BENGALURU: Kalaripayattu is one of the popular martial art forms of India. Thousands of people including hundreds of foreigners arrive in the country to learn this art form. Now this martial art form and its theme are brought into the silver screen. Country’s first martial arts film Dhehi is based on the life and achievements of a Kalaripayattu artist and a Kalari guru. The multi-lingual (Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil) movie is directed by famous cine director Dhana (Dhana Shekhar) of Padaiveeran fame.
One of the highlights of this movie is the that it is produced by the students of the Kalari Gurukulam, Bengaluru. This institute has an internationally acclaimed centre for learning Kalariyapattu. According to the movie team, the total budget of the film is ` 3 crores. The aim of the students is to "create an awareness and interest in our own tradition especially Kalarippayattu among the international audience."
The movie showcases how Kalaripayattu is part of daily life and how one can elevate the soul by balancing the body and mind. It’s slithering sword and urumi grabs the limelight for its magnificent fighting techniques and movement. Dhehi inspires girls to have a vision of what they want to achieve and work towards attaining it, say the makers.
The movie revolves around Divya, a young 17-year-old girl aiming to set an example for the younger generation, a young girl who dreams big to fly high in life but is let down by society. The burning issue of violence against women is discussed in this movie. According to the movie production crew, the Dhehi team has completed 50 per cent of the shooting mostly at Kalari Gurukulam and in and around Bengaluru. The second schedule will be recorded at historical places with a rich heritage like Hampi, Belur, Halebidu etc.
Kishore of Kabali, Pulimurugan fame is playing the lead actor role while Upasana Gurjer is the lead actress. Kalaripayattu master and the head of the Kalari Gurukulam, Bengaluru Ranjan Mullaratt is the Martial Art Director and Choreographer of the movie.