An Unlikely Sci-Fi Beginning
The story of India's most successful superhero franchise doesn't begin with a cape, but with an alien. The foundation was laid in 2003 with 'Koi... Mil Gaya', a science-fiction drama directed by Rakesh Roshan. The film centered on Rohit Mehra (Hrithik
Roshan), a young man with a developmental disability whose life changes after he befriends an extraterrestrial named Jadoo. The film was a massive commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2003 by connecting with audiences on an emotional level. Its success, however, wasn't just in its box office numbers, which totaled over ₹82 crore worldwide; it was in the narrative seed it planted. The decision to let Rohit retain the powers gifted by Jadoo was a pivotal choice that paved the way for a sequel.
The Birth of a True Indian Superhero
Three years later, 'Krrish' (2006) transformed the sci-fi story into a full-fledged superhero saga. The film follows Rohit's son, Krishna, who inherits his father's superhuman abilities. Director Rakesh Roshan took a significant leap by investing heavily in visual effects and action sequences that were, at the time, on par with international standards. The film was shot extensively in Singapore, giving it a global feel while maintaining a distinctly Indian emotional core rooted in family and romance. 'Krrish' was a blockbuster, earning over ₹126 crore worldwide and proving that Indian audiences were eager for a homegrown superhero they could call their own. It even held its own at the Indian box office against the release of 'Superman Returns' the following week.
Cementing the Franchise with Global Success
If 'Krrish' was the test, 'Krrish 3' (2013) was the triumphant validation. The third installment scaled everything up—the stakes, the villains, and the box office ambition. Pitting Krrish against a formidable mad scientist, Kaal (Vivek Oberoi), and his army of mutants, the film was a visual spectacle. It shattered box office records, becoming one of the fastest Indian films to enter the ₹100 crore club. Its final worldwide gross stood at a staggering ₹393 crore, with a significant portion coming from overseas markets. This massive global haul solidified the series as not just a domestic success, but a legitimate international franchise, a first for an Indian superhero property.
The Hrithik Roshan Phenomenon
A franchise is only as strong as its star, and the 'Krrish' series is inseparable from Hrithik Roshan. His dedication to the dual roles of the childlike Rohit and the powerful Krishna is central to the franchise's appeal. For 'Krrish', Roshan undertook intense physical training and performed many of his own complex stunts, lending a credibility and visceral thrill to the action sequences. His ability to portray both the vulnerability of the father and the strength of the son gave the films a unique emotional anchor that resonated deeply with viewers, making the hero relatable despite his extraordinary powers.
Pioneering a Genre in Bollywood
While India had seen superhero-like figures in films before, such as in 'Mr. India' (1987) or the much earlier 'Hunterwali' (1935), the 'Krrish' series was the first to establish a long-running, interconnected, and commercially successful franchise. It proved that the superhero genre, often seen as a Hollywood monopoly, could be adapted for Indian cultural contexts. By blending sci-fi elements, family drama, romance, and spectacular action, Rakesh Roshan created a formula that captivated a mass audience and inspired a new generation of filmmakers to explore the genre. The success of 'Krrish' paved the way for subsequent superhero films in India, setting a new benchmark for what was possible in commercial Hindi cinema.
