After years of anticipation, Tesla has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its globally successful electric SUV, the Tesla Model Y. Starting at a price of ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the Model Y is now available for pre-order via Tesla’s newly inaugurated showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
But long before Tesla Autopilot and FSD (Full Self-Driving) became global buzzwords, India had already fantasized about a car that could drive itself, fight off villains, and even avenge its owner’s death — all on its own. We’re talking about Tarzan: The Wonder Car, a 2004 Bollywood film that gave India its very first taste of a self-driving, AI-powered, voice-controlled supercar.
A Car With a Soul… Literally
Tarzan was perhaps the OG Tesla, Bollywood-style.
In Tarzan: The Wonder Car, the titular vehicle is no ordinary machine. Built by a passionate young car designer, Raj (played by Vatsal Sheth), Tarzan is a futuristic, voice-activated car with unmatched tech — automatic driving, obstacle detection, defense mechanisms, and even emotion-like behavior. The twist? The car is possessed by the spirit of Raj’s murdered father.
Not only does Tarzan drive itself, it thinks, responds, and fights back.
Tesla’s AI may predict lane changes, but Tarzan could launch itself into mid-air stunts, hack traffic signals, and even burn rubber in ghost mode. Elon Musk, are you watching?
Tech Ahead of Its Time?
Of course, Tarzan was a work of fiction. But let’s break down the “features” that would’ve made Silicon Valley blush in 2004:
- Autonomous Driving: Tarzan could navigate traffic without a driver. No steering input, no pedals.
- Voice Commands: It responded to verbal instructions long before Alexa or Siri were mainstream.
- Obstacle Avoidance: It dodged attacks and incoming vehicles like early ADAS tech.
- Auto Lock & Defense Mode: Tarzan could trap enemies inside, lock itself down, or drive off to safety.
Compare that to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Beta in 2025, and you’ll see how Bollywood imagined a Level 5 autonomy two decades ago — albeit powered by a ghost and revenge, not neural nets.
While the film didn’t perform well at the box office, Tarzan became a cult classic, especially for gearheads and sci-fi lovers.
Also Read: How Does Tesla Perform Against BYD in India? Check Out Detailed Comparison Here!
Tesla May Have the Tech, But India Had the Heart
Let’s be real — Tesla has revolutionized modern driving with actual tech. But when it comes to imagination, drama, and emotional AI, Bollywood beat Silicon Valley by a mile (and some stunts).
The next time someone says Tesla brought self-driving to the world, remind them: India did it first — with a ghost, vengeance, and a lot of chrome.
Tarzan the Wonder Car is more than a Bollywood fantasy — it’s a reminder that great ideas often come from storytelling. While Tesla leads the self-driving revolution today, India dreamt of such a car two decades ago… in theatres.
Who knows? Maybe the next Tesla update will include a "revenge mode." Until then, Tarzan remains the most iconic 'autonomous' car in Indian pop culture.
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Also Read: Tesla Model Y Launched in India at ₹59.89 Lakh — Specs, Price, Range, and More!
