Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan has sparked nostalgia and excitement in Bollywood circles by expressing his long-held desire to remake or create a sequel to the iconic 1987 film Mr. India, which starred Anil Kapoor in the lead role.
During a recent Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, a fan asked Imran Khan which iconic character he would like to reinterpret if given the chance, including superheroes from any film industry. Khan responded candidly, saying, “This is going to sound crazy, but… for years I’ve dreamt of making a sequel to Mr. India.”
He went on to praise the original film, describing it as “a textbook case for how to make a fantastical comic book movie while still feeling grounded and emotional. It’s fantastic.” Khan also added a complimentary note about the lead actor: “And Anil Kapoor looks even better today than he did back then.”
When another fan inquired whether he would keep the Mr. India character as a heroic figure or turn him into an anti-hero in a modern take, Khan emphasized the essence of the role. “For me, the beauty of the character lies in his earnestness and idealism,” he replied, highlighting what makes the invisible hero timeless.
A Beloved Cult Classic
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, the 1987 film Mr. India blended sci-fi, comedy, action, and patriotism in a unique way. Anil Kapoor played Arun Verma, a kind-hearted but struggling violinist who inherits a device that can make him invisible, allowing him to become the superhero Mr. India and battle the megalomaniac villain Mogambo, memorably portrayed by Amrish Puri (famous for the line “Mogambo khush hua”).
Sridevi delivered a powerhouse dual performance, with her energetic “Hawa Hawai” song sequence becoming one of the most iconic moments in Bollywood history. The film’s perfect mix of humor, emotion, and fantasy has earned it a dedicated fan following across generations, even decades later.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
Khan’s comments have generated buzz online, with many fans expressing enthusiasm for the idea. Some suggested that Imran’s charm and boyish appeal could suit a modern interpretation of the earnest hero, while others hope Anil Kapoor might return in a mentor-like role or cameo, given Khan’s praise for his enduring fitness and screen presence.
However, as of now, this remains a personal aspiration shared by the actor rather than a confirmed project. There are no details yet about a script, director, production house, or official greenlight. Bollywood has seen several remakes and sequels of classics in recent years, but reviving Mr. India while preserving its innocent charm and avoiding over-reliance on heavy VFX could prove challenging.
Imran Khan, who rose to fame with films like Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and I Hate Luv Storys, has been relatively selective with his projects in recent times. If this dream materializes, it could mark an interesting comeback for the actor in a high-concept entertainer.
Would a fresh Mr. India sequel work in today’s superhero-saturated cinema landscape? Only time will tell if Khan’s “crazy” idea finds the right backing to become reality. Fans, meanwhile, continue to share their excitement and pitch ideas for how the story could be updated for contemporary audiences.
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