Picture this – A typical Bollywood hero dancing around trees,
defying gravity with helicopter kicks and romancing 6 heroines between
explosions. Cut to 2013. Enter ‘Commando’ a movie where the hero’s
biceps do more acting than his dialogue. Starring Vidyut Jamwal, a man who
probably does pullups with one hand while scripting fight sequences with the
other, Commando wasn’t just a movie but it was a declaration. Few movies in
Bollywood have redefined the action genre quite like Commando. In a world where
Bollywood heroes routinely paused midair to adjust their hair mid-kick, 2013’s
Commando arrived like a rogue grenade.
This cinematic Tour De Force not only showcased Vidyut Jamwal’s awe-inspiring martial arts but also heralded a new era of raw practical stunts in Hindi cinema. This movie didn’t just raise the bar for action; it threw the bar into a woodchipper. Forget rose-tinted romance; here, romance was a knife fight in a monsoon. Strap in for dissection of the blood, sweat and vandalised furniture behind the movie that made Tom Cruise whisper ‘Yeh India mein kya hai?’
A riveting plot with real-world grit
At it’s heart, Commando is more than just an action movie. It is a
survival epic. Vidyut Jamwal portrays a special-ops secret agent of the Indian
Armed Services who finds himself thrust behind enemy lines after his chopper is
shot down during a daring mission. Stranded in hostile territory, he must rely
on his finely honed combat skills, tactical ingenuity and raw determination to
navigate treacherous terrains and outsmart ruthless adversaries. With the odds
stacked against him, the commando embarks on a survival odyssey while engaging
in fierce hand-to-hand combat and breath-taking stunts that blur the line
between movie and reality.
The narrative unfolds with a blend of high-stakes suspense and
poignant moments that echo the authenticity of real military operations. The
movie’s gritty narrative is complemented by it’s authentic approach to action
by eschewing the conventional use of cable wires or CGI, instead relying on the
actor’s raw martial arts prowess to create sequences that are both immersive and
visceral.
The casting coup – Birth of a ‘one-man army’
Director Dilip Ghosh didn’t just want an action hero because he
wanted a ‘human weapon’. Enter Vidyut Jamwal, a martial arts virtuoso
trained in Kalaripayattu (an ancient Indian martial art). Ghosh confessed in a Movie-fare
interview that…
“I saw Vidyut’s demo reel and thought ‘Either this guy’s a stunt double or we’ve wasted 20 years on fake action’”.
Jamwal back then was a newcomer. He was never cast for his star
power but his ability to ‘break bones convincingly’. Director Dilip
Ghosh’s brief was simple…
“Find me someone who can fight a bear. And win”.
Vidyut Jamwal’s CV included ‘training since age 3’ and ‘accidentally breaking a coconut with his forehead’. Ghosh, in a MidDay interview, admitted that…
“I didn’t know if he could act but I knew he could dismantle a human”.
Even though Jamwal was then a rookie, it was a gamble which they
put on him. But as producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah noted…
“Audiences were tired of heroes who needed 8 takes to throw a punch. Vidyut did it before breakfast”.
Real men, real action – The making
One of the most fascinating aspects of Commando is the
behind-the-scenes dedication that went into crafting it’s high-octane action
sequences. Unlike many contemporary action movies that relied heavily on
digital effects or safety harnesses, Vidyut Jamwal and his team embraced a more
organic approach. Filming in challenging locations, the crew shot many scenes
without the conventional trappings of modern stunt technology.
This commitment not only enhanced the movie’s authenticity but also brought an edge-of-your-seat tension to every sequence. For instance, a notable sequence involving a helicopter shoot-down was executed without any digital trickery. It was pure grit and the actor’s athletic prowess at the fore.
Into the wild – Filming where even goats feared to tread
Forget studio sets. Commando trekked to Manali’s dense forests and
rugged valleys where the crew battled altitude sickness and curious bears. The
logistics involved were intimidating. Cinematographer Sejal Shah’s crew lugged
IMAX cameras up 11,000-foot peaks, battling altitude sickness and a
particularly persistent yak. Sejal Shah later revealed that…
“We’d hike for hours just to shoot a 3-minute chase. Even the camera crew got sixpack abs. We’d shoot until the batteries froze”.
The climax, shot in a crumbling fort, required Jamwal to leap between 30-foot walls. No green screens but just pure guts (and a very nervous insurance agent). Also, the crew didn’t just movie in the Himalayas but they survived them. Locations included…
Manali’s Parvati Valley – Where temperatures plunged to 10°C
and the only heat came from Jamwal’s rage takes.
A 200-year-old Rajasthani fort – It’s caretaker had warned that…
“If the walls ever crumble, do not sue us. Sue gravity”.
