Aditya Sarpotdar Reportedly Helms Mythological Superhero Film 'Karna'
Aditya Sarpotdar, the director known for his work in the horror-comedy genre, including the recent hit Munjya and the upcoming Thamma, is reportedly set to direct a large-scale superhero film inspired by the Mahabharata character, Karna. According to reports, the film is being produced by Murad Khetani of Cine1 Studios, the production house behind major blockbusters such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Animal, and Kabir Singh. While an official confirmation from the filmmakers is still awaited, industry experts are already speculating about the potential of this collaboration.
Sarpotdar, who has established himself as an inventive storyteller in Bollywood, is known for balancing entertainment with emotion in his films. With Munjya, he garnered critical acclaim for its visual effects and storytelling. His transition to the superhero genre, with a mythological twist, is seen as a natural progression, building upon his success in blending genres and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
The film is described as a "mythological superhero saga" that aims to reimagine Karna's story for a contemporary audience. Karna, one of the most powerful and intriguing characters in the Mahabharata, was born with divine armor and earrings that made him nearly invincible. His story is one of strength, destiny, and moral complexity, making him an ideal subject for a modern-day superhero adaptation.
Sarpotdar's vision is to present Karna as a superhero rooted in Indian mythology but designed for today's viewers. The film is expected to blend traditional Indian storytelling with a fresh, larger-than-life superhero identity that appeals to both young and nostalgic viewers. This project reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema of creating superhero stories grounded in cultural heritage, as seen in recent films like Stree, Thamma, Ramayana, and Lokah.
The upcoming film Thamma, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, is slated to release on October 21, 2025, coinciding with Diwali. Thamma is the fifth installment in India's horror-comedy universe, following Stree (2018), Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024) and Stree 2 (2024), and features Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal.
The Karna project is expected to combine Indian mythology with modern cinematic scale and cutting-edge visual effects. Karna's tale has captivated audiences for generations with its blend of strength, fate, and heartbreak. In this reimagining, Karna's moral dilemmas will take center stage.
While the cast and release date for the Karna film are currently under wraps, the collaboration between Aditya Sarpotdar and Murad Khetani is anticipated to deliver a visually striking and emotionally rich cinematic experience. This venture aims to fuse India's cultural essence with a modern, larger-than-life experience.
