Akshay Kumar Says Hollywood Superheroes Are Inspired by Indian Mythology; Vishnu Manchu Connects Star Wars to Mahabharata

In a recent conversation promoting their upcoming mythological film Kannappa, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar shared his belief that many Hollywood superheroes are inspired by ancient Indian mythology. Speaking about the rich cultural roots of Indian stories, he emphasized how numerous superpowers and superhero traits showcased in global cinema actually echo themes found in texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Akshay Kumar pointed out that characters in Indian mythology often possess supernatural abilities, immense strength, and moral responsibilities—traits also seen in characters like Superman, Thor, or Iron Man. He remarked that while the West has successfully repackaged these ideas into global blockbusters, India has always had a vast reservoir of heroic legends and divine warriors that predate modern storytelling.

Joining the conversation, Vishnu Manchu—who is also a producer and actor in Kannappa—added an even more intriguing layer. He suggested that the globally popular Star Wars saga may have drawn inspiration from the Indian epic Mahabharata. According to him, the themes of family conflict, duty, destiny, and the battle between good and evil closely mirror those of the ancient Indian texts. While these parallels have often been observed by fans, Vishnu's statement adds weight to the theory that Indian mythology has had a silent but significant influence on global pop culture.

Vishnu also brought attention to another possible example—Steven Spielberg’s iconic film E.T. He mentioned that the concept closely resembles The Alien, a script written by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray in the 1960s. Though The Alien was never produced, the idea was reportedly shared with Hollywood studios years before E.T. was released.

Both actors are part of the upcoming film Kannappa, which is slated for release on June 27, 2025. The film tells the story of Bhakta Kannappa, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, and features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Kajal Aggarwal. Akshay plays the role of Lord Shiva in the film, while Vishnu Manchu takes on the titular role of Kannappa.

Their remarks not only stir curiosity about the film but also reignite discussions on the global influence of Indian mythology—showcasing how stories rooted in ancient wisdom continue to inspire generations across borders.