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.
One of the great creative challenges for #AcrossTheSpiderVerse was giving 100s of different Spiders unique motion signatures.
For Pavitr, we looked to one of the oldest known martial arts, Kalaripayattu, which originates from the Indian state of Kerala over 2000 years ago. pic.twitter.com/q0HfbjuySr
— Nick Kondo 近藤 (@NickTyson) June 5, 2023
Always cool to see kalaripayattu getting more attention.
This martial art form has had inspiration in my own characters, as Laurada incorporates many similar movements in her fighting style… https://t.co/YYSaGJXaV3 pic.twitter.com/QlYjJsbuZH
— Primogenitor34 🏳️🌈🤘| Master of the Dark Arts (@Primogenitor34) June 5, 2023
Representation Matters. Loved seeing our culture represented in #AcrossTheSpiderverse https://t.co/JKngPM9Ff5
— Girish Balakrishnan (@_MasterG_) June 5, 2023
Kalaripayattu is cool af, both for its history and as a discipline. Started being interested in it because of Mythics (Parvati practices it) and so glad it gets more spotlight. https://t.co/TOqsMbctY7
— Rachele🍂☕ (@RacheleRaka) June 5, 2023
The fact this movie honors Indian heritage and has a spider character with EDS?
…my mind is blown how my entire home is represented in multiple facets. https://t.co/tyBmZDn5RR
— Justin White (@justinwhiteVA) June 6, 2023
this is so cool brb forcing my malayali grandparents to watch spiderverse https://t.co/Nvk4BF5o1o
— Sakeina Syed ☔️ (@ssakeina) June 5, 2023
he's malayali this explains the hair no further questions https://t.co/bDCVRXcGcM
— ✶ nay (@sandwichstores) June 6, 2023
Interesting fact. Level of dedication regarding the representation. It matters always.
Pavitra Prabhakar ❤️#AcrossTheSpiderverse https://t.co/p7qjrdJ9Fo— Prabhudatta Mishra (@prabhu_dot) June 5, 2023
I haven't even seen it yet, but it needs an Oscar already https://t.co/8FfZrkL3Mp
— Jordan A. Hayles (@MR_STiXX) June 5, 2023
Kalaripayattu is an insanely cool art form I love introducing my foreign friends to. Cannot believe we all get a chance to enjoy it now in one of the coolest ways possible I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement https://t.co/lH7kXh8NTS
— emmett (@velvetbiased) June 5, 2023
The #AcrossTheSpiderVerse team needs to release an art book ASAP because the shear creativity, research, and effort put into these films is amazing! https://t.co/l9Jqc9ThSc
— Knuckles IfYouBuckles (@Strang3Stranger) June 5, 2023
I was able to recognize some of the movements especially Pavitr’s landing. Man it’s good to see Kalaripayattu on screen. https://t.co/iptPYvySQs
— Ikraik (@Ikraik_original) June 6, 2023
It paid off! Pavitr has the coolest swinging style of any spiderman it felt really refreshing to see them be differentiated! https://t.co/Cc9V8iUDHm
— ogbrownnerd (@ogbrownnerd) June 5, 2023
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.
