Mukesh Khanna on Vishwaguru: 'Bigger than Censor after Dev Anand'
Synopsis
Mukesh Khanna rarely takes up films — but 'Vishwaguru' broke that pattern after three persistent meetings with its directors. The actor believes it could be his biggest screen moment since Dev Anand's 'Censor' in 2001, a claim that will have fans of Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah paying close attention.
Key Takeaways
Mukesh Khanna confirmed his role in upcoming film 'Vishwaguru' , saying the subject drew him in after three meetings with the makers.
He called it potentially his biggest film since Dev Anand's 'Censor' ( 2001 ), in which he played an Indian Army officer .
The film is directed by Shailesh Boghani and Atul Sonar . 'Vishwaguru' revolves around a foreign attack on India and how the country's spiritual knowledge becomes its strength.
Khanna agreed to deliver his dialogues in Hindi after considering the film's theme.
No official release date has been announced yet.
Actor Mukesh Khanna has revealed why he chose to be part of his upcoming film 'Vishwaguru', saying the subject captivated him from the very first conversation — and that the project could turn out to be the most significant film of his career since Dev Anand's 'Censor' in 2001.
How the Film Came Together
Khanna said the director approached him multiple times before he finally agreed to come on board. 'I liked the topic, I liked the subject. He was right, we had three meetings, and then we spoke,' the actor said. Describing the filmmaker's persistence, Khanna recalled, 'Three times, he sat at my table and went out, then came in, then went out, then came in. And ultimately, he left a Ram Bandh on me.'
One aspect of the production that required deliberation was the language — Khanna confirmed he agreed to deliver his dialogues in Hindi after weighing the film's subject matter. 'Sir, you spoke in Hindi in this film. And I said, okay, fine. Because the subject...' he noted.
Why Vishwaguru Holds Special Significance
Khanna, who is selective about the projects he takes up, placed 'Vishwaguru' in rare company when assessing his own filmography. 'Look, I make very few films. And I'll tell you openly that maybe after Dev Anand's film, 'Censor,' maybe after 'Censor,' a big film of mine is coming. People are waiting for me. So, I did this film because I liked the subject,' he said.
In Dev Anand's 2001 film 'Censor', Khanna had portrayed an Indian Army officer — a role that remained one of his notable big-screen appearances. 'Vishwaguru' is being seen by the actor as his return to that scale.
What the Film Is About
Directed by Shailesh Boghani and Atul Sonar, 'Vishwaguru' centres on a foreign group that launches an attack on India through a combination of deception and force. The narrative explores how spiritual knowledge becomes the country's defining strength, underlining India's identity as a global teacher — a concept referenced by the film's title, which translates broadly to 'World Teacher.'
Khanna's Legacy and Selective Career Choices
Best known for his iconic portrayals of Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah, Khanna has consistently maintained a low volume of film appearances, making each new project a subject of considerable interest among his fanbase. His admission that audiences are 'waiting' for him reflects both the cult status of his earlier work and the expectations riding on 'Vishwaguru'.
No official release date has been announced for the film as of now.
Point of View
But a culturally loaded film with a nationalist undercurrent, much like 'Vishwaguru' appears to be. Khanna's brand has always straddled mythology, patriotism, and moral authority, and his selective screen appearances mean this project will carry outsized symbolic weight for his core audience. The real question is whether the film can cross from cult anticipation to mainstream traction — something Khanna's recent work has struggled to achieve despite his social media presence.
NationPress
4 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mukesh Khanna's upcoming film Vishwaguru about?
'Vishwaguru' is a film directed by Shailesh Boghani and Atul Sonar in which a foreign group attacks India through deception and force, and the country's spiritual knowledge becomes its source of resilience. The title reflects India's identity as a global teacher.
Why did Mukesh Khanna agree to do Vishwaguru?
Khanna said he was drawn to the film's subject from the very first conversation and agreed after three meetings with the filmmakers. He described the director's persistence as a key factor in his decision.
What did Mukesh Khanna say about the film's significance?
Khanna said 'Vishwaguru' could be his biggest film since Dev Anand's 'Censor' in 2001, in which he played an Indian Army officer. He noted that he takes up very few films and chose this one specifically because of its subject.
Who is directing Vishwaguru?
The film is co-directed by Shailesh Boghani and Atul Sonar.
What is Mukesh Khanna best known for?
Mukesh Khanna is best known for portraying Shaktimaan in the long-running superhero television series and Bhishma Pitamah in the Mahabharat television epic, both of which gave him iconic status in Indian popular culture.
