At a time when Indian cinema is increasingly dominated by action spectacles, thrillers and franchise-driven entertainment, veteran actor Jackie Shroff is drawing attention to a genre he believes deserves far more space on the big screen. As The Great Grand Superhero: Aliens Ka Aagman reaches theatres, the actor has spoken about the shortage of films made specifically for children, describing family-oriented storytelling as one of the most overlooked areas of contemporary filmmaking.
The film, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Manish Saini, blends fantasy, humour and science fiction through a story centred on a grandfather, a curious young boy and an unexpected alien adventure. Beyond its unusual premise, the project has generated conversation because it places a senior citizen at the heart of a superhero story, something rarely attempted in Indian cinema. For Jackie Shroff, however, the film represents something much larger than a unique role. It is an opportunity to celebrate imagination, storytelling and the simple joys of childhood.
The Great Grand Superhero Revives a Rare Bollywood Genre
While promoting the film, Jackie Shroff reflected on the lack of children’s cinema in India and expressed a desire to see more stories created for younger audiences. The actor noted that films exploring childhood dreams, innocence and imagination have become increasingly uncommon, despite the universal appeal such stories can have across generations.
According to Shroff, children’s films offer a different emotional experience from mainstream commercial entertainers. They allow audiences to reconnect with a sense of wonder that often fades with age. He explained that while he enjoys working across genres and has never limited himself to a particular kind of role, projects that focus on children and their world continue to hold a special place in his heart.
The actor also spoke about how childhood experiences have changed over the years. He reflected on the stories that shaped earlier generations and suggested that children today are growing up in a vastly different environment, one heavily influenced by technology, social media, artificial intelligence and the constant flow of online information. In such an environment, he believes films that encourage imagination and connect children with storytelling traditions become even more valuable.
A Grandfather Becomes an Unlikely Superhero
At the centre of The Great Grand Superhero is Jagdish Chandra, a grandfather portrayed by Jackie Shroff. The story follows a young boy who tells his classmates that his grandfather secretly possesses extraordinary powers and spends his time fighting aliens. What begins as a harmless tale designed to impress friends gradually grows into something much bigger, creating a world where fantasy and reality begin to overlap.
The premise allows the film to explore childhood imagination from a distinctly Indian perspective while also delivering family-friendly humour and adventure. Rather than presenting a conventional superhero equipped with futuristic gadgets or extraordinary strength, the film places an elderly family member in that role. The idea itself is a reminder that children often see heroes in places adults overlook.
For Shroff, the character carried a personal significance. Decades after playing a superhero in the 1985 film Shiva Ka Insaaf, he found himself stepping back into the genre, this time as a grandfather. The actor described grandparents as natural superheroes within many households, pointing out that they often serve as guides, protectors, storytellers and emotional anchors for younger generations.
His comments also sparked an interesting discussion about Indian superhero cinema. During promotional interactions, Shroff playfully imagined a future crossover featuring characters from films such as Krrish, Ra.One and his son Tiger Shroff’s A Flying Jatt, drawing comparisons with large-scale Hollywood superhero universes. While the suggestion was made in a light-hearted manner, it highlighted the growing popularity of homegrown superhero stories.
Jackie Shroff Opens Up About Awards and Recognition
Alongside discussions about the film, Jackie Shroff also spoke candidly about his four-decade journey in the entertainment industry. Despite being one of Bollywood’s most recognisable actors and having delivered memorable performances across multiple genres, he admitted that awards have never been a driving force in his career.
The veteran actor remarked that he has never come close to receiving a National Award and has never actively chased such recognition. Rather than focusing on accolades, he said he remains grateful for the opportunities he continues to receive and believes that performers who win major honours deserve the recognition they earn.
There was no trace of disappointment in his comments. Instead, Shroff appeared relaxed and philosophical, emphasising that he still has plenty more to offer as an actor. He suggested that there are many layers of his talent yet to be explored and that he remains open to challenging, unconventional and unexpected roles.
That outlook has arguably defined his career. Since making his breakthrough as a leading man in the 1980s, Shroff has consistently moved between genres and character types. He has portrayed heroes, police officers, fathers, villains, spiritual figures and eccentric supporting characters, often avoiding the predictable path many actors follow after achieving stardom.
Early Reviews Praise the Film’s Heart and Imagination
The film’s release has also drawn attention from critics who have highlighted its focus on childhood imagination and intergenerational relationships. Early reviews have praised the chemistry between Jackie Shroff and young actor Mihir Godbole, with many observers describing the relationship between grandfather and grandson as the emotional core of the story.
Several reviews have pointed out that the film arrives at a time when children’s cinema remains underrepresented in Bollywood. Critics have noted that the story’s themes of friendship, storytelling, loneliness and creativity offer a refreshing alternative to the formula-driven narratives that often dominate theatrical releases.
The film’s imaginative premise, which combines schoolyard myths, family bonds and extraterrestrial encounters, has been widely recognised as one of its strongest elements. While some reviewers have expressed mixed views regarding certain aspects of the screenplay and visual effects, there is broad agreement that the film’s heart remains firmly in the right place.
More importantly, many critics have welcomed the effort to create a family-oriented theatrical experience centred on children rather than treating younger viewers as a secondary audience.
Busy Times Ahead for the Veteran Actor
Even as The Great Grand Superhero finds its audience, Jackie Shroff’s schedule remains packed with major projects. The actor is set to appear in Khalnayak Returns, the upcoming continuation of the iconic franchise associated with Sanjay Dutt. Shroff has hinted at an intriguing dynamic between his character and Dutt’s, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.
He is also part of Siddharth Anand’s highly anticipated action film King, which reunites him with longtime contemporaries Shah Rukh Khan and Anil Kapoor. Although details about the film remain tightly guarded, Shroff has suggested that audiences can expect significant action and high-energy sequences.
For now, however, the conversation remains focused on The Great Grand Superhero. More than just another family entertainer, the film has reopened a discussion about the place of children’s cinema within India’s film industry. Through both his performance and his public remarks, Jackie Shroff has made a strong case for why stories built around imagination, innocence and family connections still matter.
In an era increasingly driven by spectacle and technology, The Great Grand Superhero arrives with a simpler message. Sometimes the most powerful heroes are not those who wear capes or command superhuman abilities. Sometimes they are the grandparents who inspire children to dream, imagine and believe in impossible things.
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