Revival: India’s iconic superhero, Shaktimaan, has been revived by Pocket FM as a 40-episode audio series titled ‘Shaktimaan Returns,’ streaming exclusively and free for all users.
- Modernized Storyline: The series redefines the character by incorporating environmental consciousness into the plot, with Shaktimaan fighting a new nemesis, Mahatatva, over the crucial Manis of Elements.
- Ambitious Production: The near 10-hour audio series is one of India’s most ambitious audio productions, featuring dynamic soundscapes and the return of original characters like Gangadhar Shastri and Gita Vishwas.
- Cultural Significance: The revival is supported by original creator Mukesh Khanna and aims to reintroduce the hero’s timeless values of truth and courage to a new generation through modern audio storytelling.