One sequence required Jamwal to sprint across a collapsing rope
bridge which was a stunt so risky that the local police showed up to ask ‘Are
you all mad?’
The art of pain – Stunt choreography
One of Commando’s most striking features is it’s commitment to
realism. Unlike many modern blockbusters that lean heavily on CGI, the
moviemakers opted for genuine heart-stopping stunts performed on real
locations. While Bollywood always relied on ‘heroic wind machines’ and ‘slow-mo
punches’, Commando’s action was rapid, raw and real.
Fight choreographer and director Franz Spilhaus blended
Kalaripayattu with parkour. Franz Spilhaus (a South African maestro with a
black belt in chaos) fused Kalaripayattu’s lethal grace with parkour’s suicidal
agility. The result? Action scenes that looked like a Bruce Lee documentary
directed by Quentin Tarantino. He created sequences that left the audiences
gasping.
The iconic ‘rope fight’ scene where Jamwal swings like a vengeful Tarzan, took 12 days to shoot. Jamwal quipped in a YouTube interview later…
“By day 3, my hands were blistered. By day 12, they’d turned into leather. Free gloves!”
Vidyut’s rigorous martial arts training is on full display. From
gravity-defying flips to intricate hand-to-hand combat, every movement is
executed with precision and raw energy. Shooting in rugged unpredictable
environments meant that the production team often battled challenging logistics
and harsh weather.
Every scene is a testament to the actor’s unyielding spirit and
the crew’s dedication which elevated the entire movie to a level of
authenticity rarely seen in Bollywood.
Technical wizardry
The production team opted for on-location shoots that often meant
battling not just fictional enemies but also real-world elements such as logistical
hurdles that would make even the most seasoned crew sweat, rugged terrains and unpredictable
weather. Vidyut’s martial arts training came to the fore as he executed close-quarters
combat, dives and flips with precision.
The movie used Arri Alexa and Red Epic Dragons cameras to capture
highspeed sequences at 120 and 300 frames per second respectively which were
ensuring that every grimace, kick, muscle twitch and punch was crisper than a
samurai’s sword.
For sound design, Coconut shells were smashed to mimic bone
cracks. The foley artist quit after Week 2 by citing ‘nightmares’.
Critics and experts have lauded these sequences by often comparing
his style to that of international martial arts legends. The ability to perform
his own stunts has been cited as a major influence on aspiring action heroes
across India.
The infamous ‘market fight’
This eye-pleasing fight scene lasts for 4 minutes and 22 seconds. The
body count amounted to 23 goons. 6 fruit carts perished for the scene and left
1 very confused chicken. A hidden detail in this fight scene is that Jamwal
used an Urumi (a flexible sword) in one take. But he swapped it for a belt
after the censor board fainted.
Guns, guts and guitar riffs – The soundtrack
Composer Mannan Shaah’s score blended electric riffs with tribal
drums. The anthem Commando Title Track featured instruments of bamboo sticks, war
chants and what sounds like a tiger growling (it was a synth). The legacy of it
still remains today. The soundtrack gets played at IPL matches to hype crowds.
Because nothing says ‘cricket’ like covert ops.
Fashion meets function – Costumes & props
Costume designer Neha Prasada’s brief…
“Make him look like he shops at Army Surplus…during the apocalypse”.
Commando Karan’s final look was in blue jeans, tactical boots and a vest (verified by obsessive Reddit threads). Prop masterstroke on the antagonist’s favourite weapon of choice. The villain’s knife was a real antique from Rajasthan. It sold at auction for ₹8 lakh (USD 9,300) in the year 2020.
Stories from the set – Behind the camera
The making of Commando is rife with intriguing behind-the-scenes
tales. A comment that perfectly blends humour with his dedication to the craft.
Amidst the adrenaline and high stakes, there were moments of light-hearted
banter on set. From playful jibes among the crew to Vidyut’s off-the-cuff
remarks about his pre-shoot tea rituals, the making of Commando was as much
about forging strong bonds as it was about breaking new ground in cinematic
action. In one instance, the crew chose to abandon modern safety harnesses
altogether and trusted Vidyut’s expertise to pull off dangerous stunts. A light-hearted
rumour from the set had someone jesting…
“If Vidyut ever falls, he’ll just turn it into an unscripted action scene!”
Such anecdotes not only highlight the unconventional methods employed but also reveal the camaraderie and fearless attitude that defined the project. Vidyut himself once quipped in an off-the-cuff moment that…
“I only fear a poorly brewed cup of tea before a shoot!”
These snippets of humour not only humanised the star but also
provided a refreshing counterbalance to the intense action sequences making the
movie relatable and even more engaging.
