From Kickboxing to Kalaripayattu: Martial Arts' Enduring Impact in Telugu Films

Telugu cinema has a strong tradition of integrating martial arts into its narratives, often for high-octane action sequences and to highlight a hero's prowess. Here are some notable Telugu films that have infused martial arts into their story: Thammudu (1999): Another Pawan Kalyan film, where the protagonist is forced to step into the shoes of his kickboxer brother who gets injured. Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (2003): This film features a protagonist who learns kickboxing from his estranged father, a champion kickboxer, to compete in a championship. Johnny (2003): Directed by and starring Pawan Kalyan, this film extensively features martial arts, as Kalyan plays a troubled martial arts coach. Liger (2022): Vijay Deverakonda underwent significant physical transformation and training to portray an MMA (Mixed Mixed Arts) fighter in this film. Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015): While not purely a martial arts film, Ram Charan's character is a stuntman who often performs elaborate action sequences with martial arts influences. The title itself is a nod to the iconic martial artist. Saakshyam (2018): This fantasy action film features sequences where the protagonist utilizes martial arts, often integrated with natural elements. Badrinath (2011): Allu Arjun plays a modern-day Indian samurai, a protector of a temple. He underwent intensive martial arts and sword fighting training for the role in Vietnam. Ghani (2022): Varun Tej portrays the son of a disgraced boxer who pursues the sport to avenge his family's humiliation, with extensive boxing sequences. Also Read : Ashok Galla s next with Sithara Entertainments gets First Look date Re-release craze: Baahubali: The Epic finds its national and international distributors