Experiencing Interruptions?

KALARI KAUR - ORIGINS

Meenakshi, skilled in the deadly martial art of Kalari - which some say is the world's oldest - bravely confronts a ruthless gangster extorting her family business in Kerala.

When the encounter turns deadly, she flees her home town in Kerala, disappearing among millions of migrant workers constantly traversing India.

This powerful short film introduces an upcoming feature series following Meena's journeys, from the Punjab to Goa, from Mumbai to Orissa, as she evades authorities while confronting injustice.

Wherever exploitation exists, her ancient combat skills become a weapon for the voiceless, a destiny seemingly ordained by her original transgression.

  • Balbeer Bahi
    Director
    Unintentionhell
  • Balbeer Bahi
    Writer
    Unintentionhell
  • Zanardi Kaur Bahi
    Producer
    Unintentionhell
  • Balbeer Bahi
    Producer
    Unintentionhell
  • Anjali Menon
    Key Cast
    "Meenakshi"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Martial Arts
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 10, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    English, Malayalam
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony A7
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Balbeer Bahi

Balbeer Bahi, a Punjabi kid who grew up in Slough, always dreamt of joining a circus.

At 18 he joined a theatre company in London, working for decades as a performer, writer-in-residence, and eventually Storyteller. He created two children’s theatre companies - THE STORYTELLING MACHINE & THE THEATRE OF ORIGAMI - performing for thousands of happy children every year.

Primarily a writer he has dozens of scripts; from social-justice dramas to large-scale animations; stories set in the UK, Scotland, France, Poland, India, China, and even far away planets and dimensions. His most ambitious script - ABHI: BABY DRAGON FLYING TIGER - is in preproduction with www.RedGodStudios.com.

He has been a friend of the Kalari practitioners at the Vallabhatta Kalari since the '80s, when he was introduced to the art form by the illustrious Prof. Shankar Pillai.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This Short - KALARI KAUR: ORIGINS - was created to generate interest in a series of full-feature films. These follow Meenakshi as she travels around India - the Punjab, Goa, Mumbai, Orissa - as she avoids the police and the trouble that follows her around like a curse for her initial crime.

The goal of this project is to bring Kalari to the world's attention. Kalari is truly a martial art with as much history, depth and artistry as the more famous martial arts such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi.

Shot with the collaboration of the Vallbhatta Kalaripayattu, Chavakkad, Thrissur https://vallabhattakalari.com. For more information get in touch!