Vidyut Jammwal is making his Hollywood debut as Dhalsim in the live-action Street Fighter reboot, and the actor has shared a surprising observation from the film’s set. His international co-stars, including 50 Cent, Noah Centineo, and Jason Momoa, showed a deeper understanding of India’s ancient martial art kalaripayattu and traditional practices than he expected. The film releases in theatres on October 16, 2026.
A Role That Felt Personal for Vidyut Jammwal
Vidyut Jammwal plays Dhalsim, the yoga master and warrior from the Street Fighter video game series. The character is the only Indian fighter in the game’s universe, and Jammwal’s real-life background made the casting feel natural.
The actor has practised kalaripayattu since the age of three and is one of the most recognised faces of the art form in India. Speaking about the connection to his character, Jammwal said, “He is a martial artist, a kalaripayattu practitioner. He does yoga. Of course, he does that yoga flame and the supernatural things that I can’t. But it was very close to me”.
Jammwal also described Street Fighter as a project that fans have wanted for years. Beyond the role itself, he was drawn to the chance to work with action stars he had admired for a long time. “For me, I was looking forward to working with legends I have always known. I was excited I would get to be with these people rather than just meeting them for a party,” he said.
Hollywood Stars and Their Knowledge of Indian Culture
What stood out most to Jammwal was how familiar his co-stars were with Indian traditions. He was surprised that several of them understood kalaripayattu and could even perform cultural practices like blowing the shankh (conch).
“These 9-10 global legends know more about kalaripayattu than many Indians, whether it is 50 Cent or Noah Centineo. They can blow the shankh (conch). This is an Indian heritage that people can’t do,” Jammwal shared.
The actor called the experience of working alongside these stars life-changing. He described them as successful yet secure, and wealthy but humble. “There is no pretence,” he added.
Cast and Release Details for Street Fighter
Street Fighter is directed by Kitao Sakurai and is the third live-action feature film based on Capcom’s video game series. The story is set in 1993 and follows estranged fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) as Chun-Li (Callina Liang) draws them into the World Warrior Tournament.
The ensemble cast includes Jason Momoa as Blanka, Roman Reigns as Akuma, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, Cody Rhodes as Guile, and 50 Cent as Balrog, alongside Jammwal’s Dhalsim.
The film will release in theatres on October 16, 2026. In India, it will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. For global audiences in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, the film is set for a theatrical release through Paramount Pictures on the same date.
Co-Stars Praise Vidyut Jammwal’s Discipline
Jammwal’s co-stars have spoken about him in interviews ahead of the release. Cody Rhodes and Andrew Schulz discussed him on the Flagrant podcast after watching a video of Jammwal entering a meditative state for 15 minutes at a promotional event in Mumbai.
“The GOAT. Praying for us at that content event where the trailer was about to premiere. He is something,” Rhodes said. Schulz added, “True monk. It was amazing. He’s just a fascinating guy”.
Schulz also compared Jammwal to martial arts legend Jackie Chan. “Ten generations of his family have been practicing martial arts. He’s like the Jackie Chan of India,” he said.
Rhodes recalled that Jammwal gifted him the skull necklace worn by Dhalsim on the last day of shooting, along with a handwritten note. “The kindest, nicest guy. He’s a monk, a practicing monk,” Rhodes said.
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Kalaripayattu and Its Global Stage
Vidyut Jammwal sees Street Fighter as a chance to bring kalaripayattu to a much larger audience. The ancient Indian martial art has been part of his life for over four decades.
When asked if the film could give kalaripayattu a moment similar to what Bruce Lee did for kung fu, Jammwal said, “If I could do what Bruce Lee did for kung fu? Kung fu had its good fortune. Kalaripayattu will have its time too”.
The actor also credited Priyanka Chopra Jonas for helping Indian talent find a place in international entertainment. In an interview with Variety India, he said, “We’ve had people like Priyanka Chopra who’s already done it for us. We have people who’ve already made a mark over there”.
A Set Built on Discipline
Jammwal also spoke about the difference in work culture on a Hollywood set. He recalled seeing around 300 people working with remarkable punctuality, where even a one-minute delay would prompt the production to check if something was wrong. He also noted that technicians were paid for every additional minute they worked.
The actor shared a workout video ahead of the release, showing a demanding bodyweight movement rooted in kalaripayattu. In the post, he wrote, “Dhalsim isn’t about stretching the body, he’s about stretching the Mind beyond his limits”.
Street Fighter releases in theatres on October 16, 2026.
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