Sobhita Dhulipala is set to headline Pa. Ranjith’s upcoming Mallakhamba-based sports drama ‘Vettuvam’. The actor has undergone intensive physical preparation for the action-heavy film, training in traditional physical and martial arts forms to prepare for her role.According to a report by IANS, speaking about the experience, Sobhita said the preparation pushed her towards a new understanding of her physical capabilities. “The preparation that went into this role blasted open my mind and body into new kinds of awareness,” she said.

Sobhita and ‘Vettuvam’ cast took every stunt as a challenge

Sobhita revealed that several sequences in ‘Vettuvam’ demanded extensive martial arts skills and physical training. While stunt doubles were used during rehearsals for some portions, the cast made a conscious effort to perform the stunts themselves.“Some of the sequences that were choreographed require years of martial arts practice, so even while there were stunt doubles for rehearsals, we all made sure to do every single stunt on our own, and we were a really solid team; we took it as a challenge,” she said.The actor described the experience as an inspiring one, particularly because of the teamwork involved in executing the demanding action sequences.

Sobhita trained in Mallakhamba, Adi Murai and Surul

As part of her preparation for ‘Vettuvam’, Sobhita trained in several traditional physical and martial arts disciplines, including Adi Murai, Mallakhamba and Surul, a traditional weapon technique involving curling blades.Reflecting on the journey, she said, “A special shout out to the boys in the film for being my friends through this wild journey together. I thrive in physical charge and this film gave me the space to experience it with such great energy.”Her preparation for the film has therefore extended beyond conventional action training, requiring her to develop physical skills associated with traditional Indian martial arts and performance forms.

Cast and crew of ‘Vettuvam’

‘Vettuvam’ features an ensemble cast including Sobhita Dhulipala, Kalaiyarasan, Mime Gopi, Guru Somasundaram, Shabeer Kallarakkal, John Vijay, Sai Dheena, Anand Saami, Harish Uthaman, Lizzy, Lingesh Prem Kumar and Kavitha Bharathi, among others. GV Prakash Kumar is composing the music for the film. The technical crew includes cinematographer Roopesh Shaji, editor Selva RK, art director SS Murthi and action choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan. Santhosh Narayanan Chenthilkumar serves as co-writer, while Franklin Jacob has penned the dialogues.