Expert opinions and industry insights
Action connoisseurs and movie critics have repeatedly underscored
the movie’s impact on Bollywood’s action genre. Veteran action directors have
noted that Commando set a new benchmark for intensity and realism in Indian
cinema. They have lauded Commando for bringing back the lost art of practical
stunts. In numerous interviews, experts have remarked on how the movie
rekindled interest in authentic action choreography.
“Commando is a game-changer; it brought back the essence of practical stunts that many had forgotten”.
…an industry insider revealed during a panel discussion at a
recent movie festival.
Another critic mused that…
“Vidyut’s dedication is palpable on screen. He doesn’t just perform stunts — he lives them and that’s what makes Commando an enduring classic”.
Another insider observed that…
“Commando isn’t just a movie. It is a revolution that revived the old-school real-action methods that were once the backbone of martial arts cinema”.
This sentiment is echoed by many who believe that Vidyut’s
relentless pursuit of perfection has set a high bar for future Bollywood action
movies. These insights only add to the mystique and allure of the movie which
thereby cements it’s legacy as a cult classic among action aficionados.
Blood, sweat and legal-threats – The controversies you never knew
Every groundbreaking project faces it’s rightful share of
challenges and Commando was no exception. Shooting in remote locations brought
technical difficulties that tested the limits of it’s crew. Equipment
malfunctions, the inherent risk of performing high-intensity stunts without
digital safety nets and unpredictable weather, all contributed to a
pressure-cooker environment. Yet, these obstacles were met with ingenuity and
perseverance which are attributes that shine through in the final product.
Plagiarismgate – A minor controversy erupted when a scene
resembling The Bourne Identity’s rooftop chase started plagiarism claims. Ghosh
laughed it off…
“Jason Bourne wishes he could climb trees like our commando”.
Critics accused the climax of ripping off Die Hard another time.
Ghosh retorted back with…
“John McClane couldn’t do a backflip if you paid him in cigars”.
The movie and it’s star were not without controversy. There were polarising public debates surrounding Vidyut’s candid interviews. Vidyut’s unfiltered interviews, wherein he often lauded his own abilities with a blend of bravado and wit, ignited debates online. Known for his outspoken nature, Vidyut often blends self-assured bravado with sincere passion. One particularly memorable interview saw him declare himself as one of the best martial artists in the world. It became a statement that ignited a flurry of online discussions.
Some critics accused him of overconfidence while countless
die-hard fans and fellow martial artists defended his stance. They were arguing
that self-belief is an essential trait for a modern action hero and
particularly in a field as physically demanding as action cinema. This
polarisation, while sometimes leading to heated discussions on social media
platforms, ultimately contributed to the viral nature of the lasting public
interest in his persona and the movie’s promotion.
Animal welfare drama – PETA protested a scene involving a
CGI snake. Jamwal’s response?
“Mate, the snake was digital. Unless you’re also protesting Photoshop?”
Injury report – Jamwal fractured two ribs during a rooftop
leap but finished the shot. His logic?
“Pain is temporary. IMDb ratings are forever”.
Meanwhile, Jamwal dislocated his shoulder mid-shoot another time but finished the scene anyway.
“Adrenaline is the best painkiller”.
…he later told NDTV.
Influence on Bollywood and beyond
Commando has left an indelible mark on the action genre in
Bollywood. It’s emphasis on practical stunts and real physicality influenced a
wave of subsequent movies that sought to replicate it’s gritty realism. Vidyut
Jamwal, with his blend of athleticism and charisma, inspired not only a
generation of action stars but also sparked a renewed interest in martial arts
training among young enthusiasts across the country. His journey from
performing dangerous stunts on set to being lauded as one of the world’s top
martial artists illustrates the transformative power of passion and
perseverance in the movie industry.
Moreover, the movie’s success demonstrated that there is a
dedicated audience for authentic high-energy action movies in Bollywood. It
paved the way for sequels like Commando 2 with actors like Adah Sharma joining
the fray and adding fresh dynamics to the franchise. The influence of Commando
is seen not just in the box office numbers but in the ripple effect which it
created across media and inspired countless viral discussions to meme-worthy
moments online.
Beyond the screen – How Commando changed lives
Fitness frenzy – Gyms across India reported a 300% spike in
Kalaripayattu classes.
Military love – The Indian Army invited Jamwal to perform
stunts at border camps. And yes, he did.
Fan fury – A Mumbai teen used Jamwal’s wall-climb
technique from the movie to rescue a stranded kitten.
“Vidyut Sir DM’d me – ‘Use gloves next time’”.
Cultural impact – The movie’s dialogue ‘Ye wala
scene’ became college slang for chaotic exam prep.
Army adoption – The NSG (India’s elite commando unit)
incorporated Kalaripayattu martial art into training by citing ‘Jamwal’s
efficiency in close combat’.
