For the past two days, social media has been ablaze with discussions surrounding Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan and his striking new appearance for the upcoming film Soldier. While fans have been quick to shower him with praise for the fresh avatar, eagle-eyed film enthusiasts have noticed a curious similarity that has left the industry buzzing. The question now arises—is Shakib’s new look entirely original, or has inspiration been drawn from elsewhere?
Investigations by fans revealed a striking resemblance between Shakib’s latest appearance and that of South Indian actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who sported a nearly identical style just a few months ago. When the two images are placed side by side, the similarities are immediately apparent, with the first glance capable of misleading even seasoned cinema-goers.
The parallels are remarkable:
| Feature | Shakib Khan (Soldier) | Prithviraj Sukumaran (L2 Empuran) |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket | Black denim with prominent white stitching | Black denim with prominent white stitching |
| Facial Hair | Thick, sharply trimmed moustache | Thick, sharply trimmed moustache |
| Sunglasses | Aviators | Tortoiseshell frame |
| Hairstyle | Short, slightly tousled | Short, slightly tousled |
| Character Role | Soldier fighting corruption and syndicate | Military commander working for a syndicate |
Both actors are clad in black denim jackets with pronounced white stitching, while sporting sharply groomed moustaches. Their hairstyles bear a remarkable similarity, and although the styles of their sunglasses differ slightly—Shakib opting for classic aviators and Prithviraj favouring tortoiseshell frames—the overall impression is nearly identical.
Interestingly, the resemblance extends beyond mere aesthetics. Prithviraj debuted this look in March 2025 for the promotional campaign of L2 Empuran, the highly anticipated sequel in the Lucifer franchise, where he plays Zayed Masood, a military commander entrenched in syndicate operations. Similarly, Shakib Khan’s Soldier centres on a valiant soldier battling corruption and organised crime. This thematic parallel only heightens the visual similarity, making the comparison unavoidable.
Now, speculation is rife in both Dhallywood and South Indian cinema circles. Is Shakib’s new look a case of coincidental resemblance, or does it reflect a deliberate homage to Prithviraj’s celebrated style? With the film’s release approaching, audiences and critics alike are eagerly anticipating whether Soldier will bring a fresh interpretation or reinforce the apparent inspiration.
As the debate intensifies, one thing remains clear: Shakib Khan’s Soldier is already dominating headlines, and its visual style is generating buzz long before it hits the silver screen.