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Writer's pictureSri Ramesh Babu

Exploring Varmam: The Ancient Martial Art Resurfaces in Indian Cinema with Kamal Haasan's Indian 2

Indian 1 was released worldwide on 9 May 1996. The release of this movie introduced the country and the world to a new ocean of knowledge called Varmam. This was when the system came into the public domain as a matter of discussion. It was a knowledge previously unknown to many since it had been kept a secret, unveiled to the entire world.


 

Thanks to AI for above image.

What is Varmam?

Varmam, also known as Marma therapy, is a subsystem of the Tamil Siddha medical system. It represents a subtle energy that facilitates the functioning of the body, mind, and soul. The locations where this energy resides, aiding in the activation of both body and life, are known as Varmam points.


These points are reservoirs of pranic energy distributed throughout the body at 108 specific locations. When the flow of pranic energy is disrupted by injury, stress, strain, abnormal physical activity, or poor dietary habits, it can disturb the metabolic and physiological activities of the affected organs or regions, ultimately resulting in disease and pain.





Before humans began using herbs, metals, minerals, and animal products as medicine, they discovered that their own fingers could cure diseases through a practice called Kai Maruthuvam, now popularly known as Varmam therapy.





Varmam in Indian Cinema

In Indian (1996), a veteran freedom fighter named Senapathy is enraged by the rising crime and corruption in society. He murders wrongdoers one by one using an ancient martial arts technique known as Varmam. Back in the present, Krishnaswamy tries to arrest Senapathy, but his attempt is foiled, and Senapathy escapes using his expertise in the ancient martial art of Varmam.


Aasaan Rajendran, who taught Kamal Haasan the art of Varmakkalai, plays a significant role in the movie. The Varmam techniques used include Urakka Varmam (Padu Varma), Kai Sulukku Varmam, and many more.


Indian 2

Indian 2 will further explore the legacy and expertise of Senapathy, with a deeper dive into the ancient martial art of Varmam. The film is highly anticipated by fans eager to see Kamal Haasan's character utilize these traditional techniques once again.





The Journey and Impact of Varmam

Everyone initially thought that Varmam was something that, when used to hit or injure someone, could paralyze the person. Nobody knew the science behind this. Only a countable number of Aasaans, perhaps one or two, have strived to make Varmam recognizable, but all within the borders of Tamil Nadu and a bit in Ayurveda in Kerala.


A few people have influenced the central government to integrate Varmam into the academic curriculum. However, the four pillars of Varmam have never been explored beyond Tamil Nadu, or even fully within Tamil Nadu. Later, a few more movies were made on Nokku Varmam, Adimurai, etc., but these did not significantly nurture or explode the potential of the system to a greater extent.


Now, with the release of Indian 2, people will get a recap and become aware of the Varmam system, marking its strong comeback.


Varmam Academy's Role

Varmam Academy took on a stronger responsibility 12 years ago to transform Varmam knowledge through various educational means. They brought out the first book in India in English with manuscripts, followed by continuous efforts to publish in all languages. Classes, awareness sessions, and medical camps have been regularly conducted to spread the knowledge of Varmam across the country in Hindi and all South Indian languages, and in a few places abroad. Formal education through universities has also been introduced successfully over the past couple of years.




All this has been achieved without any support from organizations or the government. Varmam Academy has single-handedly carried this mission for the past 12 years. Despite the lack of support, they continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this knowledge reaches every corner of the world.





Call to Action

On the day of the release of Indian 2 across India in multiple languages, it is a prime opportunity for Varmam to also be released across India in all other languages. This way, we can provide people with a glimpse into this knowledge, encouraging them to realize its value instead of waiting for them to come seeking it.


Varmam Academy continues to break boundaries of regions, religions, and language barriers by bringing Varmam to new places like Gujarat, at Vadodara and Dahod. It is time to awaken, react, and acknowledge this knowledge so it can reach across the world. The Siddha system will be realized only through Varmam. If anyone comes forward to support the system, it is welcomed. If not, Varmam Academy will strive to make this knowledge reach every nook and corner of the world.


Ongoing Efforts

Varmam Academy has been giving free books to several government entities, including colleges, universities, and other institutions, with the intention of spreading this knowledge without any expectations, despite not receiving any support even at the level of basic book costs. This unwavering dedication ensures that Varmam's magic will not be lost, and its knowledge will continue to be shared and preserved for future generations.


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