Ekta Kapoor and superheroes? Surprising as it may sound, but it’s true!
Very few creators become a genre in themselves—and Ekta Kapoor is one of them. Whether you’ve loved her shows or rolled your eyes at them, there’s no denying her impact. She changed the face of Indian television with ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, turning saas-bahu dramas into a cultural phenomenon. However, what we often overlook is there’s more to her than just emotional kitchen politics. Over the years, Kapoor has quietly dabbled in a range of genres, including historical dramas like ‘Bose: Dead or Alive’, gritty crime thrillers, and even action-packed mysteries. But perhaps her most unexpected venture was when she made a superhero series. Yes, you read that right—Ekta Kapoor and a superhero in the same sentence!
President Kovind presents Padma Shri to Ms. Ekta Ravi Kapoor for Art. She is the chief mentor and Joint Managing Director of Balaji Telefilms Limited, a company engaged in producing Indian soap operas, reality TV and entertainment in several Indian languages. pic.twitter.com/0mvVdepJN6
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 8, 2021
(Credit: President of India)
On Kapoor's 50th birthday today, let’s look beyond the family feuds and discuss her superhero ventures.
Airing on Star Plus from August 20, 2004, to February 11, 2005, 'Karma – Koi Aa Raha Hai Waqt Badalney' marked Balaji Telefilms' first foray into the action-thriller territory but with a touch of superhero. Directed by Pavan S. Kaul and Santram Varma, and penned by Subodh Chopra, the series introduced viewers to Karan Kapoor, portrayed by Siddharth Choudhary. Karan discovers his destiny as 'Karma', a superhero endowed with powers from seven stars, destined to combat the malevolent Markesh. Set in the fictional city of Panaki, the narrative consists of themes of good versus evil, with Karan donning a distinctive black armor and mask adorned with seven stars. Despite its ambitious premise, 'Karma' concluded after 26 episodes, yet it remains a pioneering effort in Indian superhero storytelling.
(Credit: Hollywood Nights TV)
Fast forward to 2025, Kapoor introduced 'Power of Paanch' on Disney+ Hotstar, a 50-episode series that aired from January 17 to April 4. Directed by Iqbal Rizvi and Jeetu Arora, and conceptualized by Vikas Gupta and Ekta Kapoor, the show follows five college friends who discover they possess elemental powers—earth, water, fire, air, and ether. As they grapple with their newfound abilities, the series delves into themes of responsibility, friendship, and the challenges of wielding power. The ensemble cast includes Riva Arora, Jaiveer Juneja, Aditya Arora, Bianca Arora, Yash Sehgal, Barkha Bisht, and Urvashi Dholakia.
(Credit: JioHotstar)
Critics acknowledged the show's fresh take on the genre, though some noted areas for improvement in narrative execution. Archika Khurana rated the series 3/5 stars and wrote “Power of Paanch is a decent attempt at exploring the supernatural mystery genre. With its talented cast and intriguing premise, it offers mild excitement and a refreshing departure from typical slice-of-life content.”
Both 'Karma' and 'Power of Paanch' stand out for integrating Indian cultural elements into the superhero genre.
Mythological Inspirations: 'Karma' draws from Indian mythology, with its protagonist's powers linked to celestial elements, reflecting traditional beliefs in cosmic energies.
Elemental Forces: 'Power of Paanch’ taps into the concept of the five elements (Pancha Bhoota), a foundational idea in Indian philosophy, grounding the characters' powers in cultural symbolism.
Moral Dilemmas: Both series explore the ethical responsibilities that come with power, a recurring theme in Indian epics and folklore.
Well, 'Karma' and 'Power of Paanch' may not have achieved the widespread acclaim of Kapoor's other productions. But they surely represent significant steps in bringing Indian-flavored superhero tales to the screen.
Happy Birthday, Ekta Kapoor!
