Journey to the heart of Kalari

This long and intricate performance, rooted in the actors' rigorous daily training, brought to life the mythical origins of Kalari, highlighting both its dramatic intensity and its aesthetic allure. The martial art transforms into a ‘dance of energy’, that in some parts resembles Chinese Tai Chi. Beyond the main martial gestures as attack and defense, it becomes a fluid, uninterrupted movement, where elements of yoga and devotion intertwine with the more overtly combative aspects.

Men and women move with a unique sinuosity, their movements and strikes explicitly inspired by the agility of animals. We have seen feline-like women, cobra-like women, and strong, stable and, above all, proud men. Within this discipline and its context, one can sense a profound lesson: there is no need to fear in aspiring to become something greater, even a semi-god. From a historical perspective, few martial arts are as steeped in mystery and fascination as Kalari, or Kalaripayattu - the ancient combat system that originates from Kerala, India. With roots tracing back to the 11th or 12th century, Kalaripayattu is more than just a fighting method; it is an ode to discipline, spirituality, and the deep connection between mind, body, and the universe.

Legend tells that Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu, taught Kalaripayattu to Kerala’s first inhabitants after creating the land from the sea. Another story speaks of Ayyappa, a warrior deity, who learned this art in Cheerappanchira. These tales not only shed light on the mythical origins of Kalaripayattu but also highlight its sacredness and deep integration into Kerala’s cultural and spiritual heritage.