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Across the Spider-Verse animator explains adapting Kerala martial arts for Indian Spider-Man’s Pavitr Prabhakar fight sequence, desi fans react: ‘kalaripayattu getting more attention’

Across the Spider-Verse animator explains adapting Kerala martial arts for Indian Spider-Man’s Pavitr Prabhakar fight sequence, desi fans react: ‘kalaripayattu getting more attention’

The impressive yet idiosyncratic action moves by Indian Spider-Man better known as Pavitr Prabhakar in Across the Spider-Verse all thanks to Kerala’s oldest known martial arts, Kalaripayattu. Spider-Verse 2’s lead animator has shared some insight into the development of the Indian Spidey voiced by Karan Soni.

Across the Spider-Verse is winning hearts across the world for its cultural representation and India is certainly one of them. While the sequel largely prioritizes showing Miles’ Afro-Puerto-Rican heritage, the movie also throws the spotlight on Pavitr Prabhakar’s life in Mumbattan.

Aside from showcasing a unique artistic world-building in Spider-Verse 2 – the sequel was also tasked with giving distinctive movements to each of the Spider-people. While most of the Spider-Society’s superheroes like Spider Rex and Web-slinger have limited action shots, Pav was one of the characters with more acrobatic movements.

From sipping “Chai Tea” with Miles to mocking the British colonizers and sharing a glimpse of Mumbattan’s traffic – the Indian Spider-Man traits appears to tick all the points that would appeal to the South-Asian demographic. But according to Spider-Verse’s lead animator Nick Kondo, the team went a step beyond to adapt more Indian characteristics for Pavitr from Kerala’s fighting sport.

Nick revealed in a recent tweet that the unique motion signature of Pavitr Prabhakar was inspired by the oldest martial arts, Kalaripayattu. For those unaware, the martial art originated in India, Kerala over 2000 years ago even prior to the colonial era. The Spider-Verse 2 animator shared a video clip of an Indian who appears to be an expert in Kalaripayattu performing various movements.

As mentioned by Kondo – Spider-Verse 2 explores different flows of movements for each character like Miles adapting a freestyle while Gwen’s fighting style is inspired by ballet. The inspiration for Pavitr’s moves has already appealed to many on social media as can be seen in the reactions below.

It will be exciting to see Pavitr’s moves explored further in Beyond the Spider-Verse. The ending of Spider-Verse 2 teased more screen time for the Indian Spider-Man as he sides with Spider-Gwen and others to help Miles Morales. Perhaps with enough fan support, Sony could consider a potential spin-off for the friendly neighborhood spidey from Mumbattan? at least as a short? too soon to tell.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is currently in theaters worldwide.

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