In a surprising revelation that underscores the multifaceted nature of actor Abhishek Banerjee, the versatile artist disclosed his significant background in the Japanese martial arts form known as Goju-Ryu. Best known for his memorable roles in Bollywood, Banerjee is all set for the release of his highly-anticipated action movie ‘Vedaa,’ where he stars alongside heavyweights like John Abraham, Sharvari, and Tamannaah Bhatia. It’s in this context of action and cinema that Banerjee’s martial arts training takes on a fascinating new dimension.
Abhishek Banerjee shared that he holds a brown belt in Goju-Ryu. Despite his ambition to attain a black belt, his father’s transferable job hindered him from completing the necessary training. “I aimed for a black belt,” Banerjee mentioned somewhat regretfully, “but due to my father’s transferable job, I couldn’t achieve it.”
The actor’s background in martial arts seems fitting given the physically demanding roles he has undertaken. His upcoming film ‘Vedaa’ showcases his ability to execute intense action sequences with impressive skill. Praised by the action-genre icon John Abraham at the film’s trailer launch in Mumbai, Banerjee’s proficiency did not go unnoticed. “In ‘Vedaa,’ Abhishek handles action sequences with remarkable finesse,” Abraham noted.
For Banerjee, action in films is not just about raw physicality—it’s an intricate choreography and precise timing that brings scenes to life. He drew upon his extensive martial arts training at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, where his dad was posted at a nuclear power plant, to breathe authenticity into his performances. “Action is all about choreography and timing,” Banerjee stated, highlighting the subtleties that distinguish a competent action scene from a phenomenal one.
Banerjee’s martial arts journey began at Kalpakkam, steeped in four years of rigorous training in Goju-Ryu. However, the transient nature of his father’s job meant that Banerjee had to halt his pursuits just shy of achieving his black belt. “I needed two more years to get the black belt,” he explained, “but we had to move, and I couldn’t complete it.”
Despite this, the skills he acquired have undoubtedly influenced his acting career, particularly for roles that require a physical edge. Banerjee’s insights into the differences between Hollywood and Hindi cinema, especially in terms of action sequences, are thought-provoking.
. “The moment we try to copy Hollywood in action, we fail miserably,” he said candidly. He attributed this to disparities in budget, design standards, and VFX capabilities. Instead, he believes that sticking to the “roots” of Indian filmmaking provides a unique edge. “When we stick to our roots, it gives us an edge that even Hollywood can’t come close to,” he added.
‘Vedaa’ is a prime example of this philosophy. Banerjee described the film as a “raw action movie relying on our roots,” focusing on authentic, grounded storytelling rather than high-concept CGI spectacle. He pointed out that Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s ‘Kill,’ another film focused on intense action sequences, also followed this ethos. “It’s not that we can’t pull off top-notch action; it’s just that we have to stick to our roots to bring out excellence,” Banerjee asserted.
He further opined on the evolution of action in Indian cinema by citing the iconic film ‘Shiva,’ directed by Ram Gopal Varma and starring Nagarjuna. “In ‘Shiva,’ the action was raw, intense, and ‘Indian’,” Banerjee stated. This film marked a turning point in how action was conceptualized and executed in Bollywood, steering it towards a more indigenous approach that didn’t rely on emulating Western cinema.
This compelling narrative not only highlights Banerjee’s dedication and skill but also emphasizes how his diverse experiences enrich his acting repertoire. As Banerjee awaits the release of ‘Vedaa,’ his fans and the broader audience can look forward to witnessing how his background in Goju-Ryu martial arts elevates his performance. It’s clear that Banerjee’s journey through the world of martial arts has found a synergistic connection with his cinematic endeavors, promising a thrilling experience for all who watch.
This article has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, reliability, or data. The management of mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content without notice.
