Interview | Vidyut Jammwal: Kalarippayattu remains my primary source of discipline

Known for his chiselled build and martial prowess, actor Vidyut Jammwal is set for a comeback to Tamil cinema after over a decade. In a reunion with Tamil film director A.R. Murugadoss along with actor Sivakarthikeyan, the trio is gearing up for their upcoming action-packed drama, SK23 (tentative working title). Earlier in February 2024, his last film, 'Crakk', billed as India's first extreme sports action film, tanked at the box office; leading the fitness buff to join a French circus, in a bid to recover financial losses. With lessons learned, the 'Commando' star is eyeing a rebound as he gears up to crank up the weight machines at the gym.

During a shoot sequence for SK23 starring Kannada actress Rukmini Vasanth as the lead, Midday.com sat down with Vidyut to discuss themes of overcoming setbacks, the power of discipline and the courage to go bold while carving one's unconventional path.

Rising from adversity: Choosebold 2.0
Life's unpredictable twists can leave us at a crossroads, torn between the conventional route and a road less taken. Opting for the latter may involve risks: yet those who choose it, are on a path to discover new encounters of life.

IN PHOTOS: Catch the marvels of 19th-century South Bombay with this curated guide

4 days agoPHOTO GALLERY

Recounting the response to his latest film, Jammwal admits, "I lost a lot of money because of Crakk's failure." Having co-produced the film with Abbas Sayyed and Paras Sanghvi, the Nora Fatehi starrer managed to collect only Rs 10 crore against a mounting budget of Rs 45 crore, according to boxofficeindia.com. Reflecting on this failure, the actor shares, "The most important learning that came for me was, how will I deal with the financial setback."

He continues, "Losing money comes with a lot of advice. People who've lost money in the past and friends who care about you tend to bombard you with countless suggestions. At that moment, it became important for me to disconnect from all the advice."

Jammwal began training for in Kalaripayattu at the age of three in an ashram in Palakkad, Kerala which was run by his mother

After the film bombed at the box office, he left Mumbai and went on to join a French circus. "There, I spent time with this contortionist: someone who can stretch their body parts to near-impossible levels. While observing them, I was blown. In my head, I thought, ‘Oh my God, how can somebody be so flexible'. It made me feel like the smallest person in that room."

After spending some more time with Frenchmen, he flew back to Mumbai to find out that "everything had calmed down." Three months after the film's release, the actor-producer was debt-free. We ask, how? "It's a miracle," comes the reply after fleeting ruminations.

Nevertheless, Jammwal's resilience has led him to collaborate with the Indian cricketer Virat Kohli to celebrate bold choices with a new TV campaign ‘Choosebold 2.0' for Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water. The campaign is a tribute to the ones who are ‘progressive and fearlessly play their own game in life.'

Also read: Why Alia Bhatt steers away from giving parenting advice

The power of discipline
Jammwal's ability to blend athleticism with a cinematic touch has solidified his position in action-oriented roles. Films such as 'Commando' (2013), "Commando 2" (2017), and 'Commando 3' (2019) showcase his mastery in choreographing and executing daring stunts on his own. It was only natural that we asked him about his fitness regimen next.

Speaking of which, he tells us, "My daily fitness routine is constantly evolving and tailored to specific skills I aim to enhance. I train 6 days a week with targeted workouts on different body segments. It includes a variety of exercises such as calisthenics and bodyweight training to improve my strength and flexibility."

Also, movements of the fingers and toes is crucial as it controls the entire human system and organs, he adds.

In 2018, Vidyut was recognised as one of the top martial artists in the world by a popular international website, ranking alongside legends like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li

While action lies at the heart of his movies, he asserts that professional training and safety measures remain his top priority during extreme workouts. Renowned for practicing martial arts, his foundations lie in Kalarippayattu: Kerala's ancient martial art form, known for its dynamic movements, weaponry techniques and emphasis on physical fitness and discipline

He continues, "For enhancing agility, flexibility and combat skills, I always turn to martial arts. This diversification of physical activities ensures that my workouts remain dynamic and well-rounded, contributing to my overall fitness goals. Kalarippayattu remains my primary source of discipline."

Known to perform his stunts in the movies, Jammwal takes us through a memory where he encountered the most challenging stunt of his life. "Out of all the stunts I've done recently, the train stunt in 'Crakk' really stands out for me. It's become my absolute favourite. But you know what left a mark on me? That stunt in 'Junglee' where I had to run alongside those majestic elephants, matching their pace. That experience, running with those incredible creatures, it's something I'll never forget!"

Balancing fitness with acting
Over the years, Jammwal has developed a way to combine his passion for acting with his dedication to fitness. "My fitness program is an integral part of both my acting career and personal life. Whether I'm on set, requiring rigorous training, or at social gatherings, I effortlessly incorporate physical activity. I'm always in movement."

Maintaining a rigorous workout regime along with martial arts training has emerged as key to both on-and off-screen wellness. Through training, he found his inspiration in telling stories. "As a martial artist, my primary objective is to showcase the rich tradition of Indian cinema within the action genre. I find great joy in blending intense action sequences with the emotional depth of romance, creating action-romantic films that captivate and entertain audiences."

Further speaking of his new project, he shares his excitement. "Reuniting with Murugadoss after our previous successful collaboration on 'Thuppakki' is incredibly exciting. We're crafting an intense action drama that promises to deliver gripping sequences and compelling storytelling."

The action buff attributes his journey to bold decisions. "My acting career and training in Kalaripayattu have instilled in me a profound sense of discipline and have been the driving force in my life. I believe that success isn't attained by blindly following others but by forging one's path. The only way to truly test your capabilities is to venture beyond the easy routes and carve your way."

Also read: Why is nutrition important during the monsoon season? Mumbai nutritionists tell