Have you ever imagined a world that exists in the deepest parts of the ocean, where even a person’s thoughts cannot reach, let alone the person himself? In this issue of Raj Comics’ ‘Sagar Samrat’ series, “Shukral,” we meet a hero whose fight is not for the land but for those kingdoms situated under the sea, where one wrong decision can turn the entire ‘Matsyalok’ into ashes. This story is not just about a superhero winning or losing, but about an immortal love that even the limits of time could not erase.
That dreaded dictator of the underwater world: When the cruelty of ‘Suma’ turned even the sea red!
The story starts in a kingdom situated under the sea where ‘Suma’ rules. Suma is such a dictator that his terror makes not only the people of the underwater world tremble but also the dreaded creatures of the sea. He forces every kingdom to accept his rule, and whoever refuses is destined only for destruction and devastation. This obsession of Suma is the main reason behind this entire series—he wants to conquer all the kingdoms of the underwater world so that he can become the master of infinite power.
The pain of the mermaids and the entry of Shukral: When the edge of the sword tore through the chest of the sea!
The story takes a turn when Suma plots to kidnap Tarangini, the mermaid daughter of Kalinjar, the king of Matsyalok. Tarangini is fighting for her freedom and her father’s honour but finds herself trapped in Suma’s clutches. Then, a glow like blue lightning appears underwater—it is Shukral, a warrior who is the greatest protector of his time.
Shukral’s entry is no less than that of a magnificent hero. When he swings his sword through the water, even the waves make way for him. His strength and the firm determination visible in his eyes are the only rays of hope for Tarangini.
Shark Army vs. Shukral: The deadly game of hide-and-seek from which escape was impossible!
The most exciting part of the comic is where Suma sends his ‘Shark Army’ after Shukral. Thousands of sharks and other dreaded sea creatures attack him simultaneously. Shukral is not only up against swords, but he also has to fight sharks that are ready to swallow him alive. Shukral’s agility, his way of escaping the jaws of the sharks, and his ability to generate electricity in the waves with his sword keep the reader glued to the story until the end. This action sequence is one of the finest and most thrilling scenes in ’90s Raj Comics.
Will the love of ‘Shukral’ and ‘Tarangini’ become the reason for the destruction of the underwater world?
The story takes a very emotional turn when Shukral learns that Tarangini has ‘sworn to remain unmarried.’ But love does not need any oath. Suma wants to make this growing love between the two a weapon for his victory. He knows that if Tarangini gets married, the ancient prophecies protecting Matsyalok will be broken, and he will easily capture it. This is where Shukral faces a major dilemma: should he choose his love or the future of Matsyalok?
That emotional story of the ending: Was sacrifice the only way to attain immortality?
The ending of “Shukral” will make you emotional. When the war finally ends, we learn about the ‘Samadhi’ that even today’s generation talks about. This is a sacrifice that did not even find a place in the pages of history. That vow of love and the pain of finally losing each other leave a very deep impression alongside the comic’s action.
The scene shown on page 31, in which an elderly person is looking at a picture of the mausoleum years later, reveals that Shukral’s story is still alive today.
Artwork and Visuals: Pictures that bring a fantasy world to life
The undersea world created by Bharat Makwana in the illustrations of this comic is unmatched. The designs of the sharks, giant fish, and soldiers of the underwater world look very frightening and realistic. The clash of swords, the whirlpools rising in the water, and Shukral’s powerful physique are truly magnificent. The combination of blue, green, and gold colours used by Sunil Pandey makes it seem as if you are actually diving beneath the sea.
Why should this story from ‘Sagar Samrat’ be read?
“Shukral” is not just a comic but a brilliant and grand drama from that period. It has everything that a great comic should have—a cruel villain (Suma), a brave hero (Shukral), a beautiful princess (Tarangini), and an ending that you will remember for the rest of your life.
If you are one of those Raj Comics fans who love stories that have emotions along with action, then “Shukral” is a great creation for you. It won’t make you laugh, but it will definitely make you wonder: does love always demand sacrifice?
