Bollywood action star John Abraham is set to reunite with acclaimed director Abhishek Sharma for “Munkeeman,” an ambitious superhero franchise. Producer Mahaveer Jain under Mahaveer Jain Films will back this high-octane, genre-bending film, which plans to go on floors early next year. This collaboration marks a significant return for the “Parmanu” duo, promising a fresh take on the superhero genre inspired by a bizarre real-life incident.
John Abraham and Abhishek Sharma Reunite for Superhero Franchise
Actor John Abraham and director Abhishek Sharma will reunite for their next big-screen venture, “Munkeeman,” a superhero franchise. This collaboration comes after their critically acclaimed work on the 2018 film “Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran.” The reunion has generated considerable buzz, as it will see Abraham step into the superhero genre for the first time, an exciting new territory for the actor known for his intense and physically demanding roles.
Producer Mahaveer Jain, who has backed diverse projects, will produce “Munkeeman.” This marks a new collaboration between Jain, Abraham, and Sharma, bringing together a team dedicated to delivering a grand theatrical experience. The film, currently in its early stages of development, aims to offer Indian cinema a unique and original superhero narrative.
“Munkeeman” Based on Director’s Own Book
Intriguingly, “Munkeeman” draws its narrative from a book of the same name, authored by none other than the film’s director, Abhishek Sharma. The source material for “Munkeeman” takes inspiration from the infamous “Monkey Man incident” that terrorized Delhi residents in 2001 (not 2002 as per the prompt, but my search results indicate 2001).
The “Monkey Man” phenomenon involved widespread panic caused by reports of a mysterious, ape-like creature attacking people in various parts of the city.
Production Timeline: Filming to Commence Early 2026
The filming for “Munkeeman” will kick off in early 2026. This timeline allows John Abraham to complete his ongoing commitments before fully dedicating himself to this new superhero role. Currently, Abraham is deeply engrossed in shooting for the much-anticipated Rakesh Maria biopic, directed by Rohit Shetty. This real-life drama is expected to be a significant project for both Abraham and Shetty.
Once Abraham wraps up the Rakesh Maria biopic, he will likely shift his focus to the extensive pre-production and physical preparations required for “Munkeeman.” Given the nature of superhero films, the production is expected to involve significant VFX work, elaborate action sequences, and potentially complex character design, necessitating a thorough planning phase before cameras roll.
Producer Mahaveer Jain is also producing “Naagzilla,” a creature comedy starring Kartik Aaryan. Directed by “Fukrey” fame Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, “Naagzilla” offers an exciting mix of fantasy and comedy. This simultaneous involvement in two distinct, high-concept projects highlights Jain’s commitment to diverse and large-scale storytelling in Indian cinema.
A Fresh Take on the Superhero Genre
“Munkeeman” aims to bring a fresh and indigenous superhero story to the forefront of Indian cinema. Unlike many superhero films that draw inspiration from Western comics, “Munkeeman” grounds itself in a distinctly Indian urban legend, offering a unique cultural context. John Abraham’s involvement, coupled with Abhishek Sharma’s creative vision, indicates a film that will likely prioritize gritty action and compelling storytelling over flashy CGI alone.
The film’s potential to launch a new superhero franchise holds significant promise for the industry, offering a homegrown hero that audiences can connect with. As John Abraham completes his current projects and prepares for this challenging yet exciting new role, anticipation for “Munkeeman” will undoubtedly build, eager to see how this mysterious “superhero” comes to life on the big screen.
