Bollywood actor Abhimanyu Dassani, who made his debut with Vasan Bala directorial Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota earlier this year, has learned the Afro-Brazilian martial art form Capoeria as a part of his prep for his upcoming film Nikamma, according to a report in Mumbai Mirror. He travelled to Eurasian country Turkey to receive training in the art form that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. He trained with experts for almost 15 days there.
The report quoted a source close to the development as saying, “Sabbir (Khan) didn’t want to compromise on the action and insisted that his hero lend some authenticity to his kicks and punches.” He further added that Dassani will also be seen in several hand-to-hand combat set-pieces as well.
The action scenes were shot across the streets of Lucknow. While Dassani’s first film was an action-comedy, the action in his follow-up film is more in the commercial space. Talking about his prep, Dassani told the publication, “Sabbir sir and I decided that I should learn Capoeira before the shoot and traveled to Turkey specially to learn this fight form. It was an amazing experience. I trained with the armed force there; it was more real-life protection and take-downs than big screen fighting.”
Besides Dassani, the film also features Shilpa Shetty and New Zealand singer Shirley Setia in her debut role. The film also marks Shetty’s return to the big screen after a twelve year sabbatical. Her last major role was in Anil Sharma’s Apne which was released in 2007.
Produced under the banner of Sony Pictures Networks India and Shabbir Khan Films, Nikamma is directed by Sabbir Khan who has previously directed films such as Kambakkht Ishq, Baaghi, Heropanti. It is scheduled to be released on 5 June 2020.