Tovino on training for Kalaripayattu in ‘ARM’: I practiced every single day, even if I had a hectic day on set

As Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) continues to receive positive reviews, actor Tovino Thomas has shared insights into his intense preparation for the role, particularly in learning the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.

In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the actor delved into the dedication it took to master the basics of this complex martial art, which plays a pivotal role in his performance.


Tovino, who portrays three distinct characters in the period-action film, explained how Kalaripayattu is a crucial skill for all of them. “All these three characters I play know Kalaripayattu. These characters use it for different things. The first character is a 17th-century warrior and social reformer, the second is a 1950s thief and rebel, and the third is a normal man, a graduate, whose story is set in the 1990s. He is waiting for a government job, but all three know Kalaripayattu. One uses it for being a warrior, one for being a thief, and one maybe for self-defense. He also represents his village in Kalaripayattu show competitions,” Tovino explained.

To authentically depict the martial art on screen, Tovino dedicated six months to learning its basics. “Kalaripayattu is vast and takes decades to master, but I wanted to learn the basics, so I practiced every day for six months. Even while I was shooting a different movie, I was practicing Kalaripayattu. I trained for two months before joining the sets.”

The actor also emphasized the importance of maintaining his practice even during the hectic shooting schedule. “On the sets, I went on practicing every single day, even if I had a hectic day at shoot, I couldn’t miss the ‘Kalaripayattu’ sessions. My guru left his Kalari school to train and travel with me. However tired I was, I couldn’t skip a session.”

Tovino added that his guru, along with the fight master, closely monitored his movements to ensure authenticity. “Kalari Gurukkal and the fight master choreographed the sequences together. It had to feel like real Kalaripayattu in certain scenes. We used everyone’s strength to bring the best on screen.”
Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”