Kamal Haasan-Asin’s Samurai-Kalaripayattu epic, 19th Step, was killed 20 days before filming
Kamal Haasan's ambitious Kalaripayattu epic, 19th Step, was halted just 20 days before filming was set to begin. The historical film, which would feature a mix of Tamil, Japanese, and English, was to be directed by Bharat Bala and produced by Walt Disney. The movie starred Asin Thottumkal and Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano, with Haasan playing a notable role as an Indian martial arts guru.
The story followed a Japanese samurai who travels to Kerala to learn the secrets of Kalaripayattu from a master. Despite initial reports in the late 2000s and confirmation from Asin in 2009, the project never saw the light of day. Director Bharat Bala revealed that Haasan walked away for another project, which ultimately led to the film's shelving.
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