Originated in modern-day Kerela, Kalaripayattu, also known simply as Kalari is an Indian martial art and fighting style. Kalaripayattu is held in high regard by martial artists due to its long-standing history within Indian martial arts.
Bollywood action star Vidyut Jammwal says his vision is to popularise the indigenous martial art Kalaripayattu through Indian cinema.
Vidyut is a trained martial artist and has learned kalarippayattu since the age of three.
“I don’t have a vision yet about how it should be presented, but my vision for Indian cinema is that people should talk about kalarippayattu, the martial art. It is an original Indian martial art,” Vidyut said.
“When I go and pursue an award from Jackie Chan, and when they talk of kalarippayattu, the Indian martial art, I feel proud. My vision for Indian action cinema worldwide is that we need to present this,” he said about popularising kalarippayattu on screen.
Vidyut, who rose to fame with the “Commando” franchise of films, notes many things that are popular globally today actually originated in India.
“When I lie down on spears, they say, ‘Shaolin monks bhi karte hain (Shaolin monks also do this)’. Shaolin monks isliye karte hain (Shaolin Monks do it) because they learnt it from an Indian guy called Bodhidharma. I just want everybody to be aware. People should know that martial arts is an Indian skill, and that’s my vision,” he said.
The actor was recently seen in the digitally released film, “Khuda Haafiz”. He will next be seen in the film’s second chapter.