Ranjan Mullaratt

Martial Artist, Director, and Writer

Ranjan Mullaratt is a renowned martial artist, actor, director, and writer, best known as the visionary founder of Kalari Gurukulam Research and Training Centre. A B.Sc. graduate, Ranjan trained under the legendary P.K. Balan Gurukkal of Kerala, mastering the ancient warrior art of Kalaripayattu.

In 1999, he established the Kalari Academy of Performing Arts (KAPA) in Bangalore, laying the foundation for his lifelong mission. To further preserve and promote this 3,000-year-old martial art, he founded the Kalari Gurukulam Society in 2010.

Guru Ranjan Mullaratt

Leadership in National Sports (2021–2025)

Ranjan's expertise extends to national sports administration and competition:

He has worked as a Technical Director for the Kalaripayattu event at Khelo India and the National Games (the national-level championship) from 2021 to 2025.
He is also selected as a National Level Referee and Coach for the Kalaripayattu event, reflecting his status as a certified authority on the sport's rules and training standards.

Filmography & Media Contributions

Ranjan Mullaratt has worked on 17 feature films across multiple Indian languages, contributing as a Director, Writer, Producer, Choreographer, and Martial Arts Designer. His cinematic work bridges authentic Kalaripayattu tradition with contemporary visual storytelling.

Director & Writer

“Look Back Beyond the Blades” – Award-winning feature film
▶ Watch Official Trailer

Major Film Contributions

Ponniyin Selvan 2 – Directed by Mani Ratnam
▶ Watch Official Trailer
Dhehi – Produced & choreographed by Ranjan Mullaratt
(Starring Kishore Kumar)

▶ Watch Official Trailer

Thamas – Martial arts & action choreography
(Starring Shivrajkumar)

Selected Film & Media Work

Delhi 6 (Hindi)
Magadheera (Telugu)
Anthu Inthu Preethi Bandhu (Kannada)
Multiple regional and international film projects

Through cinema, Ranjan continues to expand the global awareness of Kalaripayattu, presenting it not merely as combat, but as a refined movement science and cultural legacy.

Awards, Honors & Global Recognition

Ranjan Mullaratt’s lifelong dedication to Kalaripayattu has earned him national and international recognition across the fields of martial arts, cinema, cultural performance, and sports leadership. His work stands at the intersection of tradition, discipline, and modern expression.

Major Awards & Honors

Karnataka Kreeda Ratna Award (2025)
Awarded for exceptional contribution to martial arts, sports culture, and the promotion of Kalaripayattu at state and national levels.
Swami Vivekananda & Sister Margaret Award (2016)
Honored for outstanding service in preserving and propagating the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Best Director – Martial Arts Category
Bangkok International Film Festival (2024) for the award-winning film “Look Back Beyond the Blades.”
Karnataka Book of Records
Recognized for remarkable achievements in training, performance, and cinematic representation of Kalaripayattu.

National & International Representation

Represented India at Festival Latitudes – La Villette, France, presenting Kalaripayattu on an international cultural platform.
Showcased Kalaripayattu at the Olympic Council of Asia, Kuwait, highlighting the art as a structured martial discipline.
Featured performer and cultural representative at major Indian festivals including Hampi Festival, Mysore Dasara, Konark Festival, Drishti Festival, and Odisha Cultural Festivals.

Theatre & Cultural Contributions

Performed in acclaimed stage productions such as “Smashana Kurukshetra” and “Kurukshetra Se Kargil Tak”, directed by veteran theatre personality M.S. Sathyu.
Integrated Kalaripayattu into contemporary theatre, expanding its relevance beyond traditional spaces.

Legacy & Impact

Through decades of disciplined practice, teaching, performance, and creative exploration, Ranjan Mullaratt has emerged as a global ambassador of Kalaripayattu. His work through Kalari Gurukulam continues to inspire new generations, ensuring that this ancient warrior tradition remains alive, relevant, and respected in the modern world.