Earlier this year, it was announced that Sony Pictures India is planning a cinematic adaptation for India's most popular superhero Shaktimaan. Intial reports suggested that actor Ranveer Singh is one of the front runners for the part and that 'Tanhaji' director Om Raut might helm the project. However, according to the latest buzz, makers are now planning to go with a South Indian filmmaker and 'Minnal Murli' director Basil Joseph is in talks for the role.

A source close to the development told Pinkvilla, “Basil is well versed with the world of Indian Superhero Films and is a big fan of Shaktimaan himself. The director has already met the Shaktimaan team multiple times and is keen to come on board the film. The producers have asked Basil to come up with his own version of the screenplay to know if he is on the same wavelength as the team on the visual and story-telling front.”

The source also added, “Shaktimaan is a franchise that has the potential to change the game for Hindi Cinema and hence, the team is being very cautious with their choice of director. Mukesh Khanna has made the character a household name and the idea is to reintroduce the superhero to today’s audience. They have been talking to several top directors and as of now, Basil Joseph is the front runner to be at the helm of affairs, as all the meetings have met with a positive response.”