Hrithik: I have a hole in my brain but my spirit is intact

After recuperating from a rather complex brain surgery last month, Hrithik Roshan made his first public appearance on August 5 at the trailer launch of his upcoming superhero flick Krrish 3 at PVR in Juhu, a western Mumbai suburb.

The trailer launch turned out to be a brief family celebration as Hrithik, joined by sister Sunaina, father Rakesh Roshan (who’s also directed, produced the film) and music composer uncle Rajesh Roshan recounted their three-year-old journey with the film.

Kangna Ranaut and Vivek Oberoi, who play negative characters in the film, were also present while leading lady Priyanka Chopra is away in the US doing promotional rounds with her new single Exotic.

Anil Kapoor, who shares a great rapport with Rakesh Roshan - he’s worked with Roshan on films like Kala Bazaar, Kishen Kanhaiya, Khel and Karobar -- played the perfect host for the event.

The 56-year-old actor said, “It’s a special moment for me because I am here today for my friend and elder brother Rakesh Roshan who has given me some of the biggest hits of my career.”

An equally overwhelmed Hrithik said, “It has been quite a journey for me and my family. We have put in three years of our lives to make it possible. It’s a very emotional moment for us.”

The onscreen superhero also addressed concern over his health post-surgery.

“I am absolutely fantastic. I may have a hole in my brain, my spirit is intact and I would like to thank my fans who have prayed for me through this phase. I feel like a superhero in real life too.”

The actor credited his father for his success, “Today I am here because of one man's vision and that is my father. He is a true example of courage.”

Citing the importance of first impressions, Roshan Sr said that he was really glad that the gathered media had liked his new film’s promo.

“The first trailer is like a litmus test for any film and looking at such a positive response, I am glad that I have passed the test,” he said.

Kangana Ranaut, who plays a body suit-clad mutant in the film, was visibly kicked about her new role too.

“This is a very unconventional role -- I play a sexy and wicked mutant. I am really excited for the film.”

Vivek Oberoi, whose villainous turn in the film hasn’t gone unnoticed amidst all the sleekness and CGI, was all praise for the Roshans.

“I am privileged to have worked in this film. To be honest it wasn’t difficult to play a villain in the film and it is all because of Rakeshji. He knows exactly what he wants as a director and he made it really easy by taking the pressure away from us.”

Hrithik, who was initially interested in essaying the negative role in the film, said that he was glad he didn't go ahead with it.

“I wanted to play the villain and my father had initially agreed because I think he is biased towards me,” Hrithik said adding, “But thank god I am not playing Vivek's role as I’m now convinced after watching him onscreen that only he could pull it off. He has done a phenomenal job."

While the CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) in the film has met with not-so-favourable response, the actor believes that Krrish 3 can compete with Hollywood superheroes films like The Avengers, Iron Man 3 and Man Of Steel.

"Films like The Avengers, Iron Man 3 and Man Of Steel have come in the last one-year. We did start questioning that why did these films had to release now as they were all superb and all these film raised the bar and took it to another level. We decided to stand up and compete with these films.”

The film is slated to release on November 4 this year.

Caught the trailer? Check out Raja Sen's review!

Apparently, old man Hrithik Roshan has discovered the secret to Jaadoo’s solar-enhanced powers. (Apparently it also has something to do with Bournvita.)

But, as the promo tells us, “in a far land” evil is hatching, and we hear Vivek Oberoi laughing maniacally and bits of aluminium flying toward him a la Iron Man 2.

Next up is Kangana Ranaut freefalling quite coolly against a skyscraper, seemingly doing better than the last time we saw her do this.

As weird things continue to explode -- the special effects guys clearly love the colour blue -- we see a man with a tremendously long tongue treating a lab like labia.

And then with fanfare we see that black eye-mask with those eyes greener than jealous pussycats.

The words “like never before” hit us just before people crash through buildings and cities, and magnetism seems a part of this picture, but the “like never before” bit seems to be that Hrithik Roshan, in superhero mode, isn’t smiling at all this time.

Does this hint at a darker storyline? Or is he justifiably irritated with the film being called Krrish 3 instead of Krrish 2?

Overall, it’s big and loud and blue -- with unforgivably tacky visual effects -- but the trailer does get a couple of things right: moviegoers aren’t scared off by a Vivek Oberoi sighting, and Kangna Ranaut (who apparently plays a mutant) is looking intriguing, and may well be this film’s highlight.

As for Roshan, I’m just hoping they don’t show his old-man version too much.

This Diwali, perhaps we should all keep expectations in check. Remember, the Ra.One trailer was better.