Vettuvam: Pa Ranjith brings India's traditional Mallakhamba sport to cinema
Filmmaker Pa Ranjith is bringing the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamba into the spotlight with his upcoming Pan-India film Vettuvam. The director unveiled the film's first poster, which shows players climbing a Mallakhamba pole and hints that the centuries-old sport could play a significant role in the story.
The poster offers the first glimpse into the world of Vettuvam, which marks Pa Ranjith’s first Pan-India film. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the striking Mallakhamba imagery has already sparked curiosity about how the traditional sport will be woven into the film’s narrative.
Originating in the Indian subcontinent, Mallakhamba is a traditional sport in which gymnasts perform aerial yoga and gymnastics postures using wrestling grips while manoeuvring around a stationary vertical pole. With Vettuvam, the sport could find a new cinematic platform and introduce its unique discipline to a wider audience.
A major glimpse into the world of Vettuvam is set to be unveiled on September 18, 2026, at 12 pm. The makers shared the poster on social media with the caption, “A world beyond all we’ve known. A world unlike any other...”
Actor Sobhita Dhulipala, who made her Tamil debut with Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films, is part of Vettuvam. The film also features Kalaiyarasan, Mime Gopi, Guru Somasundaram, Shabeer Kallarakkal, John Vijay, Sai Dheena, Anand Saami, Harish Uthaman, Lizzy, Lingesh Prem Kumar, Kavitha Bharathi, Arjun, Santha Kumar, Melody, Manisha, Nimmy Raphael, Vikram, Naveen and Prakash.
G. V. Prakash Kumar is composing the music for Vettuvam, marking his reunion with Pa Ranjith after Thangalaan (2024). The technical crew includes cinematographer Roopesh Shaji, editor Selva RK, art director SS Murthi, and action choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Sep 17, 2026 12:07 ISTALSO READ | Kaala and Sarpatta director Pa Ranjith makes his Cannes debut. Fans are super proud