From army cadets adopting Kalaripayattu to viral TikTok challenges
(#CommandoClimb), the movie’s influence is undeniable. A fan in Kerala even
credit’s Commando for saving his life…
“I used the rope technique to escape a house fire. Vidyut Sir, you’re my guardian commando!”
From box office underdog
Commando opened to modest numbers but became a cult hit on
satellite and streaming. Critics praised it’s ‘refreshing lack of nonsense’
(Anupama Chopra, Movie Companion). More importantly, it sparked a new wave of
action movies from Singham to URI with directors demanding ‘Commando-style
realism’. Jamwal became India’s answer to Tony Jaa and began inspiring
fitness freaks nationwide to swap pizza for push-ups.
Commando has undeniably changed the landscape of Bollywood action.
It’s success has prompted moviemakers to rethink the reliance on digital
effects, reigniting interest in raw, practical stunt work. This movie has paved
the way for sequels such as Commando 2 and Commando 3. It inspired a wave of
new projects that celebrate the physicality and spirit of true martial arts.
Commando opened to ₹12 crore
(USD 140k) which was a modest sum but became a monster on TV reruns and
YouTube. Vidyut Jamwal’s transformation into a bona fide action hero has had a
profound impact beyond the silver screen. Not only has he been featured in
international lists as one of the top martial artists in the world (drawing
comparisons with icons like Jackie Chan and Tony Jaa) but his influence has
also inspired a new generation of aspiring actors and fitness enthusiasts. His
dedication to performing his own stunts has become a rallying cry for
authenticity in an era dominated by digital effects.
Sequels and shenanigans
As the digital era evolves, Vidyut Jamwal is expanding his
repertoire beyond traditional cinema. Recent projects include high-octane web
series and OTT ventures each carrying forward the same ethos of raw unfiltered
action. These new formats are not just diversifying his portfolio but they are
also reaffirming his status as a pioneering force in modern action
entertainment. With each new project, Vidyut continues to challenge the status
quo by proving that hard work, passion and a willingness to take risks are
timeless ingredients for success.
Commando 2 (2017) and Commando 3 (2019) upped the ante with
espionage plots and Adah Sharma’s comic timing. But fans agree that the OG’s
raw grit remains unmatched.
In 2023, Vidyut hinted at Commando 4 during an Instagram Live
sending fans into a frenzy. Rumour has it the script includes a scene where he
fights a tiger. Naturally, without CGI. Jamwal’s 2023 Instagram post showed him
training with…a honey badger? Caption – ‘New co-star. Doesn’t understand
‘action’ or ‘cut.’ Just violence’.
Trivia tornado
No harness? No problem! – In a world where most actors rely on CGI
and safety rigs, Vidyut boldly chose to forego these aids. As a result, every
kick and punch on screen felt palpably real. Rumour has it that during one
particularly daring stunt, a crew member quipped that if he failed, he’d just
make his own action scene.
A candid confession – In one candid interview, Vidyut joked about his preparation for the role by remarking that he only feared a poorly brewed cup of tea before a shoot. This blend of humour and humility endeared him even more to fans and added a light-hearted note to the otherwise intense atmosphere on set.
The martial arts legend – It’s not every day that you come
across an actor who is not only a charismatic performer but also a bona fide
martial artist. Vidyut’s inclusion in international lists of top martial
artists has often been a point of discussion among experts with many citing him
as the ‘Indian Tony Jaa’ or even drawing comparisons to Jackie Chan for
his daring stunts and impeccable timing.
 |
| Vidyut Jamwal as a kid |
Did you know Jamwal performed 98% of his stunts? The remaining 2%? Probably blinking. Rumour has it his contract included a clause as ‘No body doubles, just protein shakes’.
Jamwal’s audition involved disarming three stuntmen with a rolled-up
newspaper. True story.
The role was initially offered to an A-list star who backed out
after reading the line ‘Climb cliff barefoot. No harness’. Ego, meet
Kalaripayattu.
Why Commando is Bollywood’s action Bible
For those in search of a cinematic experience that blends raw
emotion with visceral action, Commando stands as a towering example of what can
be achieved when talent meets tenacity. A decade later, Commando remains a
benchmark for action cinema. It’s a testament to what happens when skill meets
sweat. As Vidyut Jamwal told The Hindu newspaper once…
“Action isn’t a genre. It’s a religion. And I’m just the mad priest”.
And boy, did he gave a bestseller. Think you’ve got the guts to be
a commando? Share this post, and maybe start with climbing your stairs… without
using your feet 😉 Feel free to share your thoughts and
favourite moments from Commando in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the movie
that redefined Bollywood action, one kick at a time!
#commando #vidyutjamwal #movie #film #bollywood #international #hindi #action #martialart #kalaripayatu #stunt #india
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