Hrithik Roshan as Krrish in his iconic black mask, a look crafted after six months of design trials (Unsplashed)
To the Indian world of films, Krrish opened its doors in great style in 2006 and brought the first original Indian superhero to life in the country. However, what many fans did not know was that there was tremendous work behind the designing of Hrithik Roshan's probably the most famous mask if not the most Krrish mask. Recently, Rakesh Roshan, the doyen of Indian filmmaking, shared that it took nearly six months of trial and error to work on the mask in the best way possible. Aesthetics had to be combined with usability, considering the mask should go with Hrithik's character on-screen. Thus came the iconic black wax mask, which was by now synonymous with the superhero himself.
But it was innovation filled with challenges. Wax material, while looking good, had a major drawback-it melted under the shooting lights after a few hours of application. To counteract this, Rakesh Roshan arranged a fully air-conditioned bus that ran almost throughout the day during filming to keep the spare masks intact. Hrithik was often required to change masks after every few hours, adding to the discipline toward his grueling performance.
With Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles and Naseeruddin Shah and Rekha in supporting roles, Krrish was no mere glitzy daytime superstition; it was an activity in cinema that paid off successfully. Following Krishna Mehra, a man with powers inherited from his father, who comes to embrace his destiny as the Krrish, to thwart the evil scientist, the blend of science fiction, action and emotionally charged drama formed the crucible that melted children and older folk alike.
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In its own right, the film was a technical achievement. Costume heavy, stunt choreography invented, everything was made with the intention of stretching the outer limits for Indian filmmaking. No, it was a smash hit, overcoming all hurdles that ensured India was equipped to furnish superhero sagas that could rival the world franchises.
After the success of Krrish and its sequel Krrish 3 (2013), the wait had just begun after the next chapter. And it is coming to an end now. In April 2025, Rakesh Roshan announced Krrish 4, signifying an end of an era for the franchise. In the latest of surprises, Hrithik Roshan will assume directing duties as well as reprise his role of superhero. The film is not expected to start shooting until early next year under the Yash Raj Films banner.
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For Rakesh Roshan, the franchise stands for more than just the films-it symbolized twenty years' worth of storytelling, innovations and risk-taking. Right now, with Hrithik balancing the roles of actor and director, Krrish 4 offers the promise not only of a superhero saga but of the legacy of a family that has wholeheartedly devoted itself to building what is regarded as India's most ambitious franchise.
