Himansh Kohli on Hrithik's 'Super 30': How it shaped 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero'
Synopsis
Himansh Kohli says Hrithik Roshan’s de-glam turn in ‘Super 30’ moved him deeply — and shaped his own approach to ‘Aryabhatt Ka Zero’, a family drama rooted in India’s mathematical heritage. But he’s firm: the two films are not identical, and the comparison may actually be the best marketing hook the film has going into its 7 August release.
Key Takeaways
Himansh Kohli cited Hrithik Roshan ’s performance in 'Super 30' (2019) as a major personal influence.
Kohli stars in 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero' , directed by Kamal Chandra , releasing on 7 August .
The film centres on a family narrative around the struggle for education and the legacy of mathematician Aryabhatta .
Kohli drew a clear distinction between the two films, saying ‘they are not identical at all.’ The cast includes Sonal Sehgal , Darshana Banik , Naresh Vohra , and Shilpa Shinde in a special appearance.
Actor Himansh Kohli has spoken candidly about how Hrithik Roshan's acclaimed performance in the 2019 biographical drama 'Super 30' left a lasting impression on him — and how it informs his own upcoming film 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero', releasing on 7 August. The 'Yaariyan' actor shared his thoughts in a recent interview, drawing a thoughtful parallel between the two education-themed films while being careful to underline their differences.
What Hrithik's Performance Meant to Himansh
Kohli was candid about the emotional impact of watching Roshan shed his star persona for a raw, unglamorous role. “I think I understand that when you leave glamour and come to a rawness, it is not challenging but you just have to make people believe that it is you. Because in this way, they never believe you to see you and they don’t even want you to come in this de-glam avatar role,” he said.
He went further, acknowledging the reach of Roshan’s work: “The performance that Hrithik Roshan delivered in ‘Super 30’ has definitely impacted so many people, including me, who was moved by that performance. That too was a story of students and their children’s studies.”
How 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero' Differs
While both films share an education theme, Kohli was quick to draw a clear line. “Our story in ‘Aryabhatt Ka Zero’ is around a family. The topic of this film is also education, the struggle for education, the challenges, and today’s youth who feel that he should also get that right,” he explained. “Even if he does not have the means for it at that time, he has a hope to achieve it with his merit and confidence. But if you watch the movie, you will find that these two are not identical at all.”
The film explores the origin and significance of the concept of zero (Shunya), the place value system, and the groundbreaking contributions of the legendary Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta to the world of mathematics.
Cast and Release
Directed by Kamal Chandra, 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero' features Sonal Sehgal, Darshana Banik, Naresh Vohra, Alka Amin, and Neeraj Sood in key roles, with Shilpa Shinde making a special appearance. The film is slated to release in theatres on 7 August.
The Bigger Picture
Education-themed films have carved a distinct niche in Hindi cinema since 'Taare Zameen Par' and '3 Idiots' set the template. ‘Super 30’ added a social-mobility dimension that resonated widely. ‘Aryabhatt Ka Zero’ appears to extend that tradition by rooting its narrative in India’s own scientific heritage, positioning Aryabhatta’s legacy as a source of aspiration for contemporary youth. Whether it can replicate that emotional reach will be tested at the box office on 7 August.
Point of View
But they succeed when the emotional core is specific, not generic. The film’s focus on Aryabhatta’s mathematical legacy is a genuinely distinctive angle — the question is whether the screenplay translates heritage into feeling. Kohli’s candour about the de-glamourisation challenge is refreshing; whether audiences extend him the same benefit of the doubt they gave Roshan remains to be seen.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Hrithik Roshan’s 'Super 30' influence Himansh Kohli?
Himansh Kohli has said that Hrithik Roshan’s raw, de-glamourised performance in the 2019 biographical drama ‘Super 30’ moved him deeply and informed his own understanding of how to make audiences believe in an unglamorous role. He described the portrayal of mathematician Anand Kumar as inspiring and emotionally resonant.
What is 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero' about?
‘Aryabhatt Ka Zero’ is a family drama centred on the struggle for education and the legacy of the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta. It explores the origin of zero (Shunya) and the place value system, framing them as sources of aspiration for today’s youth.
When does 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero' release in theatres?
The film is slated to release in theatres on 7 August. It is directed by Kamal Chandra and features Himansh Kohli alongside Sonal Sehgal, Darshana Banik, Naresh Vohra, Alka Amin, Neeraj Sood, and Shilpa Shinde in a special appearance.
Is 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero' similar to 'Super 30'?
Himansh Kohli has directly addressed this comparison, acknowledging that both films share an education theme but insisting they are not identical. While ‘Super 30’ focused on a real-life coaching institute and student achievement, ‘Aryabhatt Ka Zero’ is a family narrative rooted in India’s mathematical heritage.
Who is in the cast of 'Aryabhatt Ka Zero'?
The film stars Himansh Kohli alongside Sonal Sehgal, Darshana Banik, Naresh Vohra, Alka Amin, and Neeraj Sood in key roles. Shilpa Shinde makes a special appearance. The film is directed by Kamal Chandra.
