Street Fighter Director Kitao Sakurai Praises Vidyut Jammwal

Street Fighter Director Kitao Sakurai Praises Vidyut Jammwal, Says “He’s More Dhalsim Than Dhalsim”

Director Kitao Sakurai Opens Up About Casting Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim in Paramount Pictures’ Street Fighter, now playing in cinemas in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu

Paramount Pictures and Legendary Entertainment’s Street Fighter brings the iconic video game franchise by CAPCOM to the big screen. In the live-action adaptation that comes out in theatres tomorrow, it brings an ensemble cast together to play World Warriors. And one of the most iconic fighters is Dhalsim.

Director Kitao Sakurai has opened up about casting India’s best action actor Vidyut Jammwal as the iconic gaming character Dhalsim in Street Fighter, praising his authenticity and the pride he brings to the role. Vidyut is set to make his Hollywood debut with the action film, bringing his martial arts expertise and personal connection to the character to the big screen worldwide.

Speaking about the initial discussions around including Dhalsim in the film, Kitao Sakurai said the team was unsure; however, he strongly felt there was no Street Fighter without Dhalsim. The director wanted to ensure that the character was represented in a way that audiences would really appreciate and love.

The director shared that Vidyut’s involvement brought a new perspective to the character, with the actor expressing his desire to use the opportunity to share the story of Dhalsim’s origins with the world.

Praising Vidyut’s portrayal, Kitao said, “He’s more Dhalsim than Dhalsim, and he owns it, and he’s so proud of it. He’s bringing so much realness and authenticity to it.”

Kitao further added, “The character might have started as a sort of stereotype”; he believed in finding the right person to bring authenticity to the role rather than dismissing the character altogether. He expressed that the intention was to celebrate the character while approaching its portrayal with proper understanding.

Paramount Pictures’ Street Fighter is now playing in cinemas across India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Book tickets now for the fun-filled, action-packed spectacle.