Mumbai/Los Angeles – Indian action star Vidyut Jammwal has been officially cast as Dhalsim, the iconic Indian mystic and martial arts master, in Hollywood’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Street Fighter, the globally celebrated video game franchise by Capcom. The announcement has sparked excitement across the gaming, film, and Indian entertainment communities, marking a major crossover for Indian talent in global pop culture.
The news was confirmed late Monday by Legendary Entertainment and Capcom USA, who are jointly producing the film under the banner of their newly rebooted Street Fighter cinematic universe. This high-budget reimagining will be helmed by Danny and Michael Philippou, the breakout directors of the horror-thriller Talk to Me, and will see Vidyut take on a role that has been a fan favorite for decades.
Jammwal, known for his gravity-defying stunts, military-grade martial arts training, and roles in action-packed films like Commando, Junglee, and Khuda Haafiz, will bring to life Dhalsim, the yoga-practicing, fire-breathing warrior from India’s fictional temple towns. The character, known for his long limbs, spiritual wisdom, and iconic battle cry “Yoga Flame!”, first appeared in Street Fighter II in 1991 and has since become one of the franchise’s most distinctive fighters.
Speaking about the casting, Legendary’s executive producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura said, “We were looking for someone who could embody Dhalsim’s physical fluidity, calm intensity, and spiritual depth. Vidyut Jammwal was our top choice. His real-life mastery of Kalaripayattu and his global fan base make him a perfect fit for this role.”
Sources reveal that Jammwal has already begun intensive training to refine the distinct physicality of Dhalsim, incorporating yogic flexibility, stylized fight choreography, and motion-capture work for the film’s VFX-heavy action sequences. While the filmmakers have promised to stay true to the game’s essence, the film will also reimagine Dhalsim with greater emotional depth — portraying his backstory as a healer who reluctantly enters the world of combat to protect his village and sacred traditions.
Jammwal, reacting to the announcement via social media, wrote:
“It’s an honor to play a character who has represented Indian philosophy and strength for over three decades. Dhalsim is not just a fighter — he’s a teacher, a protector, and a seeker. I can’t wait to bring him to life for the global audience. Yoga Flame incoming! 🔥🇮🇳🎮”
The Street Fighter live-action reboot is expected to begin production in fall 2025, with principal photography planned in multiple locations including Thailand, India, and Canada. The film will feature a diverse cast reprising the franchise’s signature characters, including Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Guile, Blanka, and M. Bison, with casting announcements for the remaining roles expected soon. Rumors suggest Hollywood heavyweights and international martial artists are in final talks for key roles.
The project aims for a 2026 summer release, aligning with the 35th anniversary of Street Fighter II. It also comes at a time when the Street Fighter franchise is witnessing a massive resurgence, with Street Fighter 6 breaking sales records and spawning new esports tournaments worldwide.
Industry analysts note that this casting move could open the doors for more Indian actors in big-budget Western video game adaptations, a genre that has traditionally lacked South Asian representation. Jammwal’s casting also reinforces the global relevance of traditional Indian martial arts and philosophies in mainstream storytelling.
Fans have already taken to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to cheer the news, with trending hashtags like #VidyutAsDhalsim, #StreetFighterLive, and #YogaFlame dominating timelines. While some gamers have expressed cautious optimism about the film doing justice to beloved characters, most agree that Jammwal’s casting brings credibility and authenticity to a role long misunderstood in Western portrayals.
This isn’t the first time Street Fighter has been adapted for the big screen. The 1994 film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and the 2009 reboot The Legend of Chun-Li failed to impress critics or fans. However, the current project is being touted as a modern, character-driven martial arts saga with franchise-building ambitions, on par with the Mortal Kombat and John Wick universes.
As the anticipation builds, Vidyut Jammwal is set to not only stretch his limbs but also boundaries — bringing Indian martial arts, values, and cinematic talent to one of gaming’s most revered stages.
