Varma Kalai techniques in Kamal Haasan starrer Indian 2 spark lawsuit against makers

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The highly anticipated sequel Indian 2 starring Kamal Haasan is entangled in a legal battle just before its release.

The much-anticipated sequel, Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by S. Shankar, is facing a legal hurdle just days before its release. A martial arts instructor, Aasan Rajendran, has filed a case against the film in the Madurai district court, seeking a ban on its release.

Varma Kalai techniques in Kamal Haasan starrer Indian 2 spark lawsuit against makers

Varma Kalai Techniques at the Core of Dispute

Rajendran, a martial arts teacher from Kerala, claims that he trained Haasan in Varma Kalai for the original Indian film released in 1996. He alleges that the makers of Indian 2 used these same Varma Kalai techniques in the sequel without seeking his permission.

For those unfamiliar, Varma Kalai is a traditional Tamil martial art that incorporates elements of yoga, massage, alternative medicine, and pressure point attacks. The art focuses on manipulating vital points on the body for both healing and combat purposes.

Rajendran's petition argues that the Indian 2 team's unauthorized use of the Varma Kalai techniques he taught Haasan is a copyright infringement. He has requested the court to ban the film's release in both theaters and on OTT platforms.

Director Shankar Responds

In a recent interview with India Today, director S. Shankar acknowledged the lawsuit but distanced himself from the specific training methods employed by Haasan. While Shankar stated that he wasn't aware of the details of Haasan's preparation for the role, he confirmed seeking guidance from Prakasam Gurukkal for the film's Varma Kalai choreography.

Release Still Scheduled for July 12

Despite the legal challenge, Indian 2 is still scheduled to hit theaters on July 12, 2024. The film boasts a star-studded cast featuring Kamal Haasan, Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, Priya Bhavani Shankar, SJ Suryah, Bobby Simhaa, and others. The high-budget project is a joint production by Lyca Productions and Red Giant Movies.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan starrer Indian 2 gets U/A certificate with runtime of 3 hours 4 seconds; CBFC asks 5 minor changes including altering the phrase “Dirty Indian”